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Sep 16

Why the Right Moving Boxes Matter

📦 Why the Right Moving Boxes Matter

When it comes to moving, the boxes you choose can make or break your experience (literally!). At LiteMovers, we know that the right boxes don’t just protect your belongings — they make the entire moving process faster, safer, and more cost-efficient.

don't use liquor boxes for moving

🚫 Why “Free” Boxes Can Cost You More

It’s tempting to grab free boxes from grocery stores or recycling bins, but those boxes weren’t designed for moving. Using them often leads to problems like:

  • Poor stacking → Wasted truck space and longer load times.

  • Weak walls → Boxes collapsing under pressure, crushing items inside.

  • Bugs → Boxes that have been sitting in the back of a store can be infested with bugs or their eggs.

  • Breakage → Thin cardboard offers little protection against bumps in transit.

👉 The hidden cost? Extra labor, potential damages, and slower moves. What looked like savings can end up costing more on move day.

🛡️ Insurance & Liability: What “PBO” Means

In the moving industry, we use the term PBO (Packed By Owner). Here’s what it means:

  • Movers cannot offer coverage for items that the customer packs themselves.

  • If you use weak or inappropriate boxes, you carry the full risk if items are damaged.

That’s why if you’re packing on your own, it’s even more important not to cut corners.

📦 Engineered Boxes & Their Purpose

Here’s a breakdown of the most common moving boxes, how they’re engineered, and what they’re best used for:

1. Small Boxes (Book Boxes – 1.5 cu ft)

  • Use: Books, tools, canned goods, small appliances.

  • Why: Compact size keeps weight under control (under ~50 lbs), preventing boxes from splitting.

2. Medium Boxes (3.0 cu ft)

  • Use: Kitchenware, small electronics, decor.

  • Why: The most versatile box — big enough for multiple items, small enough to stay manageable.

3. Large Boxes (4.5 – 6.0 cu ft)

  • Use: Bedding, pillows, lampshades, lightweight/bulky items.

  • Why: Engineered for volume, not weight — keeps fragile goods cushioned and prevents overpacking.

4. Dish Pack Boxes (Double-Walled)

  • Use: Fragile kitchen items like glassware, dishes, and stemware.

  • Why: Reinforced cardboard and optional dividers protect against cracks and chips.

  • Did you Know: Dishes should be stood up in the box when they are packed.

5. Wardrobe Boxes

  • Use: Clothes on hangers.

  • Why: Built-in bar allows you to transfer closets directly into the box, keeping clothes neat and wrinkle-free.

6. Mirror & Picture Boxes

  • Use: Mirrors, artwork, framed photos.

  • Why: Adjustable, reinforced panels protect glass and frames during transport.

  • Did you Know: Art over $3000 in value, Statues, Stone, and certain cuts of glass requiring crating for coverage.

7. TV Boxes

  • Use: Flat-screen TVs.

  • Why: Custom-fit design with foam inserts shields screens from shock and pressure.

8. File Boxes

  • Use: Documents, office supplies.

  • Why: Reinforced bottoms handle the weight of paper, with cut-out handles for easy lifting.

  • Did you Know: You should move important files on your own. We should not have deeds, birth certificates, titles, or medical records of necesity.

💡 The Efficiency Factor

Using the right boxes makes moving more efficient:

  • Saves labor time → Movers can stack and load faster.

  • Saves truck space → Properly sized boxes maximize every inch.

  • Saves stress → Reduces breakage, repacking, and chaos on move day.

📦 Choosing the Right Moving Boxes Saves You Time & Money

Not all boxes are created equal! At LiteMovers, we see the difference every day: the right boxes make moving faster, safer, and cheaper. Free boxes from the grocery store might seem smart, but they don’t stack well, collapse under pressure, and often lead to breakage. 🚫

👉 Even more important: in the moving industry, items Packed By Owner (PBO) aren’t covered by mover’s insurance. That means if you’re packing yourself, the right box is your best protection.

✅ Best Places to Get Boxes

🎥 Need help using them? Check out our How to Pack Video Guides for pro tips.

📲 Ready to plan a stress-free move? Get Your Estimate Today