10 Moving Boxes Every Moving or Pack-Out Crew Should Have

If you’re in the moving or restoration business, you already know this: Not all boxes are created equal. The type of box you use can make the difference between an efficient job and a long, chaotic one. Whether you’re relocating someone across the city, or packing up a flooded home, having the right boxes on hand saves your crew time, prevents damage, and makes you look more professional.

Here are the 10 essential moving boxes every moving or pack-out crew should have on hand, plus a few pro tips along the way.

1. Small Moving Boxes (1.5 cu ft)

Best for: Books, tools, canned goods, small heavy items

A 1.5 cu ft moving box is small but mighty. These are your go-to for anything dense or heavy. Books, hand tools, and pantry items should never go into large boxes (unless you want to hear complaints from your crew’s backs). Small boxes help avoid overpacking and reduce breakage.

Pro Tip: Keep plenty of these in stock. They’re often underestimated, but when packing a kitchen or home office, you’ll use more of them than you think.

2. Medium Moving Boxes (3.0 cu ft)

Best for: Clothing, kitchenware, toys, decor

The Swiss Army knife of boxes. Medium moving boxes strike a great balance: big enough for a solid load, but not so big that they get too heavy. You’ll use these for everything from folded clothes to miscellaneous household items.

Label each box by room and contents: It makes it easier for both movers and clients during unpacking.

3. Large Moving Boxes (4.5 cu ft and up)

Best for: Pillows, linens, plastic toys, lightweight bulk items

Need to pack a bedroom in a flash? Large moving boxes are great for bulkier, lightweight items. Just make sure you’re not stuffing them with other heavy items.

Caution: These boxes should never be used for heavy items. Overpacking = crushed boxes and broken belongings.

4. Dish Pack Boxes (Double-Walled)

Best for: Plates, glassware, kitchen breakables

Dish pack boxes and glass packs are specially designed to protect fragile kitchenware. With double walls and optional cell dividers, dish packs drastically reduce the risk of breakage.

For restoration companies: Use dish packs when salvaging kitchen contents after fire or water damage. The double wall adds extra protection when items are already compromised.

5. Wardrobe Boxes (With Hanging Bar)

Best for: Suits, dresses, coats, uniforms, costumes

Wardrobe boxes are a must-have for high-end or professional moves. No folding, no wrinkling, just hang and go. Ideal for moves involving business attire, costumes, or uniforms.

Moving a big closet? Wardrobe boxes help you move fast and impress.

6. Flat Wardrobe Boxes (Lay-Flat)

Best for: Folded clothing, boutique apparel, soft goods

Not every wardrobe needs to hang. Flat wardrobe boxes are ideal for laying down clothing flat, especially for restoration work where hangers aren’t always an option. They stack easily and keep garments wrinkle-free.

Combine with tissue or garment paper for higher-end packing jobs.

7. Picture and Mirror Boxes

Best for: Framed artwork, mirrors, glass decor

These adjustable-size boxes protect fragile framed items that don’t fit in standard boxes. Essential for preventing broken glass and insurance claims.

Restoration tip: Wrap pieces in foam corners and bubble wrap before boxing, especially if they’ve already been compromised by smoke or water.

8. TV Boxes (Adjustable Sizes)

Best for: Flat-screen TVs up to 85”

TVs are one of the most common (and expensive) breakage claims. TV boxes come with foam edge protectors and adjustable widths for a snug fit.

Be sure to label these boxes as fragile and load them vertically, not flat, in the truck.

9. File Storage Boxes

Best for: Business moves, home offices, legal documents

These banker-style boxes are lightweight, stackable, and come with lids and handles. They’re a game-changer for office moves and any job involving files or records.

Restoration crews: These are great for cataloging and storing documents affected by water or mold. Label everything clearly for insurance purposes.

10. XL Heavy-Duty Boxes / Crate-Style Boxes

Best for: Tools, garage gear, restoration equipment

When you’ve got bulky, awkward, or heavy items—think tools, shop vacs, or equipment parts—you need something that won’t collapse under pressure. These extra-large, heavy-duty boxes can take a beating and keep contents safe.

Look for boxes with reinforced bottoms and double- or triple-wall construction.

Labeling & Organizing Tips

Having the right boxes is only part of the puzzle. Efficient labeling and organization help your team move faster and more confidently.

Color-Coding

Use color-coded stickers or tape by room (e.g., red for kitchen, blue for bedroom). It speeds up unloading.

Clear Inventory Sheets

Especially for pack-out jobs, keep an inventory sheet or use QR-coded labels to track what’s packed and where it’s going.

Fragile & This Side Up

Never underestimate the importance of visual cues. Stickers like “FRAGILE”, “HANDLE WITH CARE”, and “THIS SIDE UP” go a long way in protecting items and preventing costly mistakes.

Why Having the Right Boxes Matters

When you’re on the job, every minute counts. The right boxes:

• Reduce packing and loading time
• Help avoid item damage and insurance claims
• Make your crew look more professional
• Improve the client experience and word-of-mouth
• Save your team’s energy and minimize injury risk

Moving Boxes for Your Moving Company or Pack-Out Crew

Whether you’re doing a cross-town move or a disaster recovery pack-out, being prepared with the right selection of boxes gives your crew a serious edge. Invest in quality, keep your inventory stocked, and watch your efficiency (and client reviews) go up.

Ready to restock your moving box arsenal? Get a wholesale box quote for moving professionals and restoration teams today.