--- title: How to Pack a Moving Box in Three Layers url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-moving-box/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack a moving box properly # How to pack a moving box Pack a box in three layers, heaviest on the bottom, medium in the middle and lightest on top, then seal and label it in six steps. A box that follows the three layers stays stable on the truck and is safe to lift. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Six steps to pack one box - Build the base. Fold the flaps, tape the bottom seam, then add a second strip across the seam for strength. - Line the bottom. Add a layer of crushed paper or a folded towel so the heaviest items have cushioning. - Pack heavy first. Put books, tools and canned goods in the bottom third, and use a small box if the contents are dense. - Add medium, then light. Place medium items in the middle and clothing, linens and soft goods on top. - Fill every gap. Push paper or towels into the corners until nothing moves when you tilt the box slightly. - Seal and label. Close the flaps, tape across the seam and both edges, then write the room and a short list on two sides and the top. Good packing is mostly about weight and gaps. Heavy items belong in small boxes, and light items fill the large ones. Any space left inside is where things shift and break, so the last step before closing is always to fill it. ## Choose the right size Small boxes carry heavy items such as books and tools; medium boxes carry kitchen and household goods; large boxes are for light, bulky things like pillows. A large box packed with heavy items becomes too heavy to lift and tends to burst at the bottom. O'Brien's gives 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep, with a free in-home estimate. Further cartons and supplies are sold at the Sparks office; see [moving boxes and supplies](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/). ## Why paper and towels beat air Crushed paper moves less than bubbles of air and costs very little. Towels, linens and clothing also work as padding, which saves boxes and keeps soft items out of the closet pile. The aim is simple: when you shake the box gently, you should feel it as one block. ## Labelling that helps on arrival Write the destination room in large letters on the side, not just the top, because boxes stack. Add a one-line summary such as kitchen, glasses. Mark fragile boxes on every side. Read more in [how to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/). ## When to leave it to the crew Some items are quicker and safer in the hands of a packing crew: china, mirrors, artwork and electronics. O'Brien's offers full packing, partial packing, and box packing only. See [professional packing](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) and [how to pack for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-for-a-move/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [USPS, Moving Checklist and Mover's Guide](https://moversguide.usps.com/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-for-a-move/) - [Moving boxes and packing supplies at our Sparks counter](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/) - [Professional packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) - [How to take apart a bed frame for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/) - [How to move a couch](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-couch/) - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) - [How to move a treadmill and exercise equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-treadmill/) - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How heavy should a moving box be? Light enough that you can lift it comfortably without strain. If you cannot, repack the contents into two boxes. ### Can I reuse boxes? Yes, if the corners and bottoms are sound. A crushed or damp box should be replaced. ### Should I tape the box both top and bottom? Yes. Tape the base seam twice and the top seam once, with extra tape on the edges. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070