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Moving might be exciting, but trying to find and organize moving boxes is most certainly not. Not only do you have to decide how many boxes you need, you also have to pay, assemble, and later on, dispose of your moving boxes.

But don't despair -- this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about moving boxes, to make your move easy and stress-free.

Moving Boxes

The corrugated boxes that are used for moving are not all made with the same quality and same materials, and they are not the common standard boxes that are found in many retail stores.

While it can be tempting to use the cheapest boxes and packing supplies available, the quality of boxes and supplies you use will most likely have a big impact on keeping your items safe and secure during the move, or in a storage facility. If possible, try to choose only boxes that are specifically designed to be used for moving.

What makes moving boxes different from other boxes is that they are designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a truck. Professional moving companies use standard sizes boxes to help them plan effective use of their truck space.

Their experience helps them determine both the quantity and quality of the boxes needed to complete your move. From this initial analysis, it becomes possible for moving companies to determine how best to pack these boxes horizontally and vertically onto their trucks. If you use non-standard box sizes, the moving company will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly, but these non-standard sizes create a much greater risk that there is dead weight on the truck and that the boxes shift during the trip.

Shopping for Boxes

Planning is the first and most important step. Complete an inventory of what you have to pack in order to get an idea of the type and quantity of items you need to move. You can purchase ready-made moving kits that provide the right quantity of boxes and moving supplies for your move.

When you are shopping for moving boxes, you will see them presented with their 3 inside dimensions in the following order: length, width, and then height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 12. These numbers indicate the boxes' length, width and height, if you are looking from the top down into the box.

NEXT: More Tips for a Well-Packed Box >>