Removal box vs moving box — what's the difference?
None. Removal box is the term used by professional removals companies in the UK; moving box is the term most homeowners use. The product is identical: a corrugated cardboard box designed to survive being lifted, stacked, loaded into a van and unloaded by hand.
What does differ is quality. A genuine removal box should be:
- Double-wall corrugated cardboard (two fluted layers)
- Edge crush rating of ECT-44 or higher
- Tested at 150 lb / 68 kg stacking weight or above
- Plain brown kraft (avoid printed boxes — they're harder to recycle and resell)
Standard UK removal box sizes
Most UK removals firms work with five core sizes. Order your house move around these:
- Small / "book" box — 12×12×12" or similar. Books, records, tinned food, tools.
- Medium — 18×13×13". The all-rounder. Kitchen contents, smaller appliances, toys.
- Large — 18×18×20". Bedding, soft furnishings, lampshades.
- Tall — 18×18×30". Bulky lightweight items, garden tools, duvets.
- Wardrobe box — 48" tall with built-in hanging rail. Hanging clothes go straight from wardrobe to van to wardrobe.
How many removal boxes do I need?
| Property | Boxes | Suggested mix |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | 25–35 | 10 small, 15 medium, 5 large, 2 wardrobe |
| 2-bed house | 40–60 | 15 small, 25 medium, 10 large, 3 wardrobe |
| 3-bed house | 60–90 | 20 small, 35 medium, 20 large, 5 wardrobe |
| 4-bed+ house | 90–130 | 30 small, 50 medium, 30 large, 6 wardrobe |
Add 10–15% on top of the figures above to cover errors, garage/loft contents, and the inevitable "one more cupboard."
What else do I need?
Boxes are step one. To pack properly you'll also want:
- Brown packing tape — 1 roll per 8–10 boxes
- Bubble wrap — for plates, glasses, framed art, electronics
- White wrapping paper — kinder than newsprint, won't smudge ink onto crockery
- Marker pens — label every box on at least two sides with room and contents
- Mattress bags — keep mattresses clean and dry in the van
- Furniture blankets — protect wooden furniture from scuffs
Browse the full packing materials collection.
Pack like a pro
- Build the box H-taped across the bottom seam (one strip down the middle, two crossing it).
- Heavy items at the bottom, light at the top. Maximum 15 kg per box — your back will thank you.
- Fill empty space with packing paper or soft items so the box doesn't crumple under weight.
- Tape the top the same way you taped the bottom.
- Label each box with room + contents + "fragile" if applicable.
Recycling removal boxes after the move
Plain brown double-wall boxes are 100% kerbside-recyclable in every UK council area. Better still: flatten them and resell or give them away on Facebook Marketplace, Olio or Freecycle — moving boxes are constantly in demand and a good box has 3–5 moves in it.
Order removal boxes online
- All removal boxes — single boxes and bundle packs
- Tape, bubble wrap and packing supplies
- Trade account — for removals firms and repeat buyers (10–30% off)
Free UK delivery on orders over £50. Same-day dispatch from our Northampton warehouse for orders placed before 1pm. Call 01604 721734 if you'd like a hand sizing your order.