Does Everything Have to Be in Boxes for Movers?

While most household items can fit neatly into boxes, packing certain large and odd-shaped objects this way can be challenging. This might leave you wondering if your movers would be willing to move these items without a box.

In most cases, professional movers don’t require all items to be packed in a box, but it’s highly recommended across the industry as the safest and most efficient way to move. The general principle for moving is that if it fits in a box, put it in one.

Stack Moves offers sturdy, reusable plastic bins for rent that can safely store most all of your items! With over 20 service locations across the nation, renting our bins makes moving simpler and stress-free. Contact us today!

In this blog, we’ll clarify what needs to be boxed for a move and explore alternative packing solutions for items that don’t fit neatly into standard boxes.

Why Moving Boxes Make the Move Easier

Packing with a moving box is considered the easiest and most reliable way to pack for many reasons, starting with how well they protect your items. Sturdy moving boxes act as a protective barrier for your items, keeping them safe from shocks and impacts that could potentially damage them.

Many moving boxes come with lids or can be sealed, which protects your property from dust, dirt, and moisture. Using a moving box also makes it possible to stop your items from shifting around while on the road. This is because moving boxes can be filled with packing paper, packing peanuts, and other cushioning items needed to protect delicate and fragile items.

They also keep you organized since boxes can be labeled and categorized. By properly labeling each box with its content, you can ensure that everything is placed in the correct location during unloading, thus saving time when unpacking. You can learn more about how labeling can streamline your move with online resources like our ultimate guide to labeling boxes.

Another reason to use moving boxes is that they help you maximize space. Thanks to their uniform size, moving boxes can easily be stacked on top of each other. When you stack boxes, you save space by forming a tight load in the moving truck, which stops items from moving or falling over during a move.

Does Everything Have to Be in Boxes for Movers?

No, not everything has to be in a box for movers. However, using a moving box provides extra protection, organization, and space efficiency. And as a result, you’d enjoy a much smoother move. That said, it’s also important to go through your moving company’s policy ahead of time. Many moving companies have detailed guidelines about what must be boxed up to ensure everything is handled safely.

Items That Should Always Be Packed in Moving Boxes

While it isn’t mandatory to use a packing box for every item, this isn’t applicable to things like glassware and electronics. Properly boxing these objects will help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Common items that should be boxed include:

Valuable and Fragile Items

Jewelry, fine china, and antiques are examples of items that fit in this group. Because of their delicate nature and high value, it is not advisable to move them without protecting them properly. Failure to do this could result in scratches, breakage, and even loss. The best containers for moving these items are small, padded boxes.

When dealing with delicate and fragile items, the general rule is to use a sturdy box with plenty of padding. Your goal is to ensure there is no empty space in the box, to prevent the item from moving around. Also clearly label the box as fragile so that anyone handling the box knows to do so with care.

Dishware and Glassware

The next class of items that should never be packed without a box are your dishware and glassware. With speciality boxes like dishpack boxes, you can safely transport your breakable items without fear of damaging them. Be sure to use bubble wrap or packing paper to provide extra padding needed to keep these objects safe from chips and cracks.

Electronics

Another set of objects that should always be packed in a box are electronics. Laptops, TVs, and other electronics are much safer in boxes because of their delicate surfaces and internal components. Packing them securely helps to avoid cracks, scratches or internal damage to wires and circuits that could negatively impact their functionality.

Books and Hand Tools

Finally, books and heavy objects like hand tools should never be packed loosely. This is because these items are dense and, if left loose, they can damage other items in the moving truck. Small boxes are ideal for packing these items since they don’t give room for overloading, keeping these boxes easy to carry.

What Doesn’t Need to Be Packed in Boxes?

Some items can be safely moved without boxes because it would be easier to use alternative methods to pack them instead. Such items include:

Large Furniture

Large furniture items like sofas, tables, and bed frames. Instead of trying to box them up, you should cover them with furniture pads or moving blankets to avoid getting any scratches on them. It is also important to disassemble large furniture when possible. This will make moving them a lot more convenient. Small parts like bolts, screws, and nuts should be placed in a ziplock bag and clearly labeled. You can also tape these bags to the corresponding furniture pieces to make reassembly quicker and hassle-free.

