# Moving box sizes explained 1st Choice Packaging · Updated 5 November 2026 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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/small-moving-box/) | 23 x 23 x 25 cm9 x 9 x 10 in | 13 litres | Ornaments, cables, toiletries, small bits | | [archive box with lid](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/archive-box/) | 32 x 39 x 29 cmwith lid | 37 litres | Files, paperwork, documents | | [medium removal box](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/medium-removal-box/) | 46 x 33 x 33 cm18 x 13 x 13 in | 50 litres | Books, crockery, pans, tins, tools | | [long removal box](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/long-removal-box/) | 91 x 46 x 25 cm36 x 18 x 10 in | 105 litres | Pictures, mirrors, artwork | | [large removal box](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/large-removal-box/) | 46 x 46 x 51 cm18 x 18 x 20 in | 108 litres | Bedding, towels, cushions, toys | | [tall removal box](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/tall-removal-box/) | 46 x 46 x 76 cm18 x 18 x 30 in | 161 litres | Lamps, rugs, curtain poles, golf clubs | | [wardrobe box with hanging rail](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/wardrobe-box/) | 46 x 51 x 102 cm18 x 20 x 40 in | 239 litres | Shirts, suits and jackets on hangers | | [tall wardrobe box with hanging rail](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/tall-wardrobe-box/) | 46 x 51 x 122 cm18 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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/medium-or-large-moving-box/) 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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-pictures-and-mirrors/). - **TV boxes** adjust to fit flat screens up to 65 inches. See [adjustable tv and picture box](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/tv-moving-box/) and [how to pack a TV](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-a-tv-for-moving/). - **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](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/box-calculator/) works out the numbers for your rooms, or a [moving kit](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/moving-kits/) 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. ## Shop for this [Medium removal box £2.75](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/medium-removal-box/) [Large removal box £3.75](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/large-removal-box/) [Long removal box £4.95](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/long-removal-box/) [Tall removal box £4.95](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/tall-removal-box/) [Wardrobe box with hanging rail £13.95](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/wardrobe-box/) [Work out how many boxes](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/box-calculator/) ## More moving guides Guide ### [How to pack clothes for moving](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-clothes-for-moving/) Hanging clothes, folded clothes and shoes: how to pack each so they arrive ready to wear. Guide ### [How to pack a kitchen for moving](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-a-kitchen/) The order to pack a kitchen in, how many boxes it takes and how to pack each kind of thing. Guide ### [How to pack books for moving](https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/how-to-pack-books-for-moving/) Which box to use, how to stack books so spines and covers survive, and how many boxes a bookshelf takes. --- Source: https://1stchoicepackaging.co.uk/guides/moving-box-sizes/ · 1st Choice Packaging, 75 Tollerford Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9BW · hello@1stchoicepackaging.co.uk