Moving boxes seem simple until you're standing in Home Depot's aisle wondering whether you need medium or large, why some cost $5 while others are $2, and if those free liquor store boxes will actually work. After supplying thousands of moves across Los Angeles, SOS Moving knows exactly what boxes you need, where to find them, and how to avoid overspending on cardboard.
Standard Moving Box Sizes and Uses
Small boxes (16"×12"×12"):Best for: Books, tools, canned goods, small appliancesWeight limit: 50 lbsSOS Moving price: $4Retail price: $2-3
Medium boxes (18"×18"×16"):Best for: Kitchen items, toys, electronics, shoesWeight limit: 65 lbsSOS Moving price: $5Retail price: $3-4
Large boxes (18"×18"×24"):Best for: Lampshades, pillows, blankets, bulky itemsWeight limit: 70 lbsSOS Moving price: $6Retail price: $4-5
Extra-large boxes (24"×18"×24"):Best for: Comforters, coats, large lightweight itemsWeight limit: 70 lbsRetail price: $5-7
Wardrobe boxes (24"×24"×48"):Best for: Hanging clothes, suits, dressesSOS Moving: Free loan (return after move)Retail price: $15-20 each
How Many Boxes You Actually Need
Studio apartment: 20-30 boxes
- 10 small
- 10 medium
- 5 large
- 5 specialty
1-bedroom: 40-60 boxes
- 15 small
- 20 medium
- 10 large
- 5 specialty
2-bedroom: 60-80 boxes
- 20 small
- 30 medium
- 15 large
- 5 specialty
3-bedroom house: 100-120 boxes
- 30 small
- 40 medium
- 20 large
- 10 specialty
Pro tip: Everyone underestimates by 30%. Buy extra—unused boxes can be returned at most stores.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes in LA
SOS Moving:
- Small: $4
- Medium: $5
- Large: $6
- Delivered with your move
- No separate trip needed
Home Depot:
- Small: $1.48
- Medium: $2.35
- Large: $2.97
- Must transport yourself
U-Haul:
- Small: $1.98
- Medium: $2.98
- Large: $3.98
- Buy-back program available
Lowe's:
- Similar to Home Depot
- 10% off for bulk purchases
- Free delivery over $45
Free Moving Boxes in Los Angeles
Best sources for quality free boxes:
Liquor stores: Wine boxes are strongest. Call Total Wine & More early morning. Boxes have dividers perfect for glassware.
Costco/Sam's Club: Apple and banana boxes incredibly strong. Go mid-week mornings. Ask produce department directly.
Bookstores: Small, sturdy boxes. Barnes & Noble receives shipments Tuesdays/Thursdays.
Starbucks: Call ahead for egg carton boxes—perfect for dishes.
McDonald's: Fry boxes are perfect small size. Morning manager usually approves.
Facebook Marketplace: Search "moving boxes free." People who just moved give away everything.
Nextdoor app: Post requesting boxes. Neighbors love helping and decluttering.
Specialty Boxes Worth the Investment
Dish pack boxes ($7-10): Double-walled for fragile items. Cheaper than replacing grandmother's china.
Mirror/picture boxes ($5-15): Telescoping design fits any size. One scratch costs more than box.
TV boxes ($15-30): Flat screens need proper protection. Original packaging ideal if saved.
Mattress bags ($15-20): Protects from dirt, moisture, bed bugs during move.
Boxes to Avoid
Damaged grocery boxes: Spills weaken cardboard, attracts pests.
Old moving boxes: Previous use compromises strength.
Oversized boxes: Anything over 3 cubic feet becomes too heavy.
Paper ream boxes: Too small, waste packing time.
Wet produce boxes: Moisture destroys bottom during move.
Professional Packing Supplies
Beyond boxes, SOS Moving offers:
- Packing paper: $55 per 600 sheets
- Bubble wrap: $55 per roll
- Free shrink wrap (included with service)
- Free tape (included with service)
- Free wardrobe boxes (return after move)
Compare to retail:
- Packing paper elsewhere: $80-100
- Bubble wrap elsewhere: $70-90
- Tape: $5-10 per roll
- Shrink wrap: $20-30
Money-Saving Box Strategy
Week 4 before move: Start collecting free boxes from stores.
Week 2 before move: Assess what you have, buy additional boxes needed.
Week 1 before move: Get specialty boxes for valuables.
Moving day: Use wardrobe boxes from movers for clothes.
This hybrid approach typically saves $100-200 on packing supplies.
Box Assembly Tips
- Tape bottom with 'H' pattern—across seam plus perpendicular strips
- Don't overfill—tops should close without forcing
- Heavy items in small boxes only
- Fill gaps with paper to prevent shifting
- Label on sides, not tops (boxes get stacked)
Environmental Considerations
Americans use 100 billion cardboard boxes annually. After your move:
- Offer boxes on Craigslist/Nextdoor
- Recycle at any LA Sanitation center
- Some U-Haul locations buy back unused boxes
- SOS Moving's wardrobe boxes are reusable—we handle that
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Boxes
Saved $50 on flimsy boxes? One collapsed box destroying your electronics costs far more. Professional boxes with professional movers ensure safe transport.
Get Your Moving Supplies Sorted
Stop driving around town collecting boxes. SOS Moving delivers everything with your move—boxes at $4-6, professional packing materials, and free wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
Call 909-443-0004 to add box delivery to your move. One truck, one delivery, one simple solution. Focus on organizing while we handle the supplies.
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