Which box size is suitable for books?

Small, sturdy moving boxes are suitable for books, as they can become very heavy despite their small volume. Large boxes would quickly become too heavy with books and could tear. More on this in the article Packing books without back pain .

How can I pack fragile items to save space?

Fragile items should be wrapped individually in packing paper or bubble wrap and packed tightly into smaller moving boxes ; newspaper can leave ink stains. Gaps can be filled with towels or clothing, which also saves packing material. Plates are safer standing on edge than stacked. If you have questions, our team will be happy to help you in person.

Is a part load worthwhile when moving?

A part load is particularly worthwhile for smaller moves or long-distance moves, as you share the transport space with other customers. As a result you save considerably on costs without compromising on quality. Especially with a long-distance move , this option is extremely economical. Simply ask for an individual quote.

How many moving boxes do I need for a private move?

The number depends on the size of the flat and the contents of the household; on average, you can reckon with around 10 to 15 boxes per room. For a private move , an early inventory helps determine the exact quantity. Our team will gladly advise you to avoid ordering too many or too few. That way you save costs and time.

How do I label moving boxes properly?

Label every moving box with the destination room, contents and a note about fragile items. Colour-coded labels make it considerably easier to sort things later. That way you save a lot of time and nerves when unpacking. We recommend this method for every private move to avoid chaos.

How do I protect clothing compactly during a move?

Clothing is excellent as filling material and can also be stored compactly in vacuum bags. This reduces the volume considerably and protects delicate textiles from dust and moisture. This method is particularly suitable for long-distance moves , where every cubic metre counts. Our team will advise you on further space-saving techniques.

What should I do with bulky items when packing?

Bulky items such as lamps or picture frames should be transported separately and well padded to avoid damage. If possible, dismantle pieces of furniture to save space in the transport vehicle. Our team supports you with dismantling as part of the private move . That way the move stays efficient and safe.

How do I avoid moving boxes that are too heavy?

Make sure you distribute heavy items such as books evenly across several small moving boxes instead of collecting them in one large box. A box should weigh no more than 20 kg to spare backs and boxes. That way transport stays safe and comfortable for everyone involved. We will gladly advise you on the ideal amounts to pack.

Can I rent moving boxes from the moving company?

Yes, many moving companies offer sturdy rental boxes that are collected again after the move – a sustainable solution that needs no storage space after the move. Whether boxes are rented, bought or included in the quote is something we clarify during the survey and state in the fixed-price quote. Our team will gladly advise you on all the details.

How do I plan a long-distance move to save space?

With a long-distance move , packing to save space is particularly important, as every additional cubic metre increases the transport costs. Use small boxes for heavy items and larger ones for light, voluminous items. An early inventory list helps you sort out unnecessary items. Our team will gladly support you with the optimal planning of your long-distance move.

Which packing materials save additional space?

Vacuum bags for textiles and stackable plastic boxes are ideal for saving additional space and keeping track of things. Reusable packing blankets also protect furniture without taking up much volume. These materials are particularly suitable for private moves where space is limited. We will gladly advise you on suitable packing solutions for your move.

SAVE SPACE

Filling moving boxes to save space

Q: How do I fill moving boxes to save the most space?

It is best to sort items by size and weight and use hollow spaces in pots or shoes for small items. Heavy items belong in small boxes, light ones in larger boxes. That way the moving box stays stable and the available space is used to the full. Our team gives you individual packing tips for every private move .

How to pack moving boxes compactly and sturdily – with the right box size and the gaps filled.

Get a quote

Our services

Customer service01625978461

Google · 119 reviews

(5,0/5)

Monday – Friday09:00 – 17:00 Uhr

Red box van on a paved square in front of trees

FILLING BOXES PROPERLY

Packing tips

Packing to save space: how to fit more into every moving box

Not a centimetre wasted

Unsere Firma Packing to save space means: the right box size, no air gaps, heavy things at the bottom – and boxes you can still carry.

If you want to fill moving boxes to save space, you should first pay attention to the right box size. Small and medium boxes are suitable for heavy items such as books, while large boxes are reserved for light, bulky items such as bed linen or pillows. By sorting systematically by room and weight, the available storage space can be used to the full. That way you not only save space in the removal van, but also hard cash on a long-distance move.

Another trick is to make use of hollow spaces: socks, cables or small decorative items fit perfectly into pots, jars or shoes. Packing in layers with towels or clothing in between also protects delicate items and saves additional packing material. If you are unsure, our team can advise you on 01625978461. Our private move experts will show you how to make the best use of every centimetre.

Sofa wrapped in stretch film, cushions and stacked moving boxes in an empty flat

50,-DISCOUNT

PACKING HELP

PERSONAL ADVICE

Fewer boxes, a smaller lorry

Fixed price after a survey, without hidden costs

If you pack to save space, you need fewer boxes and often less cargo space. After the survey we give you a fixed price that already includes volume and services. On request we do the packing for you or give you tips on how to fill every box well yourself. Call us on 01625978461 for no-obligation advice.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

Two movers in red T-shirts lift a film-wrapped piece of furniture into a lorry

SAVING VOLUME

Why well-filled boxes save money

Volume is the biggest price factor

The volume of your belongings determines how big the lorry needs to be and how long the carrying takes. Half-empty boxes waste space, overfilled ones tear or are too heavy. Well-packed moving boxes, on the other hand, can be stacked securely and save trips and time. During the survey we estimate the number of boxes, quote a fixed price and do the packing ourselves on request; your belongings are covered under the German Commercial Code (HGB). Whether it is a private move or a long-distance move – we come from Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel nationwide.

