Moving boxes are much more than transport containers: they organise your household, protect delicate items and create structure when unpacking. At Lion Umzüge in Berlin, we advise you personally so that you get exactly the boxes that suit your plans – sturdy, easy to handle and sensibly combinable for a flat, office or storage room.
Choosing the right boxes – practical and sustainable
Why the right moving boxes matter
Choosing the right box size and strength often determines whether your move is stress-free. Properly packed boxes protect delicate contents, make carrying easier and reduce the risk of damage during transport.
Our types of boxes
We offer a selection of standard and special boxes, tailored to typical items in Berlin households: small boxes for books and heavy items, medium boxes for kitchen utensils and larger ones for bed linen or clothing. We also have special packaging for glasses, pictures and electronics.
How ordering works
Our ordering process is deliberately kept simple so that you can concentrate on planning your move. The following steps serve as a guide:
- Assessing your needs: by phone or via an enquiry, we discuss which box types and quantities make sense.
- Putting it together: you confirm the selection; we suggest useful additions where appropriate.
- Delivery: the boxes are brought to the desired location in Berlin.
- Optional collection: on request, we take the empty boxes back after the move.
Packing tips for delicate items
Start with fragile items: pad the bottom, wrap individual pieces separately and fill gaps with paper or textiles. Mark boxes clearly as “fragile” and note the contents. Heavy items belong in small boxes, light bulky things in larger boxes.
How many moving boxes do I need?
The most common question before packing. There is no fixed formula, because a household with lots of books needs more boxes than a minimalist one. As a rough guide, it has proven useful to plan around 15 to 20 boxes per room, and rather more for the kitchen and study. The following table helps with the estimate.
| Flat | Approx. boxes |
|---|---|
| 1 room | 20–30 |
| 2 rooms | 35–50 |
| 3 rooms | 50–70 |
| 4 rooms and more | 70–100 and more |
Better a few boxes too many than too few: if the last ones are missing the evening before the move, the rest ends up in bags – and they are hard to stack in the lorry.
Which box for what?
- Book box (small): for books, files, crockery – everything heavy
- Standard box: for clothing, kitchen utensils, toys
- Wardrobe box: so that shirts, suits and dresses can be transported hanging
- Special boxes: for glasses, flat screens or pictures
Packing tips from practice
Fill boxes completely, but do not overload them. A half-empty box gives way in a stack, an overloaded one tears. Heavy items go at the bottom, light ones on top. Plates stand on edge, glasses are wrapped individually. Label each box on two sides with the destination room and a short description of the contents. And additionally tape the bottom with a cross of tape.
Packing material
In addition to boxes, you need tape, packing paper, bubble wrap and pens. Mattress covers and stretch film protect upholstered furniture. You can see what we offer on the packing material page. If you would rather not pack at all yourself, our packing service will take care of it.
After the move
On request, we take empty boxes back with us if we have carried out your move. You will find further tips for preparation in our moving checklist.
Buy, rent or use second-hand boxes?
Anyone moving faces the question of where the boxes should come from. New boxes are sturdy and clean, but cost money and are often no longer needed after the move. Used boxes are cheaper and save resources, but should be dry, clean and undamaged. Banana boxes from the supermarket are free, but they have holes in the bottom and come in different sizes – they are hard to stack in the lorry.
What makes a good moving box
- Double-walled corrugated cardboard that does not give way even with heavy contents
- Handle holes on two sides so that the box can be carried safely
- A uniform size so that the boxes can be stacked neatly in the lorry
- A bottom that can be additionally secured with tape
When you need the boxes
Get the boxes two to three weeks before the move. That way you can start packing at your leisure, first with books, decorations and clothing you do not need at the moment. The kitchen and bathroom come in the last few days. Anyone who starts too late ends up packing hectically and unsorted – and spends a long time searching for the most important things in the new flat.
Labelling that helps with unpacking
Write the destination room and a short description of the contents on each box, ideally on two sides so that the label can still be read in a stack. Coloured stickers for each room also help. Mark boxes with things you will need on the first evening particularly clearly.
