If you’ve ever moved, you know how long packing takes. If you’re planning on moving soon, and the idea of folding all your clothes is already making you question where the closest Goodwill is, you might want to know about wardrobe boxes.
Wardrobe boxes can make the packing process faster and easier. They are a little more expensive than traditional boxes but might be worth it for you.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Wardrobe Box
A wardrobe box is a tall cardboard box with a metal hanging rod attached to the inside. It basically operates as a packable closet.
This is great for anyone that doesn’t want to fold clothes for their moving process. With wardrobe boxes, you can pull clothes straight from your closet and skip the folding.
When Should I Use One?
Because wardrobe boxes are more expensive than other types of moving boxes, you may want to use them sparingly. As you may be able to guess, wardrobe boxes are great for pieces you keep in a closet. Think winter-wear, special occasion clothing, clothes that require extra care, or sentimental clothing.
If you have a ball gown or wedding dress that you want to keep safe, a suit that you don’t want to wrinkle, or a collection of winter coats, a wardrobe box is a great place for them.
The bottom of these boxes are also available for packing, so if there are items that go together (like winter boots that match your coat) they can comfortably sit underneath.
If you expect your move to take a while, or you’re just as daunted by the unpacking process as the packing process, you could also use one as a temporary closet. Pack a week of outfits to get you through the initial move until you’re more motivated.
Other Uses
Wardrobe boxes are tall and narrow. If your other moving boxes aren’t shaped well for some of your furniture, you could put them in wardrobe boxes instead.
Two chairs can be stacked on top of each other inside. You could also place a tall lamp or stool inside, just make sure you label them appropriately.
You can also easily pack bedding and other linens. If you have any bulky comforters, big pillows, or extra linens, stacking them in a wardrobe box is a good way to keep them organized.
Wardrobe Box Sizes
Most boxes are 24 by 24 inches (length, width), but you can get varying size heights. The range for heights is typically between 34 – 40 inches.
Shorter boxes are best for things like dress shirts and pants, short dresses, or mini-skirts. Longer boxes can fit more substantial pieces like long dresses, coats, tall shoes, and shorter clothing items.
Depending on how much closet space you have in your home, you may only need a couple of boxes for all your things. Without overstuffing, one wardrobe box should be able to hold a decent amount of clothing (probably a couple of feet in your closet).
You should be careful not to overstuff your boxes. The cardboard that makes up the sides is extra sturdy, but you don’t want to bend the rod inside or make it too heavy to carry.
Where Can I Get Them?
You can find moving boxes in a number of locations. If you’re hiring movers, you should reach out to them before moving day to see if purchasing wardrobe boxes from them is a possibility.
Some moving companies offer only one standard size, so if you’re interested in a variety of sizes, make sure that’s an option before signing off on anything.
You can also check your local hardware stores, like Lowe’s or Home Depot, for wardrobe boxes. It’s worth shopping around to check to get the best price since wardrobe boxes can cost anywhere from $10 – $50 per box range depending on where you buy them.
You could also check local Facebook moving groups for extra boxes. Sometimes people have moving boxes available for free with pick-up. Even if there aren’t any free boxes, it’s likely you’ll find some at a discounted rate.
Disposal
If you’ve never purchased wardrobe boxes before, you might be wondering if you can dispose of them the same way you would traditional boxes. The short answer–mostly, yes.
You could try to resell them or give away your moving boxes, but if you’re looking to get rid of them fast, recycling is your best bet.
Just like traditional moving boxes, wardrobe boxes are made of cardboard and can be recycled at appropriate locations. You just need to be sure to remove the metal pole before disposing of the cardboard.
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Conclusion
If you’re trying to simplify your moving process, wardrobe boxes can seriously help. If you’re moving with a big family, or hate packing clothes, wardrobe boxes can help you spend less time packing and more time enjoying your new home.
Grace currently lives in Nashville, TN. She grew up in the Southeastern United States and graduated from College of Charleston, in Charleston, South Carolina. Her degree is in Political Science with a focus in International Relations, but she has a passion for all things communication and writing.