Moving can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the simplest ways to make it more manageable is by following this tip: packing heavy items in small boxes. At Deluxe Moving, your local moving company, we’ve been helping people move safely and efficiently for over 16 years, and this is one recommendation we’d like to share with you.

If you’ve ever tried to lift a large box stuffed with books or kitchen appliances, you know how quickly that can become a serious challenge. Not only does it make lifting difficult, but it also increases the risk of injury and damages to the items inside. Let’s dive deeper into why packing heavy items in smaller boxes is a smart move, and how Deluxe Moving can help make your relocation smoother from start to finish.

Why Small Boxes for Heavy Items?

When packing for a move, many people make the mistake of thinking larger boxes are better. After all, it seems like packing more into one box will save time. But when it comes to heavy items like books, small appliances, or tools, large boxes can become problematic. Here’s why:

1. Manageability: Heavy items quickly add up in weight. Using smaller boxes limits the amount of weight concentrated in one place. This makes it easier to lift and carry, reducing the chance of back injuries or accidents.
2. Protection: Packing heavy items in smaller boxes limits the space for them to shift, preventing damage to fragile items during transportation. Large, half-filled boxes with heavy objects are more likely to have shifting contents, which can result in broken items or torn boxes under pressure.
3. Safe Stacking: Smaller, heavier boxes are easier to stack in the moving truck or storage. Large boxes filled with heavy items are not only hard to carry but are also unstable when stacked. Proper stacking ensures the safety of your belongings and prevents tipping during transit.

At Deluxe Moving, your trusted Cambridge Ontario moving company, we’re experts in packing and moving strategies that keep your items safe while ensuring the process is as stress-free as possible. If you’re unsure how to pack heavy items or want to avoid the hassle altogether, we offer professional packing services. Our team will carefully pack your belongings into appropriately sized boxes to prevent overloading and ensure everything arrives at your new home safely.

Examples of Heavy Items & Approximate Weights

Understanding what counts as a “heavy item” can help you decide what should go in a smaller box. Below are common household items that, when packed, need special consideration:

1. Books: They might not seem heavy when holding 1 or 2, but pack an entire shelf’s worth of books into one large box, and you’re looking at 20-50 lbs. Each book typically weighs around 1-3 lbs, and they add up fast.
2. Small Appliances: Things like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers may not seem too hefty on their own but can weigh anywhere from 5-15 lbs each. Packing them individually or with lighter items in smaller boxes is key to avoiding back strain.
3. Weights and Dumbbells: Gym equipment is another prime example of something you don’t want to over-pack. Free weights can range from 5-20 lbs each. Imagine trying to lift a box containing multiple 15-lb weights—it’s a back injury waiting to happen! 
4. Pots and Pans: Cast iron pans or ceramic baking dishes may look small, but they can weigh between 2-8 lbs each. Pack them in smaller boxes, perhaps alongside lighter kitchen items like dish towels or oven mitts.
5. Ceramics and Stoneware: Dishes, mugs, and bowls might not seem that heavy, but their weight adds up when packed together. On average, these items weigh 2-5 lbs per piece, so keeping them in small boxes helps protect your arms and your breakables.
6. Tools: Household tools like drills, hammers, and saws can vary in weight but typically fall between 1-10 lbs. Pack tools in small, sturdy boxes, just like other heavy items, to avoid straining yourself during the move.
7. Shoes: A couple of pairs of shoes might seem light, but when you start packing boots, heavy sneakers, or multiple pairs, a box can quickly weigh 20 lbs or more. Pack shoes in smaller batches to distribute the weight.

At Deluxe Moving, your Cambridge Ontario-based moving company, we don’t just know how to pack your heavy stuff like books, appliances, and tools—we make the whole moving process super easy. Our full-service moving package covers everything you need. We’ll bring the equipment and materials to keep your stuff safe, and we’ll do all the heavy lifting for you. From carefully packing up your belongings to loading, transporting, and even unpacking and setting things up in your new place, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s your collection of sneakers, kitchen gear, or gym weights, we make sure your move is smooth and stress-free from start to finish!

How to Safely Lift & Move Heavy Objects

Even when you follow the golden rule of packing heavy items in small boxes, you still need to be mindful of how you lift and carry those boxes. Moving requires a lot of physical exertion, and without proper precautions, injuries can easily occur. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re lifting safely and protecting your health:

1. Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back: When picking up a heavy box, bend your knees and squat down, using your legs to push up, not your back. Lifting with your back can lead to strains or even serious injuries. This is a basic principle that movers at Deluxe Moving follow religiously to ensure safety during every job.
2. Hold the Box Close to Your Body: By keeping the box close to your chest, you’re minimizing strain on your lower back and shoulders. It also helps to keep the box balanced and prevents it from slipping out of your hands.
3. Avoid Twisting Your Body: When carrying heavy items, it’s important to face the direction you’re moving and avoid twisting your torso. If you need to change direction, move your feet instead of twisting at the waist.
4. Use Moving Equipment: For particularly heavy or awkwardly shaped items, consider using a dolly or hand truck. These tools help you move heavy objects with less effort and reduce the risks involved. At Deluxe Moving, our team comes equipped with all the necessary tools to handle these challenges, so you don’t have to.
5. Ask for Help: It’s always better to get assistance when moving heavy items. Let the professionals at Deluxe Moving take care of it. Our experienced movers handle heavy lifting with ease, ensuring both you and your belongings stay safe.
6. Secure the Load: Pack the box tightly and tape it securely to prevent items from shifting while you carry it. At Deluxe Moving, we carefully pack and secure every box to ensure your items stay safe during transit.

At Deluxe Moving, our mission is to make moving as stress-free and safe as possible. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we offer a range of services, including full-service packing, loading and unloading, storage solutions, and more. As a leading Cambridge Ontario moving company, we understand that each move is unique, and we’re here to tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

Packing with care will make your move smoother and safer for everyone involved. After all, it’s not about how fast you pack, it’s about doing it smart! For those who need that extra help, let Deluxe Moving take the load off your shoulders—literally. We handle everything from packing your kitchen and managing your gym equipment to safely transporting your book collection, covering your move from start to finish. Reach out today and let us take the weight off your next move!

Contact Deluxe Moving Today!

Ready to make your move easier and safer? Contact Deluxe Moving, your trusted Cambridge Ontario moving company, for a free quote or more information about our services. We’re here to help with every step of your moving journey.

📞 Phone: 519-212-3023
📧 Email: rick@deluxemoving.ca
🌐 Website: www.deluxemoving.ca

Let Deluxe Moving do the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home stress-free!