Moving Box Sizes: A Guide on Maximizing Your Packing Potential

Every move varies, but the average person will need at least 15 moving boxes for each room they’re packing up. That might sound like a lot of boxes, but once you start clearing drawers, closets, and shelves, you’ll realize you have more stuff than you thought. 

While you can use the shipping boxes you already have, they’re not necessarily the right size for moving everything.

The truth is, the moving box sizes matter for both packing and stacking. If you pack heavy items in a big box, you won’t be able to lift it. If you fill a small box too full, the stuff inside could break. 

Luckily, you can make the most of any box size by packing the right items inside. Keep reading as we outline our moving box size guide below. 

Small Moving Boxes

The standard size for a small moving box is 12 x 12 x 16 inches, and they hold about 1.5 cubic feet.

They’re great for packing heavy, yet small items like books, CDs, and small electronics. You can also use them to store important paperwork, valuable jewelry, or knick-knacks. Just remember not to pack these boxes too full or something could get crushed or broken during the move. 

If you’re packing anything breakable, one of the best ways to protect it is to wrap it in packing paper. It keeps things from shifting in the box, plus, an unprinted paper is eco-friendly. 

Medium Moving Boxes

Medium boxes are typically 18 x 18 x 16 inches and have a 3 cubic feet capacity. It’s the most versatile moving box size, so you’ll want to have plenty of these on hand. 

They’re great for kitchenware like pots and pans, coffeemakers, slow cookers, and flatware. You can also use them to pack delicate lamps and lampshades, speakers, and kids’ toys. 

Large Moving Boxes

Large boxes are 18 x 18 x 24 and have a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet. They can’t hold as much weight as a small or medium box, so they’re great for lightweight, yet bulky items. 

Since they’re 24 inches tall, you can pack tall lamps, furniture pieces, or appliances inside. Since these boxes can store a lot, but can’t handle too much weight, you can fill the empty spaces with other things. Pack linens, stuffed animals, or blankets around heavier appliances to maximize the storage without making the box too heavy. 

Extra Large Moving Boxes

This is the largest for regular moving boxes at 24 x 18 x 24 inches and 6 cubic feet.  Remember that the bigger the box, the lighter the items inside need to be.  

This size is perfect for bulky comforters and bedding, pillows, large kids’ toys, and towels. You can also use this size box to store folded clothes like sweaters or hoodies.

Specialty Moving Boxes

To maximize your packing, you might also need some specialty boxes like a dish pack box, mirror cartons, or wardrobe boxes. 

Dish pack boxes are 18 x 18 x 28 inches, and they’re specially designed to carry kitchen plates, glasses, and stemware. Even if you’re just moving across town, make sure to use plenty of packing paper and put heavy pieces on the bottom. 

Mirror cartons come in a wide range of sizes, and they’ll protect artwork, mirrors, and picture frames during your move. Wardrobe boxes are for hanging clothes, so they’re usually 24 x 21 x 29 inches. You can fit up to 3 feet worth of closet space in one box. 

Choose the Right Moving Box Sizes for Your Move

Using the right moving box sizes will make things easier for your movers. Plus, when you use the right size boxes to pack, there’s a better chance that all your stuff will arrive in good shape. 

Brooks Transfer & Storage Company can help if you’re looking for a moving company or storage company. Contact us today to get a quote or learn more about our services. 

The Ultimate List of Expert Tips for Moving Across the Country

Moving from one home to the next can be a tedious process. Moving across the country can be even more challenging. Between the emotional ups and downs of making this significant life change to all the logistics involved, don’t be surprised if you experience a little anxiety. 

However, there are tips for moving across the country to streamline the process and reduce your stress. A hassle-free move can make dealing with the other aspects of a move much more bearable. Keep reading for our top cross country moving tips.

1. Start Packing Early

Don’t put off gathering boxes and packing your stuff until the last minute. It’s best to start the process early. We recommend boxing up non-essentials well in advance to lighten the workload as the date of your move gets closer.

This includes:

• Spare bedrooms
• Extra bathrooms
• Storage items
• Keepsake items
• Out-of-season clothing
• Sports equipment

The more you can get done ahead of schedule, the easier your move will be.

2. Plan Ahead

An essential tip for moving across the country is to schedule movers in advance. Waiting too long could result in difficulty finding available long-distance movers. 

Planning ahead will also help you make sure you cover all your bases. There are a lot of details to consider when making a big move. You need to research your future location and learn about commute times, school districts, and more.

3. Stay Organized

When moving across the country, it’s essential to keep your items organized. This will help your movers, both before and after they arrive. It will also help you get settled once you arrive at your new home.