Home Appliances

Home appliances like your refrigerator, washers, and dryers are another group of items that don’t require boxes. Before moving such appliances, empty and clean them out first. Then, make sure it is disconnected to avoid any electrical accidents. Use protective wrapping to avoid scratches, and use a dolly/trolley to reduce physical strain. If you’re going to lift them manually, learn proper lifting techniques like using your legs and not your back to avoid hurting yourself.

For smaller appliances like toasters, blenders, and microwaves, after cleaning them, use a piece of tape or twist ties to secure the cord. Then, disassemble any removable parts, such as the microwave tray. Find a box that is closest to the size of your appliance. If you still have its original packaging, use that instead. Before placing them in a box, line the box with packing paper for some extra cushioning. You can use a small towel if you don’t have any packing paper. Lastly, seal and label the box after placing your appliance inside. Remember that labeled boxes make your unpacking more efficient by telling you what’s inside each box and where it should go.

Clothing

You can also pack clothing without a box. While wardrobe boxes are the recommended way to pack hanging clothes and prevent them from wrinkling, you can also use garbage bags or trash bags as an alternative. Other clothes, like T-shirts, can be packed in suitcases and duffel bags instead of traditional moving boxes.

Artwork and Mirrors

Artwork and mirrors shouldn’t be packed in standard moving boxes. Instead, they require added protection from specialty boxes. Some effective methods for packing these items include using cardboard corner protectors and moving blankets. Always pack these items vertically to distribute their weight evenly and reduce the risk of damage. Alternatively, if you own an especially valuable piece of artwork, you can consider having it crated by your movers for added protection. However, be aware that this process can get a bit costly.

How to Pack With Moving Boxes?

Without a doubt, moving boxes are an essential part of any move. However, if you don’t know how to use them effectively, then having them might not make much of a difference. For instance, cardboard moving boxes are best for non-fragile items, whereas plastic moving bins are ideal when you need more protection for valuable belongings. Mixing this up could potentially lead to broken items or inefficient use of space.

Another thing to consider is how many moving boxes you should get for your move. With the right number of boxes, you don’t have to worry about not having enough space or spending too much on boxes that you don’t need. Our moving box calculator can help you estimate the ideal quantity based on the size of your home and the items you need to pack.

Here are a few more ways to optimize your move when using moving boxes:

• Gather the Right Supplies: An organized move begins with having the right supplies on hand. Start by gathering moving boxes in various sizes. When choosing the best size boxes for moving, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all, and it’s best to have different sizes for your different items. Also, stock up on packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, labels, markers, and packing tape. This will help you stay organized when packing and unpacking.
• Start with Heavier Items: When packing, place heavier items like books and tools at the bottom of your moving box to create a stable base. Fill in the gaps using packing paper, small towels, and socks to keep your items from shifting.
• Pack Fragile Items Carefully: Fragile items like glass require more attention, so instead of just dropping them in a box filled with bubble wrap, go the extra mile to wrap up each item individually. Then, add extra padding inside the box as well to cushion your delicate belongings and protect them from damage.
• Avoid Making Boxes Too Heavy: Try not to make your boxes too heavy beacuse this could hinder your moving process. Heavy boxes are difficult to move, plus your chances of dropping them and damaging something is higher. Additionally, overloading your boxes could result in physical injuries like strains and sprains if you’re not familair with proper lifting techniques.
• Seal and Label Boxes: To keep your cardboard boxes secured throughout the move, tape the top and bottom of the box. Label each box with its content, its destination, and any labeling instructions to make the offloading and unpacking process easier. For better visibility, place the labels on at least two sides of the box so that the movers know what’s inside them, no matter which direction the boxes are facing.

How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?

Depending on the type and size of box you’re looking for, you should budget around $1 to $8 or more per box. Small boxes are the cheapest, going for $1-$3 per box, while large and extra-large boxes are the most expensive, averaging around $8+ per box.

