Whether you’re planning on moving your belongings to a new home or want to put some under-used items into a storage unit, it can be difficult to determine how many boxes and how much tape you’ll need. Having too little can leave you underprepared at a stressful time; however, you also don’t want to spend money on excess supplies. The guide below offers advice for choosing the right packing materials for your move.

Why You Need Different-Sized Boxes

Your belongings vary in size. To maximize space in your moving truck or storage unit, use the appropriate size box for the items you’ll store.

Small packing boxes measuring 16”x10”x10” are ideal for your smaller, heavier materials like cosmetics, paperback books, and cleaning materials. Meanwhile, medium-sized packing boxes, with dimensions of 18”x14”x12”, are perfect for your pantry items, such as canned goods. Just make sure you don't overload these to prevent them from collapsing during transport.

Put clothes and shoes in larger boxes. Light and irregularly shaped articles may not need a box and can be wrapped in plastic to prevent damage instead. You can also opt for cartons with extra cushioning or separators for delicate items like wine glasses and crockery.

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

Several factors contribute to how many boxes you need. However, a 2200 square foot home will likely require approximately 45 small and 45 medium boxes, 25 large boxes, and 15 extra-large boxes. If you have lived in your home for many years, increase these numbers.

It takes 72” of tape to secure a medium-sized moving box, which means a 110-yard roll of packing tape will seal about 55 of these boxes. Buy bubble wrap after determining your number of fragile items. Keep in mind that ones with smaller air pouches are good for preventing scratches, while larger pouches are better for cushioning impact.

To avoid overspending, consider getting your cardboard moving boxes second-hand. There are numerous retailers that sell used boxes in good condition. And many of them will buy the boxes back from you after you’ve used them, cutting down on environmental waste and saving you money. 

If you need a storage unit for items or vehicles you can't bring on your move, rely on East "O" Street Self Storage and Kiss Self Storage in Lincoln, NE. This storage facility has cutting-edge alarm systems, keeping your storage unit secure 24/7. They also have gas-heated units and spaces for trailers, RVs, and boats. Visit their website for more information on their self-storage solutions or call (402) 489-0134 to inquire about their prepaid discount.