Wardrobe Boxes: What They Are and How to Use Them

Wardrobe boxes are sturdy containers that hold clothes, shoes, and accessories during a move. They come in several sizes and materials, such as corrugated cardboard or heavy-duty plastic, and often feature a bar for hanging clothes. Whether you’re planning a DIY move or working with professional movers, wardrobe boxes can simplify the process and keep your clothes pristine.

 

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Why Should I Use Wardrobe Boxes?

Wardrobe boxes have several benefits that can save you time, money, and stress. First, they make packing and unpacking your clothes a breeze, as you can simply transfer them from your closet to the box and vice versa without removing them from their hangers or folding them. This saves you the hassle of having to reorganize your clothes when you arrive at your new home. 

Second, wardrobe boxes keep your clothes in good condition during transit or storage by preventing them from rubbing against each other or getting crushed by other items. This is especially important for delicate or expensive clothing items, such as formal dresses, suits, or coats.

Finally, wardrobe boxes can eliminate the need for post-move dry cleaning, as your clothes will arrive at your destination dust- and wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

 

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Types of Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes come in various sizes and styles. Here’s an overview of the most common types of wardrobe boxes available:

Tall Wardrobe Boxes

Tall wardrobe boxes are the most popular. They usually have a metal or plastic hanger bar that spans the width of the box, allowing you to hang multiple garments. Height varies by brand, but they typically range from 44 to 60 inches tall. The extra height makes them ideal for packing longer garments, such as dresses and suits.

Here are a few examples of tall wardrobe boxes from top brands and their costs:

Brand	Product Name	Box Size (L x W x H)	Price/Qty
U-Haul	Grand Wardrobe Box	24 x 21 x 48 in.	$15.95 each
U-Haul	Large Wardrobe Box	24 x 24 x 48 in.	$16.95 each
The Home Depot	Heavy-Duty Tall Wardrobe Moving Box	24 x 24 x 44 in.	$23.48 each; $38.58 for 2
Uline	Standard Wardrobe Box Kit	24 x 20 x 46 in.	$107.60 for 5; $211.30 for 10
Uline	Tall Wardrobe Box Kit	24 x 22 x 60 in.	$164.20 for 5; $309.20 for 10

Short Wardrobe Boxes

Short wardrobe boxes, also known as shorty wardrobes, are smaller and sometimes shallower than tall wardrobe boxes. They’re designed to hold shorter clothing items, such as shirts, blouses, and skirts. Most short wardrobe boxes are only 34 inches tall, making them easier to move, store, and ship.

Here are a few examples of short wardrobe boxes from top brands and their costs:

Brand	Product Name	Box Size (L x W x H)	Price/Qty
U-Haul	Shorty Wardrobe Moving Box	24 x 20 x 34 in.	$11.95 each
U-Haul	Small Wardrobe Moving Box	24 x 24 x 34 in.	$13.95 each
The Home Depot	Standard Wardrobe Moving Box	24 x 24 x 34 in.	$17.98 each; $30.81 for 2
Uline	UPSable Wardrobe Box Kit	24 x 20 x 34 in.	$77.75 for 5; $153.20 for 10

Specialty Wardrobe Boxes

There are several specialty wardrobe boxes in addition to the standard, tall, and short varieties. Here are a few examples:

• Easy-up wardrobe boxes: Easy-up or EZ wardrobe boxes require no tape for assembly, making them easier to set up. 
• Suit shippers: Uline offers suit shippers that are 40 inches tall and 4 to 12 inches wide. Depending on the size, these specialty boxes can hold 1–2, 3–5, or 6–8 suits.
• Eco-friendly wardrobe boxes: The Home Depot offers eco-friendly versions of its standard and heavy-duty wardrobe moving boxes. These boxes are made from 100% recycled materials.
• Laydown wardrobe boxes: Laydown or flat wardrobe boxes do not have a hanging bar. However, they are wide enough to accommodate most hangers, which means you can transfer your clothes directly from your closet to the box.
• Narrow wardrobe boxes: Some wardrobe boxes have narrower dimensions to save space and meet UPS, USPS, or FedEx shipping requirements. U-Haul’s Space Saver Wardrobe Box and Medium Wardrobe Box fall into this category.

 

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How to Choose the Right Wardrobe Boxes

If you want to keep your clothes protected and organized during your move, it’s important to choose the right wardrobe boxes for your items. Use the tips below to narrow down your options.

Take Inventory

Take inventory of your closet to get an idea of the length and volume of hanging clothes you need to pack. Measure longer items so that you can choose a box that has enough space for them to hang freely without getting squished or wrinkled.

Consider Materials

A box’s material will affect its durability, weight, and eco-friendliness. For wardrobe boxes, you have two main options: cardboard or plastic. Corrugated cardboard, the most common material used in wardrobe boxes, is an affordable, sturdy, and recyclable option. Some heavy-duty boxes feature double-wall cardboard for extra protection, while others are made of 100% recycled cardboard.

A few companies offer plastic wardrobe boxes. These boxes are heavier than cardboard moving boxes, but they are also waterproof and extra-durable. As a result, they work better as long-term clothes storage boxes than moving boxes.

