How to Buy Enough Boxes for Your Move

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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It's easy to underestimate how many boxes you'll need to pack your household goods for a move. Here are some guidelines for getting it right.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Check with your moving company to find out whether items stored in dressers or desks should be removed and packed separately.
Step 2

Remember that movers suggest a maximum weight of 50 pounds per packed carton for easier handling.
Step 3

Check with your moving company and shipping outlets to find out prices, types and sizes of boxes for sale.
Step 4

Estimate the number of boxes you'll need based on the guidelines of 20 small, 20 medium and 5 large boxes for two to four rooms, plus dish packs (usually four or more) for kitchen items, mirror cartons for mirrors and large framed objects, and wardrobe cartons for clothes on hangers.
Step 5

Ask a moving company for additional guidelines on the types and number of boxes you will need based on the number of rooms to be moved.
Step 6

Purchase boxes from your moving company or a local mailing outlet based on your estimate.

Tips & Warnings

Check with a local liquor store about obtaining free liquor boxes with cardboard dividers for packing glassware.
Check with retail packaging outlets about return policies and refunds on unused boxes.
Packing outlets often let you return unused boxes, so it doesn't hurt to be liberal in your estimates of how many you'll need.
Damage can occur to dressers, desks and bureaus if heavy contents are not removed and packed separately during a move.