The History of Moving Boxes

The wrong box breaks. A large box packed with books collapses under its own weight. A dish packed flat in a clothing box cracks on the first bump. Packing services start with using the right box for each item type, and most of the damage in self-packed moves comes from mismatched containers. Safebound Moving & Storage (USDOT 2900155) has completed 35,000+ moves with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews, and the crew brings the correct box for every item in your home. Get a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Box Types and What Goes in Each

Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet). Books, canned goods, tools, and anything heavy. The small size prevents overloading. A full small box of books weighs 35 to 50 pounds, which is the upper limit of what a mover should carry repeatedly. Never put books in a large box.

Medium boxes (3 cubic feet). Kitchen appliances, pots and pans, toys, shoes, and general household items. The most commonly used box size. Fill any empty space with packing paper to prevent shifting.

Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet). Pillows, linens, lampshades, and bulky lightweight items. If the box feels heavy when you lift it, the contents are too dense for this size. Switch to medium or small.

Dish pack boxes (cell boxes). These have cardboard cell dividers inside that separate each dish, glass, or cup. Cell boxes are the single most effective way to prevent broken dishes. The dividers absorb impact and prevent item-to-item contact.

Wardrobe boxes. Tall boxes with a metal hanging bar. Transfer clothing directly from the closet rod to the box rod. No folding, no wrinkling, no removing hangers. One wardrobe box holds roughly 2 feet of closet bar space.

Custom crates. Wood frames built to the exact dimensions of the item for marble, glass, artwork, and electronics that no standard box can protect. Learn about Safebound's custom crating.

Packing Material Essentials

Packing paper. Unprinted newsprint for wrapping dishes, glasses, and fragile items. Newspaper ink transfers to dishes. Use blank packing paper instead.

Stretch film. Wraps around furniture and bundles loose items. Stretch film holds drawers closed, protects upholstery from dirt, and secures blanket wrapping in place. It's the most underused packing material in self-moves.

Moving blankets. Thick quilted pads for wrapping furniture. Safebound's crew wraps every piece of furniture in blankets before it touches the truck. Blankets prevent surface scratches, dents, and scuffs during transport.

Packing Rates and Services

When Safebound's crew handles the packing, all materials are included in the hourly rate: boxes, paper, tape, stretch film, and wardrobe boxes.

Every local job includes 3 hours of labor plus 1 travel hour. Full packing of a 3-bedroom home adds 3 to 5 hours. Partial packing (kitchen and fragile items) adds 1 to 3 hours. Long-distance moves are priced by shipment size and distance. Request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of box should I use for dishes?

Dish pack boxes (cell boxes) with cardboard dividers that separate each item. Wrap each dish individually in packing paper before placing it in the cell. Stand plates vertically, not flat, to distribute impact force across the edge instead of the face. Cell boxes are included in Safebound's full and partial packing services.

How much does professional packing cost?

Safebound charges $135 per hour for a 2-mover crew, $180 per hour for 3 movers, and $225 per hour for 4 movers. Full packing of a 3-bedroom home adds 3 to 5 hours of crew time. At $180 per hour, that's $540 to $900 in additional labor with all materials included. Call 561-510-7191 for a packing and moving quote.

Should I buy my own boxes or use the movers' boxes?

When Safebound handles the packing, all boxes and materials are included in the hourly rate. If you self-pack, purchase boxes from a moving supply store rather than using grocery store boxes, which are inconsistent sizes and may be contaminated or weakened. Uniform box sizes stack better on the truck and reduce shifting during transport.

How many boxes do I need for a 3-bedroom house?

A typical 3-bedroom home uses 40 to 60 boxes: 15 to 20 small, 15 to 20 medium, 5 to 10 large, 3 to 5 dish packs, and 3 to 5 wardrobe boxes. The actual count depends on how much you own and how full your closets and cabinets are. Safebound's coordinator estimates box count during the pre-move walkthrough.

What is a packing service?

A packing service means the moving crew packs your home using professional materials and techniques. Full packing covers every room. Partial packing covers selected rooms or fragile items. Safebound's crew labels each box by room and contents, packs dishes in cell boxes, wraps furniture in blankets, and custom-crates fragile items. All materials are included in the hourly rate.

Does Safebound carry insurance for packed items?

Safebound carries $750,000 in insurance coverage on every move, including items packed by the crew. Coverage depends on the valuation level selected: Released Value Protection at $0.60 per pound or Full Value Protection at replacement cost. Items packed by the crew are fully covered under the selected valuation. USDOT 2900155.

Licensed (USDOT 2900155 | MC MC00975408 | FL IM2839), insured ($750,000), and certified: BBB Accredited, ProMover Certified, AMSA Member, Forbes Featured. Safebound Moving & Storage, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, serves the continental United States. Verify credentials at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov