May is National Moving Month, and it’s one of the busiest times of year for home buyers and renters. If you’re planning a move, you’re likely shopping for supplies, creating checklists, and trying to stay organized. One of the most common items people stock up on is extra large moving boxes. At first, they seem like a great way to pack quickly and reduce the number of trips back and forth. But are they always the smartest choice?
As home inspectors, we’ve seen what happens when people rely too heavily on oversized boxes. From damaged floors to broken valuables, the wrong packing decisions can make moving day much harder. Let’s talk about what you need to know before loading up on extra large moving boxes.
What Are Extra Large Moving Boxes?
Extra large moving boxes are typically 22 to 24 inches wide and 21 to 24 inches tall. They’re designed to carry bulky but lightweight items. You’ll usually see them used for:
- Comforters, pillows, and bedding that take up lots of space but weigh very little. These soft goods fill the box quickly without adding too much weight, which makes them ideal candidates for oversized boxes.
- Large stuffed animals or children’s plush toys that are awkward to pack in smaller boxes. Since these toys are soft and not breakable, they won’t cause structural strain or risk damage if the box shifts during the move.
- Winter coats and bulky outerwear that need extra space but don’t weigh much individually. This is especially helpful for seasonal clothing that can be packed away until next winter.
- Oversized kitchen appliances like popcorn makers, slow cookers, or waffle irons that are too big for regular boxes. While these items are lightweight, they need a box with ample space to accommodate their size without crowding.
You can find these boxes online, at home improvement stores, or through local moving companies.
Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better
It’s easy to think bigger is better when packing. However, extra large moving boxes can become more of a burden than a benefit when used incorrectly.
- Overpacking happens fast and adds strain. With all that extra space, it’s tempting to fill the box to the brim. Before you know it, the box weighs far more than expected and becomes difficult to lift safely, increasing the risk of injury or accidents.
- They strain the structure of the box when overloaded. Once a box passes its weight capacity, the bottom can give out mid-carry. That leads to spilled belongings, broken items, and potentially dropped boxes on feet or stairs.
- They can damage your home as you carry them through tight spaces. Navigating doorways or stairwells with large, heavy boxes often results in scraped walls, chipped baseboards, or scuffed floors—damage that can be costly to repair.
- They are harder to fit in moving trucks and storage units. When packed full, extra large boxes are less flexible in tight spaces. They don’t stack as securely, and may cause instability or crush smaller, more delicate boxes.
An Inspector’s Perspective on Moving Damage
As home inspectors, we often see damage that could have been avoided with better packing strategies. One of the biggest problems? Heavy or awkward extra large moving boxes being dragged or dropped inside the home. These are common issues we come across:
- Scratched hardwood flooring caused by sliding heavy boxes rather than lifting them. Even if the bottom seems clean, any rough surface or sharp edge can leave visible marks that are difficult to buff out.
- Dented drywall from trying to squeeze oversized boxes through doorways or around corners. This typically happens when movers misjudge the size or don’t have a clear path.
- Torn carpet from snagged tape or corners of bulky boxes scraping across fibers. This often occurs during fast-moving unpacking sessions when people are trying to get boxes out of the way quickly.
- Bent stair railings or chipped woodwork caused by brushing against trim or stair parts. These types of damages may seem minor at first but can reduce the home’s value or lead to safety issues.
What to Pack in Extra Large Moving Boxes
If you decide to use extra large moving boxes, that’s okay. Just be smart about what you pack in them. Stick to lightweight, non-breakable items like:
- Blankets and linens that can fill up the space without adding significant weight. These items mold easily to the shape of the box and won’t break or shift dramatically in transit.
- Towels and bath mats that are soft and compress well inside large boxes. Packing these together allows you to keep like-items together while avoiding any extra strain.
- Couch cushions or throw pillows that are bulky but low-risk. They take up space quickly and can act as padding for other soft goods when packed together.
- Stuffed toys and soft children’s items that are unlikely to break or damage the box. These make great fillers that can absorb shock and prevent shifting during transport.
- Large bags of off-season clothing that can be tucked away for months. Since you won’t need immediate access, it’s okay if these go toward the bottom of a moving pile.
Avoid putting in things like dishes, books, tools, or small electronics. These items are better suited for small or medium boxes that keep the weight manageable.
Packing Tips for a Safer Move
The key to a safe, damage-free move isn’t just having the right supplies. It’s using them properly. These tips can help reduce the risk of damage and make moving easier:
- Reinforce every box with strong packing tape, especially along the bottom seams. This will prevent boxes from tearing open when being lifted or moved.
- Label all extra large moving boxes clearly with “LIGHT ITEMS ONLY” or “DO NOT STACK HEAVY”. This keeps movers from accidentally packing them in a way that leads to breakage or collapse.
- Keep box weight under 50 pounds to protect your back and reduce the risk of box failure. Even if you’re using professional movers, heavy boxes can lead to accidents or delays.
- Use furniture sliders or dollies to move heavier boxes instead of dragging them across floors. This helps prevent damage to flooring and also makes lifting easier on your body.
- Place a pathway of cardboard or drop cloths in high-traffic areas of your home. This protects surfaces and gives movers clear routes to reduce damage and confusion.
Even if a box feels light, it can still cause problems if it blocks your vision or throws off your balance on stairs.
Think Beyond the Box
Protecting your new or old home isn’t just about what’s inside the box. It’s about your entire moving process. Before the move, take time to prepare your spaces.
- Measure your doorways, staircases, and tight corners before packing large boxes. Knowing your space limits helps you plan better and avoid on-the-spot problems.
- Clear any clutter or small furniture out of main walkways to prevent tripping or bumping accidents. This is especially important when moving bulky items like dressers or those extra large moving boxes.
- Lay mats at entrances and cover floors with runners to reduce dirt and scratching. Even a thin layer of cardboard can make a big difference in protecting your floors.
- Pad corners of furniture and sharp edges with bubble wrap or foam protectors. Doing this protects your walls and trim from accidental bumps as you carry boxes in and out.
If you’re not sure how much your home can handle during a move, a pre-move home inspection might be a smart idea. It can catch weak railings, soft flooring, or other hazards that could get worse during a move.
Final Thoughts
Extra large moving boxes definitely have their place, but they shouldn’t be your main packing tool. Use them wisely. Pack lightweight items. Keep boxes under control. Most importantly, don’t let convenience create more work down the line.
National Moving Month is the perfect time to plan your move the right way. If you’re buying or selling a home, or just want to make sure your new space is safe, a home inspection is a great next step. Our team offers detailed, easy-to-understand reports and helpful recommendations for every stage of your move.
Schedule your home inspection with us today and make your move with confidence.