While the traditional approach to acquiring packing boxes is to buy them, you could benefit more from renting them. By renting boxes, you save money on packing materials and skip the hassle of finding a place to store them after your move. Plus, rental companies often provide sturdy and reliable containers designed to transport your items safely, eliminating the worry of whether your boxes are sturdy enough.

It is also cheaper to rent boxes rather than outright purchase them, especially because many people forget that there are additional costs associated with moving that go beyond storage containers alone.

In the end, renting provides a more economical solution to your packing needs, helping you to focus on other aspects of your move without breaking the bank.

What Movers Will Not Move?

When planning for a move, it’s extremely important for you to get in touch with your moving company to learn their policy on items they will not move. Many moving companies have restrictions in place to ensure safety and compliance with local and federal regulations. Here’s a list of common restricted items that movers won’t take:

• Perishable food: Movers typically prefer not to deal with fresh food items that could go bad during the trip, such as meat, fruits, and vegetables.
• Hazardous materials: Items like gasoline, paint, and other chemicals that are flammable, toxic, or pose a safety risk are generally not accepted.
• Plants: Many movers will not move plants due to restrictions on soil and possible infestations. Plus, plants are very sensitive to temperature and weather changes, so they may not survive the journey.
• Live Animals: It’s best to make separate arrangements for your pets or other live animals, as most moving companies may not agree to transport them.
• Weapons and Ammunition: Due to legal restrictions, it would be difficult to convince a moving company to convey firearms, explosives, and other items in this group.

Moving companies provide a variety of services to help you during your move, but do moving companies pack for you? Yes, moving companies pack for you, depending on the type of moving company you hire and the scope of their service. Full-service moving companies offer packing services and are the go-to solution for people who want to completely outsource their packing. On the other hand, self-service companies only provide transportation for your belongings.

Deciding which of the two to use depends on factors like your budget, time constraints, and your personal preference. If you’re short on time and don’t have much experience when it comes to packing, you might benefit from hiring a full-service moving company. However, if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind doing the packing yourself, a self-service mover could be the way to go.

Need Plastic Bins for Rent?

You don’t have to box up everything for your move; but, knowing what to pack and how to pack can make a huge difference. Using the right packing materials, such as sturdy bins for fragile items, will help your belongings remain safe during transit. Remember to check in with your moving company to clarify what they can and can’t move to avoid any unwanted surprises on moving day.

If you’re ready to simplify your packing process, consider renting plastic bins from Stack Moves. To learn more about our rental options, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Movers Move Things Not in Boxes?

It depends on the moving company. Most professional moving companies prefer to work with items packed securely in boxes because it guarantees their safety. Loose items are a lot harder to load, plus there’s a good chance they won’t be covered by insurance if something happens to them. Because of this, some movers may refuse to transport unpacked items, especially for long-distance moves.

Will Movers Move Plastic Bins?

Yes they will. Plastic bins can be more durable than cardboard boxes and so they are often accepted by many movers. Just make sure your bins are well secured and properly labeled the same way you would pack regular cardboard boxes.

What Is the Best Way to Pack for Moving?

The best way to pack all your belongings is in a box. While cardboard boxes are common, we recommend using plastic boxes where possible. They’re more durable, weather-resistant, and they can stack perfectly to create a secure, tight load.

Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes?

Full-service movers usually offer packing supplies, including boxes. They could come at an additional fee or as part of a moving package. If you’re considering a DIY move, be sure to get enough boxes ahead of time so everything can be packed securely.

Should I Hire Movers to Pack for Me?

If you’re working with a tight deadline or just want to make sure your things are carefully packed, it makes sense to hire professional packers. With professional movers there’s an assurance that industry-grade protective materials are being used to pack your items, which significantly reduces the chances of anything breaking. This is especially helpful for long-distance or high-value moves.

Can I Use Bins and Bags Instead of Boxes?

Plenty of moving companies have no problem moving a few non-boxed items if they’re packed in a suitcase or a sealed plastic bin. But a majority of your belongings should be packed in a standard moving box because doing so makes moving a straightforward process. Avoid using open bags and loosely packed containers for a move.