Boxes

All loose belongings need to be boxed. You can do this yourself, pay the mover to do it all for you you, or have the mover do partial packing (for example, pack only fragile items). Remember, in terms of insurance coverage, the mover is only responsible for damage to items inside boxes he packed, unless there is exterior damage to the boxes as a result of the move.

Recycled boxes are available free from local stores, but they should all be clean, strong and able to close. (During your move, the boxes will be stacked on top of each other.) You can purchase new boxes from Transamerica Moving. Some available are double-corrugated for extra strength and come in special sizes to make it easier to pack.

It is important to know how many boxes your move will require, both in terms of obtaining them and budgeting your time. Use the chart below to help you get an idea. (Keep in mind, however, that the longer you've lived in your home, the more stuff you will have accumulated.)

Estimating How Many Boxes You Need

Most people don't realize how much they have accumulated over the years until the truck is loaded.

Type of Dwelling	No. of Boxes
Studio	10 - 20
1 Bedroom Apartment	20 - 35
2 Bedroom Apartment	25 - 40
2 Bedroom House	25 - 45
3 Bedroom House	30 - 55
4 Bedroom House	40 - 65
Larger	70 +

Note: The amount/size of your unique belongings will determine the final number of boxes you'll require.

 

BOX TYPES

 

	SMALL MOVING BOXES Size range: 15x12x9 or Similar
	These small boxes should be used to pack heavier items to make them easier to carry; some examples are: books, music CD’s, tools, DVD collections, and various other small objects.
	MEDIUM MOVING BOXES Size range: 18x15x12 or Similar
	These medium sized boxes work well for moving and storing purposes. The following are some examples of the types of items that pack well in to the medium sized boxes: dishes, glasses, fine china, kitchenware, photo albums, paperwork/files, collectibles, and larger sized books.
	LARGE MOVING BOXES Size range: 16x16x24 or Similar
	Our large sized boxes work well for moving and storing purposes. The following are some examples of the types of items that pack well in our large sized boxes: stereo equipment, computer & monitor, big appliances, large novelty items, plants, pillows, larger dishes & kitchenware pieces, tall lamps, stuffed animals.
	EXTRA LARGE MOVING BOXES Size range: 23x23x16 or Similar
	Our extra-large sized boxes work well for moving and storing purposes. The following are some examples of the types of items that pack well in our extra-large sized boxes: pillows, blankets, comforters, clothing, towels, sheets, and linen. Remember - the larger the box, it gets heavier faster, so you are better off packing larger, lighter items.
	WARDROBE BOX Size range: 24x24x40 or Similar
	Our wardrobe boxes stand 40 inches tall and 24x24 in length and width, (24x24x40). These portable closets are larger than the standard and have withstood our 350lb test as a portable closet. They also work well for moving and storing purposes, such as, storing seasonal clothing. Each wardrobe box includes a sturdy metal hanger bar which makes transporting your wardrobe a breeze!
	FRAME BOXES Size range: 41x6.5x34
	You can use this box for packing such things as framed pictures, diplomas, paintings, mirrors, posters and other slim items.
	FILE BOXES Size range: 16x12.5x10
	For fast and easy packing of your office or home, place your important files and papers in these sturdy professional file boxes. Our file boxes will hold letter and legal size files. Great for protecting important office paperwork such as, documents, receipts, manuals and small office accessories. File boxes easily fold and lock in place using tabs and an attached lid, no tape required.
Other Packing Materials
	TAPE
	Every box needs to be taped, top and bottom, with 2 - 2 1/2 inch gummed or masking tape to give it additional strength and prevent opening. You will need approximately one roll of tape for every 15 to 20 boxes. You can buy the tape from the hardware store or from Transamerica Moving.
	TAPE DISPENSER
	The perfect combination to seal your boxes with our adhesive packing tape. This sturdy tape dispenser will hold a standard 3” core of adhesive tape and comes fully assembled. It is lightweight , made of steel and high-impact plastic, and will last you for years to come. Makes a great addition to your tool box at the end of your move!
	WRAPPING PAPER
	Ordinary newspaper will do fine for this purpose, but be careful because the print will run. For items you want to keep clean, you can buy un printed white packing paper from Transamerica Moving. It's great for protecting fragile items and filling in empty space when your packing.
	PACKING BLANKETS
	Furniture should be wrapped in blankets for its protection. Leave this job to the movers. They will provide the use of blankets free of charge.
	BUBBLE WRAP
	Protect your belongings with our large bundles of bubble wrap. It's 12" wide x 100 Feet and perforated for easy separation with medium-sized bubble's that won't pop. Ideal for moving and protecting glass and other fragile items.
	SHRINK WRAP
	Wrap it up! Protect everything and anything with this big 5"x1000 foot roll. Protects against dust, dirt, scratches and your sweat and tears from moving. Great for sofas, tables, dressers, TV’s, refrigerators, washer & dryers, and anything else you can think up.
ORIGINAL PACKING
Whenever it's available, use the original packing material for your electronic items (stereo, computer, etc.)
If you have any questions on how to pack, please feel free to call us at (800) 517-6517. We're here to help.