Where to Buy Wardrobe Boxes

How wardrobe boxes work

All wardrobe boxes come with a metal bar across the top so you can easily transfer clothing directly from your closet to the box. These metal bars are typically around 2 feet long. Note that the boxes will come disassembled when you buy them, but putting them together and inserting the metal rod will take hardly any time at all.

Wardrobe boxes come in varying sizes and heights. There are also laydown wardrobe boxes, which are flat wardrobe boxes intended for storing bulky items like folded sweaters, towels or robes that don’t need to be hung. These boxes have the added benefit of being able to slide easily underneath most beds for storage.

Where to get a wardrobe box

If you’re lucky, you can get packing boxes from friends or neighbors who’ve recently moved, but specialty cardboard containers like wardrobe boxes may be harder to come by. Fortunately, you can usually find them online or at local stores, though there’s usually a wider selection of wardrobe boxes online.

Home improvement stores

Large home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s, The Home Depot and Menards, and smaller stores, like Ace Hardware, sell packing supplies, often including wardrobe boxes. These stores generally have a large inventory, so you’re more likely to find the right size box for your needs, and they usually come in packs of two or three.

If these stores don’t have wardrobe boxes in stock in person, they usually have them in stock online. You can also check a company’s website first to see what’s in stock at different stores if you prefer to pick up boxes in person.

Moving and transportation companies

Companies that specialize in moving and transportation often have a wide selection of boxes, including wardrobe boxes. For instance, Susan, a reviewer from Florida, said about U-Haul: “I absolutely would use the company again[,] especially for its boxes.”

If you’re using a professional moving company, check with it first to see what’s available since you may be able to get boxes for free or a discount on packing supplies. Also, look for pre-made moving kits with everything you need to pack for a move, such as tape, assorted box sizes, bubble wrap, wrapping and cushion foam.

Some rental truck companies also offer additional services to reduce costs, like box buyback guarantees, where you can get a full refund for boxes that are still in good condition if you have the original receipt. There are also box exchange programs, which allow you to drop off used moving boxes and pick up free boxes left by others.

Online retailers

Large online retailers, like Amazon, typically have wardrobe boxes available. If you choose this option, read reviews first and check product information like maximum weight limits. Note that boxes found through big online retailers may only be sold in bulk. However, if you can get free and expedited shipping, it may be the best option if you’re packing at the last minute.

Big-box stores

Places like Walmart, Target or some office supply stores may also sell wardrobe boxes. However, since wardrobe boxes aren’t a common item, you’re more likely to find these products through their websites rather than in the store.

These stores often offer in-store pickup, which can reduce or eliminate shipping costs and may be more convenient than having items shipped to your home.

What size wardrobe box can you buy?

Even the smallest wardrobe box is still significantly larger than a standard packing box. Most wardrobe boxes are 20 to 24 inches wide by at least 24 inches long, but they vary in height.

Shorter wardrobe boxes are typically around 36 inches tall and are ideal for holding smaller items like shirts or sports jackets. Shorter boxes will have less room at the bottom for storing other items, but they should still be able to hold a good amount of clothing.

Larger boxes go up to 48 or 60 inches tall and can accommodate longer clothing items like dresses, overcoats or suits. They also typically have more room at the bottom for storing other items.

Typical wardrobe box size

The table below shows typical wardrobe box sizes.

How much do wardrobe boxes cost?

An individual wardrobe box usually costs between $10 and $25, but your total price will depend on the retailer, what size box you choose and how many boxes you need. However, this doesn’t include shipping costs if you order online, which can add up due to the boxes’ sizes.

You may be able to save money by buying multiple boxes at once, and many stores and online retailers sell them in sets of three or more. Because wardrobe boxes are significantly more expensive than other packing boxes, you may wish to use them just for your most valuable or cherished clothing items.

» CALCULATE: How much do movers cost?

How to pack wardrobe boxes

Some people opt for wardrobe boxes for everything in their closet, while others fold some items and leave others on hangers. Wardrobe boxes can also be used for household items like curtains or linens.

How many wardrobe boxes do you need?

Before you can pack a wardrobe box, you’ll need to look at your closet and figure out how many boxes (and what sizes) you need. Since the average box has a 2-foot-long metal rod, you’ll generally need three wardrobe boxes to fit all your clothing if your closet is 6 feet wide.

Consider the following tips when packing wardrobe boxes:

Focus on clothing space

It’s best to approach packing in terms of how much space your clothing will take up rather than how many items total you’ll be able to fit in. Less bulky items, like blouses or skirts, can be packed more tightly, while larger items, such as winter coats and evening wear, will take up more space.

If your closet is tightly packed, you may want to purchase an extra wardrobe box to ensure enough space so there's no damage to your clothes during transit.

Consider packing other household items

Wardrobe boxes can be used to pack taller household items like lamps, bar stools, framed pictures and mirrors. These items should be wrapped in cushioning material to prevent them from breaking, and you should only pack one large item like this per box. Your clothes can also act as added padding to keep them safe.

Also, any household items you don’t want to get wrinkled or banged up during a move can be draped or hung over the top metal rod. For example, shipping curtains this way can ensure they stay smooth and ready to be hung once you get to your new space.

Pack items in the bottom

You can maximize your space by paying attention to how you pack.

“When it comes to wardrobe boxes, it can sometimes be a good idea to pack things in the bottom of the box before adding your hanging clothes on top,” said Roland Foss, a former regional manager at Bellhop, a moving company.

Foss suggested packing lighter items in the bottom of the box before hanging up clothing on the metal rod to avoid unintentional damage. This can also be a good place to pack linens, towels, blankets and shoes.

Be mindful of weight

A large wardrobe box shouldn’t exceed 50 pounds, though in some cases your movers may be able to use strapping materials to give it extra strength and rigidity. If you add a lot of weight to the bottom, Foss suggested reinforcing the bottom with extra tape and labeling it appropriately so your movers are aware.

If a box is too heavy for you to comfortably move, consider taking out a few items and replacing them with lighter, bulkier items, like pillows. Even though professional movers are used to carrying around heavy boxes, always try lifting boxes to see if you can safely carry them.

Put sensitive items in bags

Some professionals recommend placing your clothing in plastic garbage bags first to protect against rain damage, but if you’re using a reputable mover this shouldn’t be much of an issue. This can provide an extra layer of protection for sensitive items, like a wedding dress or family heirlooms.

Hire help if needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the packing process or don’t have enough time to do the job yourself, consider hiring a professional packing company to do everything for you. Hiring a full-service mover can let you focus on other tasks, such as finding a new home, job or school for your children.

» COMPARE: Best moving companies

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