Moving box sizes explained
Box names aren't standard. One shop's "large" can be another's "medium", so always check the measurements, not just the name. Here are the exact sizes of every box we sell, with roughly how much each one holds and what it's best for.
Moving box size chart
| Box | Size | Holds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| small oddments box | 23 x 23 x 25 cm 9 x 9 x 10 in | 13 litres | Ornaments, cables, toiletries, small bits |
| archive box with lid | 32 x 39 x 29 cm with lid | 37 litres | Files, paperwork, documents |
| medium removal box | 46 x 33 x 33 cm 18 x 13 x 13 in | 50 litres | Books, crockery, pans, tins, tools |
| long removal box | 91 x 46 x 25 cm 36 x 18 x 10 in | 105 litres | Pictures, mirrors, artwork |
| large removal box | 46 x 46 x 51 cm 18 x 18 x 20 in | 108 litres | Bedding, towels, cushions, toys |
| tall removal box | 46 x 46 x 76 cm 18 x 18 x 30 in | 161 litres | Lamps, rugs, curtain poles, golf clubs |
| wardrobe box with hanging rail | 46 x 51 x 102 cm 18 x 20 x 40 in | 239 litres | Shirts, suits and jackets on hangers |
| tall wardrobe box with hanging rail | 46 x 51 x 122 cm 18 x 20 x 48 in | 286 litres | Long coats and dresses on hangers |
"Holds about" is the inside space worked out from the measurements, so you can compare boxes from different sellers.
The two sizes most people need
For most moves, almost everything goes in medium and large boxes. The rule is simple: heavy things in medium boxes, light things in large ones. A large box full of books is too heavy to lift and can split. See medium or large box: what goes where for examples room by room.
Packing tip: Measure your largest pictures, mirrors and lamps before you order. If something is longer than 46 cm, a long or tall box keeps it safe and saves wrapping it loose.
Special boxes worth having
- Wardrobe boxes come with a hanging rail, so clothes go straight in on their hangers and come out without creases.
- Long boxes are flat, so framed pictures and mirrors stand upright and can't shift about. See how to pack pictures and mirrors.
- TV boxes adjust to fit flat screens up to 65 inches. See adjustable tv and picture box and how to pack a TV.
- Small boxes stop little things getting lost at the bottom of a big box.
Are your boxes strong enough?
Our medium, large, tall, long and wardrobe boxes are double wall: two layers of corrugated card, much stronger than a supermarket box or a single wall postal box. They stack without crushing and can be reused. The small oddments box is single wall, which is fine for the light things it's meant for.
How many of each?
About two medium boxes for every large one suits most homes. Our box calculator works out the numbers for your rooms, or a moving kit gives you the right mix in one order.
Questions
What size is a standard medium moving box?
There is no single standard. Our medium removal box is 46 x 33 x 33 cm (18 x 13 x 13 in), which holds about 50 litres.
What size is a large moving box?
Our large removal box is 46 x 46 x 51 cm (18 x 18 x 20 in), about 108 litres.
What size box do I need for pictures and mirrors?
A long, flat box. Ours is 91 x 46 x 25 cm (36 x 18 x 10 in), so most framed pictures and mirrors stand upright inside it.
How big is a wardrobe box?
Our standard wardrobe box is 46 x 51 x 102 cm (18 x 20 x 40 in). The tall version is 122 cm high for long coats and dresses. Both come with a hanging rail.
How much weight can a moving box hold?
Keep every box light enough for one person to lift comfortably. Our medium and large boxes are marked with a 20 kg maximum, but less is better for your back.