What is the Average Cost of Moving Boxes in Toronto?

We all face moving at some point in life, whether it’s relocating for education, changing jobs, downsizing after retirement, or buying and selling property. 

The first move can be especially overwhelming, right? You might be wondering where to start with planning and packing. The trick is to kick things off with a solid plan and get into packing mode. During your packing stage, you’ll deal with all sorts of stuff, some fragile, some heavy, and some easy to handle. 

The key to getting things right is having all the essential supplies, especially packing boxes. You might ask yourself how many boxes you need and what they’ll cost. Don’t stress! Even if it’s your first time moving, we’ve been helping Toronto locals with their moves for over a decade. 

In this blog post, we’ll tackle some common questions about moving essentials, like the average cost of moving boxes in Toronto.

What are the Types of Moving Boxes?

There are many different types of moving boxes available, each designed to accommodate specific items and protect them during your move. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:

Standard Moving boxes

These are the most versatile type of moving box and come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from small (1.5 cubic feet) to large (6.0 cubic feet). They are ideal for packing a wide range of household items, including books, dishes, clothes, and toys.

Dish pack boxes

These are extra-strong boxes designed specifically for packing dishes and other fragile items. They are usually double-walled and come with dividers to help keep your dishes or fine china from bumping against each other during transport.

Mirror, picture and TV boxes

These flat boxes are perfect for protecting mirrors, artwork,  framed photos and flatscreen TVs.  They are designed to minimize the risk of cracks or breakage.

Specialty boxes

There are also specialty boxes available for a variety of other items, such as lamps, chandeliers, and even bicycles.  These boxes are designed to provide the specific protection needed for these more delicate or awkwardly shaped belongings.

Fragile item kits are also a type of specialty box. These boxes come with a foldable divider that can segment a large box into multiple cells, generally 12/24. They are used for glass materials. You can also reuse them. These boxes are built of durable cardboard.

Plastic Bin Rentals

Plastic bin rentals from companies like Frogboxes are an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional cardboard boxes. These durable, reusable bins come in various sizes, making packing and moving more efficient. They stack easily, offer better protection for your items, and help reduce waste. 

So, What is the Cost Per Moving Box? 

At Six Moving, we offer high-quality moving boxes in Toronto at competitive prices. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

How do I know how many boxes I need?

The number of boxes needed to pack up a home varies based on factors like the size of the home, the amount of belongings, and the fragility of the items. Since different types of boxes are required for different items, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Consider the Size of Your Home

• Studio Apartment: Typically, you’ll need 10-20 boxes.
• 1-Bedroom: Typically, you’ll need around 20-30 boxes.
• 2-Bedroom Apartment or Home: You’ll need around 30-50 boxes.
• 3-Bedroom Home: Plan for 50-80 boxes.
• 4+ Bedroom Home: You may need 80+ boxes.

2. Room-by-Room Breakdown

• Kitchen: The kitchen usually requires the most boxes due to fragile items (dishes, glassware). Estimate 5-15 small and medium boxes for a typical kitchen.
• Living Room: Depending on how many items you have, you’ll need 5-10 boxes for books, decor, cushions, and electronics.
• Bedrooms: Each bedroom will need around 5-10 boxes, depending on the number of clothes, shoes, and personal items.
• Bathrooms: Estimate 2-3 small boxes for each bathroom, as these generally contain fewer items.
• Office/Study: Estimate around 5-10 small boxes for an in-home office, depending on the number of books, electronics and decor. 
• Garage/Storage Areas: Depending on how much is stored, you may need 10-20 boxes.
• Other areas: hallways, linen closet, laundry room: Allocate at least 2 boxes for each of these areas.

3. Consider the Types of Boxes

• Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet):  You’ll need 5-10 small boxes for a typical move, most small boxes are typically used in the kitchen.
• Medium Boxes (3.0 cubic feet): Plan for 15-25 medium boxes depending on your home size. Most medium boxes are used to pack bedrooms and living room contents.
• Large Boxes (4-6.0 cubic feet): Plan for 5-10  large boxes. Most large boxes are used to pack linen closets and dressers. 
• Wardrobe Boxes: Each wardrobe box holds about 2 feet of hanging clothes. For a typical bedroom, plan for 2-3 wardrobe boxes.
• Specialty Boxes: You may need extra boxes for items like mirrors, TVs, or artwork. Count on 2-5 specialty boxes depending on your belongings.