Packing service

We pack with a system: heavy things at the bottom, gaps filled, weight within limits. That way every box stays stackable and carriable.

The right box sizes

Book boxes for heavy items, large boxes for bed linen and pillows: with the right mix, the cargo space can be used much better than with just one size.

Padding material

Packing paper, blankets and bubble wrap fill gaps and protect at the same time. Using towels and clothing as padding saves additional material.

Dismantling furniture

Dismantled wardrobes, beds and tables take up only a fraction of the space in the lorry. We dismantle and reassemble at the destination – a big gain in cargo space.

PACKING RULES

Six rules for full, stable boxes

Saving space and transporting safely are not contradictory. With these rules, every moving box is full, stable and still easy to carry.

Heavy goes small

Books, tools and crockery belong in small boxes. Large boxes with heavy contents tear or become too heavy to carry.

Light goes large

Bed linen, pillows, lampshades and cuddly toys fill large boxes without making them too heavy – ideal for the top of the stack.

Fill the gaps

Pots, vases and shoes are small boxes within the box: socks, cables or spices fit inside and so do not need any space of their own.

Around 20 kg maximum

A box should not weigh more than about 20 kg. Otherwise backs and box bottoms suffer, and carrying over several floors takes longer.

Full to the top

Half-empty boxes buckle in the stack. Fill the last bit with towels or paper until the lid can just close flat.

Vacuum for textiles

Winter jackets and duvets shrink to a fraction of their volume in vacuum bags – particularly handy when every cubic metre counts on a long-distance move.

SMALL VOLUME

Packed compactly for a part load

The smaller the volume, the cheaper

With a part load (Beiladung) you only pay for the cargo space your belongings actually need. Boxes packed to save space are reflected directly in the price here – especially for smaller moves or individual pieces of furniture. Dismantled furniture saves additional space.

Open cargo space of a red lorry with wrapped furniture, panels and boxes

ALL ABOUT PACKING

Saving
space from the kitchen to the wardrobe

Room by room

Besides packing to save space, there are many other aspects that make a move a success: from labelling the boxes correctly to dismantling furniture cleverly. Choosing the right transport vehicle also plays a decisive role in cost efficiency. If you find out about things early, you avoid stress and unnecessary expense on moving day. In our other guides you will find numerous tips on your private move and long-distance move.

Kitchen and books

Plates on edge, glasses in pots, books flat in small boxes: the kitchen and study are where it is decided whether the box stays stable. This applies to a private move just as much as to a senior move or student move.

Clothing and textiles

Clothing serves as padding, duvets go into vacuum bags, hanging items into wardrobe boxes. With a packing service, careful furniture transport and a small transport for individual items, the cargo space stays small.

Furniture and bulky items

Dismantled furniture, screws in a labelled bag and lamps well padded: this is where the volume shrinks most. It saves space with an office move, company move, part load or furniture taxi too.

Mover in red workwear pushing a sack truck with a box towards a stack of boxes

MoabitBased at Stromstraße 21

Google 5.0 (119 reviews)

Two movers in dungarees carry moving boxes through a bright flat

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about packing to save space

Answers on box sizes, weight, fragile items, clothing and rental boxes.

It is best to sort items by size and weight and use hollow spaces in pots or shoes for small items. Heavy items belong in small boxes, light ones in larger boxes. That way the moving box stays stable and the available space is used to the full. Our team gives you individual packing tips for every private move.

Choosing the right box size

The first step in packing to save space is choosing the right box size. Heavy items such as books or tools belong in small, sturdy boxes so that they do not become too heavy and remain easy to carry. Light but voluminous items such as bed linen or pillows, on the other hand, fit perfectly into larger boxes.

With this division you not only use the space available in the removal van more efficiently, but also reduce the risk of injury when carrying. Our team will gladly advise you on which box sizes are best suited to your individual private move.

Making clever use of hollow spaces

Many people underestimate how much storage space there is in hollow spaces such as pots, jars or shoes. Small items such as cables, jewellery or cosmetics can be stowed here to save space, without needing additional packing material.

Clothing is also excellent as padding for delicate items and saves space at the same time. That way every moving box is used to the full and the whole move is organised more efficiently.

What a move costs depending on the size of the flat

Size of flat	Price
One-room flat	from €359
Two-room flat	from €599
Three-room flat	from €915
Four-room flat	from €1,299
House/villa	individual quote
Long-distance move	from €3.80/km

Would you like to know exactly what your move will cost? Arrange a free survey.

Why the volume determines the price

The moving price depends on the volume, the distance (from €3.80/km) and structural factors such as floor and lift. A parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone) may also be needed. Make use of our furniture assembly or a part load as well.

Services that save volume and time

These services help keep the cargo space small and moving day short.

Move with assembly: dismantled furniture needs less space.
Part load: pay only for the cargo space you use.
Private move: with a packing service on request.
House clearance: whatever does not travel needs no box.
Furniture transport: individual pieces safely packed.
Company move: files and equipment loaded to save space.

Packing to save space for a move to another city

Over long distances, every cubic metre affects the price. We come from Berlin and travel nationwide; you can find destinations in the locations overview, and more on long routes under Long-distance moves.

Packing & Packaging

Beste Umzug Redaktion

August 29, 2026

Back to Blog

Packing & Packaging Packing Moving Tips