Compare Features

Consider product details beyond size and material. For instance, wardrobe boxes marketed as “EZ” or “easy-up” are easily foldable and require no tape to assemble, which can save you time and hassle. Other features to compare include the weight capacity, handhold placement, and edge crush test (ECT) rating. Some boxes even have reinforced edges or a moisture-resistant coating for added protection.

Browse Reviews

Finally, check reviews and ratings posted online by past customers. If you can, browse reviews on multiple retailer websites. Look for details and patterns that speak to the quality and durability of the boxes you’re considering.

 

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How to Find Wardrobe Boxes

You can buy wardrobe boxes from several online and brick-and-mortar stores, such as the following:

• Moving companies: Most interstate movers and truck rental companies sell moving boxes and packing materials.
• Storage facilities: Some storage facilities offer wardrobe boxes for sale or rent as part of their services.
• Shipping companies: Check the nearest UPS, FedEx, or post office location for packing, shipping, and moving supplies.
• Hardware stores: Hardware and home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot, sell moving boxes online and in their physical stores.
• Office supply stores: Stores that sell office or industrial supplies, such as Staples and Uline, often sell a wide range of moving supplies, including wardrobe boxes.
• Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, and other large online retailers usually stock several kinds of packing boxes.

If your goal is to find the highest-quality moving boxes available, start with companies that specialize in shipping boxes and moving supplies. These companies usually have the widest selection, making it easier to find the perfect boxes for your needs. Examples include Uline, Uboxes, and U-Haul.

Alternatively, look for a reputable brand sold at stores you already frequent, such as Walmart or The Home Depot. For instance, several national retailers stock Bankers Box products—including the brand’s SmoothMove wardrobe moving boxes. Many retailers offer two-day shipping or in-store pickup on the same business day.

 

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Cost of Wardrobe Boxes

To give you an idea of what wardrobe boxes cost at different stores, here are a few prices we found for tall wardrobe boxes:

Retailer	Product	Price
U-Haul	Large Wardrobe Box	$16.95 each
The Home Depot	Heavy-Duty Tall Wardrobe Moving Box	$23.48 each; $38.58 for two
Uline	Tall Wardrobe Box Kit	$32.84 each, minimum of five
Walmart	Bankers Box SmoothMove Tall Wardrobe Moving Boxes	$39.99 for three
Uboxes	Larger Wardrobe Boxes	$46.75 for three
Amazon	Amazon Basics Wardrobe Clothing Moving Boxes	$48.88 for three
Staples	Kraft Wardrobe Boxes	$229.99 for five

 

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Tips for Packing Clothes in Wardrobe Boxes

Follow these tips to pack your clothes safely and efficiently in wardrobe boxes.

• Clean your clothes first: Make sure your clothes are clean and dry before packing them in a wardrobe box. This will help protect your clothes from developing stains, odors, or mold growth during storage or transport.
• Remove accessories: Remove any belts, scarves, or attached jewelry that could get tangled or damaged during transport. Wrap these items and pack them with other accessories.
• Fill the empty space: If you have extra room in a wardrobe box, fill it with socks, underwear, or other small items. Alternatively, you can use packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam inserts to cushion the bottom of the box and prevent sagging or bending.
• Pack similar items together: Sort your clothes into categories and pack similar items in the same box. This distributes weight evenly, protects delicate items, and helps you pack and unpack efficiently.
• Wrap delicate items: Wrap silk, satin, cashmere, and other delicate fabrics in acid-free tissue paper or packing paper to prevent snagging and other damage.
• Secure and label the boxes: Close the flaps on the tops of the boxes and seal them with tape, if necessary. Ensure the boxes are securely closed and that hangers and clothes are not moving inside. Label each box clearly with its contents and destination.

 

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How to Move Wardrobe Boxes

If you hire professional movers, you shouldn’t need to do much, if any, carrying. Full-service movers—including local and long-distance moving companies—will handle the loading and unloading for you. You must simply be available to answer questions and offer direction as needed.

DIY movers should be mindful of how they load, secure, and unload wardrobe boxes. Though these boxes typically have built-in handles, we recommend using a dolly or cart to move them around. Wardrobe boxes tend to be taller, heavier, and bulkier than other moving boxes, so wheeling them around is the safest option. Make sure to strap the boxes securely to the dolly and move them slowly and carefully.

Keep in mind that tall wardrobe boxes will not be easily stackable. Two 48-inch boxes would be 8 feet tall when stacked atop each other, and the lower box could be compromised by the weight of the upper one. It’s best to keep wardrobe boxes upright rather than lay them on their side.

 

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Our Recommendation

Wardrobe boxes are excellent tools for anyone who wants to pack their clothes safely and efficiently for moving or storage. By choosing wardrobe boxes and following our tips on how to pack and move them, you can ensure that your clothes arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

When shopping for wardrobe boxes, be sure to compare prices, sizes, and features across several brands and retailers to find the best value. Consider the type of clothes you want to pack, the size and weight of the boxes, and the durability and eco-friendliness of the materials. Taking the time to prepare and organize your clothes will make your moving experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

 

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