The key rule: heavy in small, light in large
Heavy things such as books go into small boxes, light and bulky things such as bedding into large ones. Mixing this up risks split boxes and sore backs. It is the most common packing mistake.
Box types at a glance
| Box type | Approx. size (cm) | Approx. capacity | Used for | Max. filled weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard box | 60 × 33 × 34 | about 65 L | Clothes, linen, toys, small appliances | about 20 kg |
| Book box | 40 × 30 × 30 | about 35 L | Books, files, tins, tools | about 20 kg |
| Wardrobe box | 50 × 50 × 110 | about 270 L | Hanging clothes on a rail | about 25 kg |
| Glass and crockery box | 45 × 35 × 35, with dividers | about 55 L | Glasses, plates, cups | about 12 kg |
| Picture and mirror box | adjustable, flat | – | Frames, mirrors, screens | per item |
Approximate planning values, not measurements. Your furniture and household can differ considerably. The sizes are common market sizes; suppliers differ by a few centimetres.
The packing list
Give each box a number and note:
- Destination room in the new home.
- Contents in a few words.
- Fragile: yes or no.
- Who packed it.
Label by destination room, not by old room. Then the helpers carry each box straight to the right place, and unloading is noticeably faster.
When to start
Usually start one to two weeks before the move. Rarely used rooms come first: cellar, guest room, books. Pack the kitchen last. The guide on moving volume shows roughly how many boxes you need.
In the moving planner you can add boxes as your own items with dimensions, for example "book box 40 × 30 × 30", or include them in a pasted list. That way they count towards the volume estimate.
Plan your move