How to Choose the Right Moving Boxes for Your Perth Home Move

Choosing the right moving boxes makes a huge difference to how quickly (and safely) your move goes. Whether you’re relocating across Perth or just down the road, picking the correct box sizes, strengths and quantities saves time, protects your stuff and keeps costs down.

Packing boxes - Perth moving tips

Packing tips for moving house

This guide walks you through box sizes, when to use 1-ply vs 2-ply, how many boxes you’ll need for common home sizes, and why used recycled boxes are often the smartest choice for Perth moves.

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What size moving boxes do you actually need?

Large boxes (for light, bulky items)

• Examples: pillows, duvets, linen, towels, soft toys

• Why use them: hold a lot of volume but stay light — perfect for bulky soft items.

Medium boxes (most versatile)

• Examples: kitchenware, crockery (well wrapped), small appliances, shoes

• Why use them: ideal for general packing. Most households use the most medium boxes.

Small boxes (for heavy items)

• Examples: books, tools, canned goods, records

• Why use them: prevents overpacking and keeps boxes manageable and stackable.

Specialty boxes

• Wine boxes, book boxes, wardrobe boxes (hanging clothes), picture/mirror boxes — use when needed to protect fragile or unusual items.

The most common box sizes in Perth — and what they hold

Box sizes can vary by supplier, but here are common types you’ll see when you pick up boxes in Perth:

• Small

  • (approx. 30 x 30 x 30 cm) — books, heavy small items

• Medium

  • (approx. 45 x 35 x 35 cm) — kitchen items, medium household goods

• Large

  • (approx. 60 x 45 x 45 cm) — pillows, blankets, light bulky items

• Extra large

  • (varies) — large, lightweight items for single items only

Tip: If you’re buying used or recycled boxes, sizes may vary slightly — always test-fit a few items before committing to one packing strategy.

"Good quality used boxes are cost effective and environmentally friendly."

1-Ply vs 2-Ply boxes — which do you need?

1-Ply (single wall)

• Best for: light items like linen, clothing, soft toys

• Pros: cheaper, lighter to carry

• Cons: not ideal for heavy stacking or long-term storage

2-Ply (double wall / heavy-duty)

• Best for: heavy items (books, tools), stacking in a moving truck, fragile items when combined with good packing

• Pros: stronger, more protective, better for long-distance moves or storage

• Cons: slightly more expensive, heavier

In short: use 2-ply for anything heavy or that will be stacked; use 1-ply for light, bulkier items.

1 Ply Box

2 Ply Box

How many boxes will you need? Perth home size guide

These are typical ranges — adjust up or down based on how much you own.

• Studio / small apartment: 10–20 boxes (mix small & medium)

• 1-bedroom apartment: 15–30 boxes

• 2-bedroom home: 30–50 boxes

• 3-bedroom house: 50–80 boxes

• 4-bedroom house: 80+ boxes

Factor in extras: wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, a few specialty boxes for plates/TVs/pictures, and a “first-night” box with essentials.

Packing tips that work for Perth moves

• Label both sides of each box with contents and room destination

  • this saves huge time on unpacking.

• Don’t overfill boxes

  • heavy items go in small boxes; lightweight bulky items go in large boxes.

• Use padding

  • towels, blankets and clothing work great as padding for fragile items.

• Reinforce bottoms of boxes with packing tape if you plan to stack them.

• Protect against Perth heat

  • if you’re moving in summer, avoid packing heat-sensitive items tightly for long periods; keep perishables separate.

Why used / recycled boxes are a great choice for Perth movers

• Money saving

  • used boxes are significantly cheaper than new ones.

• Sufficient strength

  • our reused boxes come from commercial suppliers and are still very durable.

• Environmental

  • reuse reduces waste and landfill.

• Availability

  • for pickup customers in Perth, used boxes are often available same-day.

If you’re unsure about strength, choose 2-ply for heavier loads and inspect the box condition before packing.

Where to get the best moving boxes in Perth (pickup only)

If you want quality used boxes at low prices and fast pickup in Perth, give Cheap Cardboard Boxes a call. We stock a range of 1-ply and 2-ply boxes, wine/book boxes and large/extra large options — and we offer bulk discounts for larger moves.

Phone Us: for pick up time and location (call for bulk orders and pre-packed pallets)

Pickup location: Karrinyup and Edgewater, Perth

Final checklist before your Perth move

• Order the right mix of box sizes

  • (small/medium/large and specialty)

• Buy extra small boxes for heavy items and extra large only for light items

• Grab packing tape, markers, padding (blankets/towels) and a box cutter

• Pack a labeled “First Night” box with essentials

  • (toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes)

• Call ahead to reserve bulk stock for pickup

Ready to pick up affordable, quality boxes for your Perth move?

Call us now or visit our Pickup Location pages (Karrinyup and Edgewater) 

to see opening hours and directions. Bulk orders are prepared in advance for quick collections.