Best Places to Buy Moving Boxes & Supplies in Boston MA
One of the services moving companies offer is packing your belongings. However, if you choose to pack yourself, your packing must be finished the day before you move. You should only leave out items you’ll need for the night before, the day of the move, and when you arrive at your new home. Here’s what to know about packing properly.
The Number of Boxes
Determining the number of boxes that you will need to move your home’s contents can be daunting. To obtain a count of how many will be required, you have three choices: Hire a professional mover to provide an estimate, walk through your house room by room and make your calculations, or use an online moving calculator. You may also want to consider using a mobile app to help inventory your belongings to calculate the number of boxes you’ll need, in addition to helping you through the moving process.
According to this guide, when making your calculations, you will need to consider:
- Are you a packrat, a minimalist, or somewhere in between?
- How many rooms do you have (including basements, attics, etc.)?
- How many people live in your home?
- How many square feet are in each room?
- How much pre-move decluttering do you need?
- How much do the boxes hold?
Historically, statistics indicate it takes an average of 60 boxes for a home, or 15-20 boxes per room, in addition to some specialty boxes (wardrobe, mirror, art/paintings). However, most experts will also tell you that you’ll need more boxes than you think. Determining the square footage of each room will allow you to correlate the square footage. Using an online calculator can also be quite helpful. You may choose to rely solely on their recommendation or make it a starting point for your calculations.
Buy New Boxes
If you have items stored in an attic or basement and the boxes are ripped or can’t be adequately sealed, buy new moving boxes to replace them. Some movers will refuse to move cartons that aren’t appropriately packed and are susceptible to damage. You should use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, towels, or blankets to wrap fragile items. Instead of traditional cardboard boxes, you might want to consider purchasing more substantial plastic boxes you can repurpose for storage.
Carefully Wrap Breakables
Glassware, China, and other breakables should be wrapped in two or three layers of paper or bubble wrap. Place a layer of crinkled paper or packing peanuts in the bottom of each carton before packing. As you pack each carton, seal it securely and mark it with a black marker. It’s a good idea to have a pen and paper to make a list of what’s in each carton.
Label Your Boxes
When you’re labeling cartons, write down what the carton contains, the room it should go into, and make a notation on the box if the contents are fragile. Boxes should be numbered according to what you want to unpack first. Here are some of the best places to buy packing and moving supplies in Boston and what each of them offers.
A Plus Moving And Storage
A Plus Moving and Storage on Summer Street provides a wide selection of moving and packing supplies to make your move easier and less stressful. A Plus will deliver your moving and packing supplies if you live within 30 miles of Boston.
A Plus Moving And Storage
48 Summer Street
Boston, MA.
(857) 540-9531
Gentle Giant Moving Services
Gentle Giant Moving Services offers Top Box, a selection of supplies for packing and moving boxes for all your needs. Moving and packing products include:
- Moving boxes in different sizes
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper and tape
- Free delivery of boxes and supplies
- Free pickup of used supplies
- Full refund for boxes you don’t use
Gentle Giant Moving Services
29 Harding Street
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 661-3333
U-Haul
U-Haul carries a full line of moving supplies that make packing your belongings and loading them much easier. Supplies include:
- Moving boxes
- Bags and covers
- Tape
- Moving blankets
- Bubble wrap
U-Haul carries a selection of standard sized boxes for moving. They also feature specialty boxes that provide extra protection for an array of other objects including:
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Kitchen items
- Mirrors and pictures
U-Haul
985 Mass Ave
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 442-5600
Pony Express Moving Services
Pony Express Moving Services in Jamaica Plain offers moving and packing supplies including custom sized boxes, cushioning materials like packing blankets or bubble wrap, and packing tape. If you prefer, the professional packers can wrap and pack all fragile items for you.
Pony Express Moving Services
430 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-983-8700