Organize your boxes based on what rooms of the house they belong to. It’s also important to note which boxes contain fragile items. Finally, set aside a box of essentials or pack an overnight bag if you get delayed in transit.

4. Take Care of Utilities and Other Local Services

Cross country moving tips for a smooth transition should also include taking care of your old and new home’s utilities. Make sure you contact the utility companies to schedule a shut-off for your water, electricity, gas, and waste removal. You don’t want to be paying for those services after you leave. 

You also need to turn off the cable, internet, phone, and other services attached to your old address. Similarly, it would be ideal to schedule the activation of those services and utilities at your new address the day you arrive.

5. Change Your Mailing Address

Finally, make sure you notify the appropriate people, companies, and organizations of your new address. There’s a relatively simple process you can follow online through the postal service. However, you should also change your contact/billing information for essential companies like your bank, lenders, online shopping services, etc.

Want More Tips for Moving Across the Country?

If you and your family are preparing for a big move, we can help. Check out the rest of our articles to find more tips for moving across the country. We also offer long-distance moving services, including temporary storage.

Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

6 Crucial Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry

If you find yourself having to make a residential move in a hurry, it can make the entire process more stressful. 

These packing tips for making a move in a hurry will help you stay organized. They will make the process go smoother and reduce your stress levels. 

Try out these tips during your next move out in a hurry. 

1. Plan as Soon as Possible

You are short on time, but having a plan in hand when moving in a hurry is a must. When people feel rushed, they quickly become overwhelmed. The tendency is to jump right in and start performing tasks. 

This is a mistake because essential tasks and items can get forgotten in a rush. Having a plan will ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and you don’t unintentionally create more chaos. 

2. Use a Moving Packing List

Moving requires a lot of moving parts to fall into line. This becomes even more challenging when you need to reduce the timeline for a last-minute move. Checklists can help you stay on track. 

Having a checklist helps you stay organized and feel accomplished as you mark items off as completed. 

3. Seek Out Help 

While you could ask family and friends to help you pack and move, this isn’t always the best option. Hiring a professional residential moving company can help you move your items efficiently and safely. 

A professional moving company is familiar with the process and can do the work effectively. This will ensure they arrive at your new home in the condition in which they left your old home. 

4. Pack an Overnight Bag 

Before you focus on packing, create an overnight bag. Pack the essentials you will need right away in a suitcase or bag. That way, when you get to your new home, you have everything you need to settle in. 

• Change of clothes 
• Pajamas 
• Toiletries 
• Medications
• Bath towel 
• Shoes 
• Medications 
• Phone, tablet, laptop, and chargers 
• ID and wallet 
• Necessary documents for your new home 

5. Clear One Room at a Time

An essential piece of advice on how to move quickly is to work your way through one room at a time. Trying to pack your entire home at once will lead to clutter and confusion. 

Instead, start with the rooms you use the least. Work your way through, packing one room at a time from least to most used rooms. This means the kitchen should be one of the last rooms you pack. 

If you have multiple people helping you pack, then assign each person a room. This will be more efficient and prevent people from bumping into each other. 

6. Label Everything

Even though you are in a hurry, don’t skip the labeling step — it’s essential. It might take a few extra seconds per box, but it will be worth it later when your boxes arrive at your new home. On the label, include a description of the items and the room to which the box should go.

Try These Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry

Knowing how to pack to move when on a tight deadline will make the process less stressful. Try these packing tips for moving in a hurry. 

Remember, approach the move calmly and systematically. This will ensure you stay organized and address everything that needs to be done.

Request a free quote today and take the first step in planning your move. 

How to Safely Pack and Move Electronics

Moving is excited and yet stressful. The last thing you need is to reach your new address and discover that your expensive electronics were damaged in the process.

Like any valuable item, your entertainment equipment, computers, and other electronic devices must be appropriately packed to avoid shifting and broken parts.

Here’s what you need to know to pack and move electronics safely.

Prep Them Before You Pack

Before packing your electronic devices, you need to get them ready for transport.

This means removing anything that wasn’t inside of them when you first unpacked your electronic items, such as batteries and ink cartridges. This will prevent them from overheating or leaking inside the device.

Make sure all loose media, including CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, are ejected. Tape the driver doors shut.

Remove USB drives and any other plug-in accessories from computers. Also, back up your computer’s data and files just in case.

Pull Out and Label Cords

Leaving cords attached when packing an electronic device will make it tough to wrap insulation around the item and damage the cords themselves. Remove them, roll them up, place them inside a plastic bag, and include them in the same box as the device they came from.