Boxes in the everyday reality of a move
Boxes are the material you deal with most during a move. They are folded, filled, carried, stacked, opened and folded up again. A few habits make handling them much easier.
Assembling them properly
A box only holds as well as it is assembled. Fold the bottom according to the intended pattern and additionally tape the centre seam with packing tape, and crosswise as well for heavy contents. Many boxes have a quick-fold bottom that holds without tape. For books and crockery, the tape is still worthwhile. The handle holes should remain free so that the box can be carried safely.
How heavy can a box be?
A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to lift a box on your own without much effort. If it becomes too heavy, not only your back suffers but also the box – the bottom tears more easily. So pack heavy items such as books or folders into smaller boxes and fill large boxes with lighter things such as clothing, cushions or toys.
Filling gaps
A half-full box gives way when stacked. Fill gaps with towels, socks or crumpled paper. The lid should close flat without bulging upwards. That way the boxes can stand safely on top of each other in the vehicle.
Where to put the boxes before the move?
Space is tight in small Berlin flats. Stack packed boxes in a room you use little, sorted by destination room. Leave a path free. Pack boxes with things you need until the very end only the evening before, and place them near the door.
Using special boxes sensibly
For clothes on hangers, there are wardrobe boxes with a rail into which you can hang shirts, dresses and suits directly from the wardrobe. For pictures and mirrors there are flat boxes, for glasses there are boxes with inserts. You usually only need these special boxes in small numbers. You can find out what other materials are available in our overview of packing material.
After unpacking
Remove the tape before folding boxes flat, as this makes them easier to reuse. Keep a few boxes, for example for the cellar or the next move. You can also pass on boxes in good condition to neighbours or acquaintances who are moving soon.
How many boxes to pack per day?
Many people underestimate how long packing takes. If you pack in the evening after work, you often only manage a few boxes, because every shelf requires decisions: keep, give away or throw away. So start two to three weeks before the move with things you rarely need, such as books, decorations and clothing for the other season. In the last week, only the kitchen, bathroom and everyday items are then left.
Planning a move? We will be happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which boxes are best for kitchen utensils?
Medium-sized boxes with a sturdy bottom are ideal for kitchen utensils. Please wrap fragile crockery individually and place it upright in the box. Heavy pots can be packed into small boxes so that the weight remains manageable when carrying.
Can I get used boxes from you?
Yes, on request we also provide reusable boxes. These are often sturdier and also reduce waste. We will be happy to advise you on which options make sense for your packing plans.
How much do moving boxes cost in Berlin?
New standard boxes cost more than used ones, and we take back boxes in good condition after the move. You can find the current unit prices for boxes, film and accessories on our packing material page. What a complete move costs is explained under Moving company Berlin costs.
Which moving boxes can I get from Lion Umzüge?
Standard moving boxes, smaller book boxes for heavy items, wardrobe boxes with a rail as well as accessories such as tape, bubble wrap and wrapping paper. You can buy new and used boxes; on request, we take boxes in good condition back after the move.
How quickly can I get moving boxes?
It is best to order the boxes two to three weeks before the move, so that you have enough time to pack. If it is urgent, let us know – we can often deliver within a few days.
Can I book additional services together with the moving boxes?
Yes. If packing becomes too much for you, our packing service will take care of it as well. You can also book assembly service, clearance and storage.
How are my belongings in the boxes insured?
Statutory liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB) is generally 620 euros per cubic metre of load space. Sturdy, well-packed boxes are therefore the best protection for your household goods. For expensive porcelain or electronics, we also recommend transport insurance.
Would you like to order boxes or get personal advice on the right packing material? Contact Lion Umzüge in Berlin. We support you in your selection, deliver the boxes to your address and make sure that your move is well structured from the very beginning.
Order moving boxes in Berlin
Tell us how many boxes and what packing material you need, or get advice during the on-site survey – by phone on 030 612 964 73 or via the enquiry form. If you also need carriers and transport, your moving company Berlin is the right place.
