Choosing the wrong box sizes is one of the most common (and costly) moving mistakes. Too many large boxes and you'll be lugging back-breaking loads of books across the driveway; too few small ones and you'll run out halfway through the kitchen. Getting your box sizes right from the start saves you money, time, and a sore back on moving day.
Here's everything you need to know about picking the right moving boxes for every room in your home.
The Golden Rule of Box Sizing
Before we get into specifics, remember this one rule: heavy items go in small boxes, light items go in large boxes. A small box packed with books is manageable. A large box packed with books is a recipe for a split carton and a trip to the chiropractor.
Keep this in mind as you read through the sizes below, and you'll already be ahead of most people on moving day.
Small to Medium Boxes (50L) – Your Everyday Workhorse
This is the standard moving carton most people picture when they think "moving box," and it's the one you'll want the most of.
Best for: books, vinyl records, tools, tinned pantry goods, small kitchen appliances, files and folders
Because they're compact, these boxes keep heavy items at a manageable weight even when fully packed. They're also brilliant for filling awkward gaps in the moving van.
Have a look at our Cardboard Moving Boxes Medium 50L - prices start from just $6, so it's easy to stock up without blowing the budget.
Large Boxes (90L) – The All-Rounder
If small boxes are for heavy things, large boxes are for everything in between - not too heavy, not too light, but bulky enough that it'd take forever to pack in a small box.
Best for: pots and pans, small electronics, shoes, toys, bathroom items, decor
Take a look at our Moving Cardboard Packing Boxes 90 Litres (580 x 385 x 355mm), available in pack sizes from 5 right up to 50.
Tea Chest Boxes (100L) – The Classic All-Purpose Box
Taller and roomier than a standard carton, tea chest boxes are a moving day staple. If you're not sure what size to grab for general packing, this is usually it.
Best for: bedding, lampshades, lightweight kitchen items, kids' toys, general odds and ends
We stock a few different versions depending on what you need:
- 20 x 100L Tea Chest Cardboard Moving Packing Boxes - great everyday value
- 10 x Tea Chest Cardboard Boxes Double Ply (430 x 406 x 596mm) - extra strength for heavier loads
- 10 x Tea Chest Kraft Cardboard Boxes (440 x 380 x 650mm)
- 50 x Tea Chest Cardboard Moving Packing Storage Boxes + Packing Materials - a bulk option that comes with packing materials included
- 300 x 100L Tea Chest Cardboard Moving Packing Boxes - bulk pricing for big households or removalist businesses
Extra Large Boxes (150L) – For Light, Bulky Items Only
These boxes look tempting because of how much they hold, but use them for the wrong thing and you'll regret it. Save these strictly for items that are big but light.
Best for: pillows, cushions, soft toys, clothing, lampshades
Check out our 5 x Large Cardboard Packing Boxes 150 Litres (550 x 550 x 500mm).
Cube Boxes (Double Wall) – Extra Strength for Awkward Items
A square shape with double-wall construction means these boxes are sturdier than your average carton and stack beautifully - perfect for items that need a bit more protection.
Browse our 10 x Cube Cardboard Packing Boxes 400 x 400 x 400mm Double Wall.
Boxes With Handles – For Your "Often Used" Items
Anything you'll be carrying yourself, loading in and out of the car, or unpacking on day one deserves a box with built-in handles.
Best for: essentials boxes, kitchen items, anything you need quick access to
- Cardboard Boxes With Handles - 100% Recycled (10-50 Qty)
- 20 x Moving Cardboard Packing Boxes Double Ply With Handles
- Cardboard Boxes With Handles - 300-600 Pcs (Bulk/Melbourne Delivery)
Specialty Boxes for the Tricky Stuff
Not everything fits neatly into a square. For these items, a purpose-built box will save you a world of damage and frustration:
- Mirrors, framed art and TVs: 4 x Picture Frame Or Mirror Moving Box (1040 x 80 x 780mm)
- Bicycles: Bicycle Moving Box - 1030mm x 200mm, Heavy Duty
- Golf clubs and sports gear: GOLF Cardboard Carry Packing Boxes - Tall Boy
- Documents and paperwork: 10x Archive and Storage Boxes (390 x 306 x 260mm)
- Long, flat items like rugs or curtain rods: 5 x Long Shipping Cardboard Box Double Ply (1000 x 400 x 300mm)
How Many Boxes Do I Actually Need?
A handy rule of thumb based on home size:
- 1 bedroom apartment: 15-25 boxes
- 2 bedroom home: 30-45 boxes
- 3 bedroom home: 50-70 boxes
- 4+ bedroom home: 70-100+ boxes
If you'd rather not do the maths yourself, our Cardboard Moving Packing Boxes - 1 Bedroom to 4 Bedroom Packs take the guesswork out completely - pre-bundled with the right mix of sizes for your home, with same-day postage.
A Few Common Mistakes Worth Avoiding
- Overloading large boxes with heavy items - this is how boxes split open mid-carry
- Underestimating how many you need - always order 10-15% extra
- Mixing too many random sizes - consistent sizes make stacking and loading the truck much easier
- Forgetting the awkward stuff - mirrors, TVs, and bikes need their own boxes, not just bubble wrap
Ready to start packing? Browse our full range of Boxes - with prices from $6, free Australia-wide shipping on orders over $80, and our Best Price Guarantee, Snap Pack makes packing simple, affordable, and stress-free.