To make set up easier after unpacking, color-coordinate a cord with the socket it belongs to by placing the same colored sticker on both. It helps to take photos of the cables and the electronic device before you begin unplugging them. Use the pictures as a reference to remember precisely where they go.

Be Generous With Padding

If you happened to save the original packaging the electronic item came in like the computer box, you’ll find it comes in handy now. It should include pre-shaped compartments for included accessories and cords.

If the original packaging isn’t available, use plenty of padding. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, crumpled newsprint, towels, packing paper, and blankets can help protect the electronic device. Tape paper over vents and fans to prevent dust particles from finding their way into the item.

You’ll want to make sure the item is suspended in packing material inside the moving box. All surface areas should be at least two inches away from the sides of the box to prevent damage.

There shouldn’t be any movement inside the box once the electronic device is adequately padded and packed. Packing electronics is a lot like packing glassware for moving.

Double Tape and Label

Double-tape the box’s opening and label the box with its contents (and the room it belongs to.) Be sure to indicate “FRAGILE” on all sides of the box.

Take Devices With You If Possible

If you’re driving to your new residence, consider transporting electronic devices in your vehicle. This will protect them from being dropped and damaged.

Be aware that heat, sun, and moisture exposure can damage electronics. If your journey is a long one, you may want to give your electronic possessions to the movers. They have expertise in moving electronics. If you plan on storing your electronics for a while in between homes, be sure you choose a climate-controlled storage unit.

Protect Your Expensive Electronics From Damage When Moving

Packaging your expensive electronics for a move requires extra diligence, but will save you the hassle and expense of having to buy a replacement.

If you’re looking for reliable household or office movers in the Virginia Beach area, contact us at Brooks Transfer and Storage for a free quote.

What to Pack in Your Essentials Kit When Moving

Moving is stressful and challenging. From decluttering the house before you sell to the packing and unpacking and all the work in between, there is a lot to accomplish.

It makes sense then to do things that will make your moving experience a little easier. Things like using efficient packing strategies and finding experienced moving professionals to help you move can all have a positive impact on your moving experience.

Packing an essentials kit for when you first arrive at your new home is one way to alleviate some of the moving stress. And, an excellent way to start you off at your new home right. 

What is an essentials kit, and how do you pack one? Learn more about this important moving tool below.

What’s an Essentials Kit?

Your essentials kit is the last box packed, and is the first one unloaded and opened at your new home. It contains the must-have items that you’ll need right away. Some families like to keep their essentials kit with them throughout the move in their own car.

It’s the primary box you want readily available to you since it contains your important stuff. It contains the items that you can’t pack days, let alone weeks ahead of your move.

Items for Your Essentials Kit

So what should go in your essentials kit? It should include current prescriptions, toiletries like toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels that will all be helpful the first night or two in your new place. Be sure to include snacks, drinks, a change of clothing, and electronics chargers. Each family’s kit will be unique to them.

If you have young children, make them their own essentials kit. Consider packing a small backpack for each child that includes a few favorite toys and books, and any items that might be comforting to them for their first night in their new home. You don’t want to have to dig through boxes on moving day in search of their favorite stuffed animal.

How to Pack Your Essentials Kit

When you begin the packing process, designate and label one box as your essentials box. As you continue packing, add items to the box as you go.

Make a list of the items to include in your essentials kit. Then check them off as you place them in the box.

If you find that you need something from it before you move, simply grab it. Just remember to replace it in the box when you are done.

To avoid your essentials box getting mixed with the other moving boxes, keep it separate from the other boxes and make sure it is labeled on all sides. Make sure your movers know that you intend to take that one with you so that they don’t load it up accidentally.

Keep Track of Your Essentials Kit

Reserve a special spot for this box in your car. Place a brightly colored strip of tape on the sides of the box so that it stands out from the rest. Make sure it’s labeled “essentials kit.”

Since the moving day is hectic, consider assigning a family member or friend to keep track of the box for you. No matter how prepared you are, it helps to have extra help on moving day.

Help With the Bigger Things

Moving is a big job, and the process is filled with neverending details. An essentials kit will help you stay organized and provide you with some reassurance that your most important items will be at your fingertips from the moment you step into your new home.

Need help with your relocation? Contact us today for a quote!

An Amazing Checklist for Moving Into a New House

Ready to move into your new home? This is an important time for you and your family, and rightfully you should be excited. However, the move can (and most likely is) very hectic for you. After all, moving from one place to another requires a lot of work.

More so, moving requires some serious attention to detail. Prepare for your new home ahead of time. Make a list of the things to take care of as soon as you move in.

