2025

Moving Box Sizes Explained: What Size Boxes Do You Really Need?

Moving Box Sizes Explained: What Size Boxes Do You Really Need? - PackQueen
Moving Boxes

If your business ships physical products, you already know how important it is to get your packaging right. And when it comes to moving your products—whether you're sending out bulk shipments to retailers, transferring stock between warehouses, or dispatching direct-to-customer orders—choosing the right moving box sizes is absolutely essential.

We often hear from business owners who ask, “What size moving boxes do we need?” It’s a smart question, and the right answer can make a huge difference. The wrong box can lead to damaged goods, wasted space, and unnecessary shipping costs. That’s why we’ve put together this guide—to help you determine exactly what kind of moving boxes your business needs and how to pack efficiently, safely, and professionally.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the most common moving box sizes and how to choose the right one based on your product type, shipping method, and business workflow.
  • Learn practical tips for selecting and packing moving boxes and packing boxes to reduce damage, save space, and lower freight costs.
  • Get answers to common questions such as what size moving boxes do I need, plus insights on when to use standard vs heavy-duty packaging.

Why Box Size Matters in Business Logistics

When your operations rely on shipping, storage, or product movement, box size has a real impact on:

  • Freight and courier costs (smaller boxes mean lower dimensional weight)
  • Product safety and customer satisfaction
  • Warehouse organisation and space management
  • Brand presentation during the unboxing experience

Let’s dive into the different types of moving box sizes and how to choose the right ones for your business needs.

Common Moving Box Sizes for Business Use

Small Boxes (Under 40cm)

Best for:

  • Cosmetics
  • Supplements
  • Hardware and tools
  • Books or printed materials

Small boxes are ideal for compact, dense items. They help prevent overpacking and reduce the need for excessive filler material.

Medium Boxes (40–60cm)

Great for:

  • Clothing and accessories
  • Electronics
  • Home décor or kitchenware
  • Mixed product SKUs in single orders

These are the most versatile box sizes for eCommerce brands. If you ship a range of products, this size is likely your go-to.

Large Boxes (60cm and up)

Used for:

  • Bulk shipments
  • Stock transfers between warehouses
  • Bulky, lightweight products like bedding or bulk apparel

Larger cardboard boxes are perfect when you need to move multiple items in one go or send oversized products. They’re also handy when streamlining warehouse operations.

Standard vs Heavy-Duty Boxes: Which Is Right for You?

We’re often asked: “Should we be using heavy-duty boxes for all our products?”

Here’s a quick comparison:

Box Type Best For
Standard Everyday shipping of lightweight, durable products
Heavy-Duty Fragile, valuable, or heavy items; long-distance or international shipping

We offer both options across our range of packing boxes. For fragile goods, electronics, glass, or high-end products, we always recommend heavy-duty, double-walled boxes for maximum protection.

Pro Tips: Packing Products for Business Shipping

No matter how big or small your operation is, efficient packing improves speed, reduces waste, and ensures customer satisfaction. Here are a few tips from our team:

1. Use the Smallest Box That Fits

Avoid oversized boxes—they increase your shipping rates and require more padding to secure your product.

2. Protect the Product

Use appropriate fillers such as honeycomb wrap, cardboard inserts, or eco-friendly void fill to protect your goods in transit.

3. Label Clearly

Use barcodes, product names, or printed instructions on your boxes to streamline fulfilment and avoid mispicks.

4. Keep an Organised Packing Station

Pre-sort your packing boxes by size so your team can grab what they need quickly without hunting around.

Case Study: Solving the Large Box Challenge

Recently, we worked with a homewares company that needed extra-large boxes to ship their flat-packed wall panels. They’d been turned away by multiple suppliers who couldn’t handle the size requirement.

That’s where we came in.

Creating a box of that scale isn't just about the size—it’s about engineering a solution that works. We needed to:

  • Choose the right board grade to support the weight
  • Design a box that could fold flat for storage but remain rigid during shipping
  • Test the structure to ensure it held up under transport conditions

We delivered a custom solution that not only fit their product perfectly but also reduced damage during transit and improved their packaging workflow.

At PackQueen, we’ve partnered with companies across retail, manufacturing, B2B, and direct-to-consumer sectors to create custom box sizes for unique products. If you're struggling to find the right fit—we can help.

FAQ: Your Business Shipping Questions Answered

What size box should we use for small product orders?

Stick with small or medium boxes that match the product's dimensions closely. Less empty space means better protection.

Can PackQueen make custom-sized boxes for our products?

Absolutely. We specialise in custom packaging solutions, including extra-large or uniquely shaped boxes tailored to your product.

Should we use heavy-duty boxes for wholesale orders?

Yes, especially if your products are fragile, heavy, or travelling long distances. Heavy-duty boxes offer superior protection.

Do you offer branded boxes?

Yes! We can help you design and print custom boxes that reflects your brand and enhances your customer experience.

Final Thoughts

The right moving box sizes are essential for protecting your products, controlling your shipping costs, and keeping your operations running smoothly.

Whether you're dispatching a few orders a week or managing a high-volume supply chain, PackQueen has the box options—and the expertise—to make it easier. From standard sizes to fully custom designs, we’re here to help your business pack smarter and ship better.

Need help choosing the right moving boxes for your business? Let’s talk—we’d love to help you find the perfect fit.