4. General Rule of Thumb

• On average, most people will need around 10 boxes per room.

5. Factor in Extras

• Always have a few extra boxes on hand for last-minute items or items that take up more space than expected.
• Consider your packing style. If you tend to pack light (with fewer items in each box), you’ll need more boxes. If you use lots of protective packing materials (bubble wrap, paper), this can also increase the number of boxes you need.

6. Get Curated Packing kits:

• At Six Moving, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing packing materials. Based on our years of experience moving homes, we created packing kits that are value-friendly and ideal based on your move size:

What is the most common packing box size?

The small box in the 1.5 cubic foot range (around 16 x 12 x 12 inches) is a popular choice. It’s a versatile size that can hold a good amount without getting too heavy and is great for books, kitchenware, and other household items.

How can I save on costs when getting packing materials for my move?

• Repurpose Household Items: Use towels, blankets, and clothing as padding for fragile items. Old newspapers or magazines can substitute for packing paper.
• Think outside the box: Ensure to fill and use your suitcases, duffel bags and backpacks with clothing or light items for the move.
• Use what you have: If you have boxes from previous purchases or deliveries, repurpose them for your move.

Consult with Your Moving Company

Some moving companies, like Six Moving, offer free delivery of packing supplies within Toronto and include complimentary services such as disassembly and reassembly. Ask your movers if they provide any packing supplies or have deals that could save you money.

Should I get used boxes for my move?

You can certainly reuse boxes to save costs, but it’s important to ensure they are still in good condition. Over time, the corrugation in cardboard weakens with each use, making the boxes less sturdy and more prone to damage. This could compromise the safety of your belongings during the move. Always check for signs of wear and tear, like soft spots or crushed corners, and avoid boxes that seem too flimsy.

Another important factor is the uniformity of your boxes. Using boxes of similar sizes helps stack them more efficiently, both in the moving truck and during storage, reducing the risk of items shifting or being damaged. It also helps prevent clutter and makes packing and loading quicker and more organized.

Here are a few more key points to keep in mind:

• Inspect for Cleanliness: Ensure reused boxes are clean and free from moisture or pests, as this could damage your items or introduce unwanted issues.
• Reinforce Used Boxes: You can reinforce used boxes by adding extra packing tape to the seams and bottom to improve their durability.
• Avoid Overpacking: Even if the box looks fine, avoid overstuffing it. Overpacking can strain an older box’s structure and increase the chances of it breaking.
• Label Clearly: Reused boxes often have old labels or markings, so make sure you remove or cover them and clearly label the contents to avoid confusion during the unpacking process.

By carefully selecting and reinforcing your used boxes and keeping your packing organized, you can save money without compromising the safety and efficiency of your move.

Along with Boxes, what supplies do I need? 

In addition to boxes, you’ll need essential packing supplies like high-quality packing tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, scissors or a box cutter, permanent markers, plastic bags, and stretch wrap to ensure your belongings are safely packed. You can conveniently order all of these from Six Moving at an affordable price.

Not sure how many boxes to order or looking for the best deals on moving supplies? Consult with us! As a licensed, bonded, and insured moving company, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees—what you see upfront is what you pay. Plus, when you choose Six Moving, you’ll enjoy the following complimentary services:

• Free Delivery of Moving Supplies within Toronto
• Free Disassembly and Reassembly of Furniture
• Free Wardrobe Box rentals with your move

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for a move involves more than just packing up your belongings—it’s about choosing the right materials to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Whether you opt for traditional cardboard boxes or eco-friendly plastic bins, making informed decisions can save you time, money, and hassle. By understanding your packing needs, exploring cost-saving options, and staying organized, you’ll be well-equipped for a successful move. For those seeking convenience and reliability, remember that companies like Six Moving offer packing supplies and services that take the guesswork out of your move, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space with ease.

Get in touch today!