You need a list for moving into a new house – and luckily for you, this article has the list that you need. Find out what to do to make sure your move-in is a complete success!

Checklist for Moving Into a New House

Every good move starts with a good checklist, and this is just the one that you need. We’ll go over a few of the things that you need to do to make sure your move is flawless.

Get Your Appliances up and Running

One of the first things to do with your new home is to check out all of the appliances. You’ll be relying on your in-home technology like the refrigerator, oven, and heating unit quite a bit, so it’s definitely a smart move to make sure they’re working correctly.

If you’re bringing your own appliances, make sure you schedule an appointment ahead of time for a technician to prepare your appliances. The technician will disconnect and ready them for the move. You will also want another appliance technician to come to your new home to hook-up the appliances and make sure they are safe. Your moving company won’t provide this service but might be able to help you find technicians who do.

Get the Locks Changed

Your new home most likely had previous owners, and you never know how many sets of keys might still be out there that were never returned. Spare sets my be floating around with neighbors or the previous owners’ family. Change out your locks ASAP to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Remember to change the garage code too!

Complete Safety and Home Maintenance

Moving to a new house is a fresh start for you and your family. Get that same fresh start with your new home’s safety and maintenance features as well.

Check the batteries in all of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace them with fresh new ones. Replace carbon monoxide detectors that are over six years old and replace smoke detectors that are more than ten years old.

Replace the fire extinguishers with new ones. And locate your electrical panel as well as all emergency shut off valves.

Don’t forget to replace the air and furnace filters and rinse off the air conditioning unit with the hose.

Not only can leaks run up the water bill, but they can also cause rotting if left on their own. Worst yet, they can come from anywhere in the home. Take care of leaks as soon as you get the chance.

Equally as important is to test the sump pump as soon as you move in. You don’t want to be caught off guard with a flooded basement.

Let’s Get You Moving

Now that you have your checklist for moving into a new house, you can be confident your move will be flawless.

Ready to start your move? Call or send us a message to find out how we can help you. We look forward to making sure your move is a success!

Tips to Help Your Movers Before and After They Arrive

Moving is often described as traumatic and stressful, but it’s also an exciting chance for a positive fresh start in your new home.

If you want to focus on the positive and execute a masterful relocation, here’s how to make the experience easier for your movers, and ultimately yourself.

Take Care of Things in Advance

Book Your Mover

The first step to avoid a last-minute panic is choosing a reputable, experienced moving company to assist you on the big day. Booking well in advance is ideal if you want to get a date that’s most convenient for you.

Booking a full-service move takes a lot of the pressure off you, but even so, there are things you can do to ensure a smooth moving day for everyone involved.

Trim Down Your Belongings

Declutter and donate or recycle all the items you don’t need or want. There’s no point in packing things that you really aren’t going to use in your new home.

Once you’ve done that, you can arrange an onsite meeting with your moving professionals to discuss their responsibilities and get a quote for your move.

Move Some Items Yourself

There are certain items that moving companies can’t transport for you, such as plants and pets. There may also be things that you want to move personally, like fragile heirloom pieces. 

Make arrangements for these items well in advance. It’s best if you move them out of your house a day early to avoid confusion on moving day. 

Set Aside Things You Will Need

On moving day, there will be some items you will want immediate access to. Separate out these essential items before the movers arrive and place them in a box that is labeled as such. This box should travel with you to your new home. Include things like a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, electronics chargers, and laptops. This makes it clear to the movers so that they know what not to pack, and easy for you to find what you need.

Clean Up

When your movers arrive, it’s best if they can pack and go. Give away or throw away any perishable items in your fridge and defrost it beforehand.

Disconnect all your electronics and tape the relevant wires and connectors to each item. It’s the best way to ensure that important items don’t go astray during your move.

Drain fuel out of machinery like lawn mowers and snow blowers. 

Strip all your beds and pack linen separately. Likewise, wrap and pack small items such as ornaments yourself. It’s easy to do this well in advance, and you can save a lot of time on the day. 

How to Help Your Movers on Moving Day

The best thing you can do to ensure a stress-free moving day is to stay clear of all the action and let the professionals do what they do best.

Arrange for pets and small children to spend the day with friends or relatives.  

Be on hand to assist them with any questions they may have, but you can rest assured that they won’t need your assistance while packing and moving your belongings. 

Start Planning Your Move Today

Choosing the right movers to see you through the upheaval is the first step for a stress-free move. 

Keep reading our blog for more moving day tips, or get in touch to start planning an easy, incident-free move.