Where to Buy Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes are one of the most useful types of boxes that you can buy for your next move. These tall, sturdy boxes come with a metal hanging bar that allows you to move clothes directly out of your closet without having to remove them from their hangers, with plenty of room underneath for packing up shoes or bulky linens or sweatshirts. And when it comes to where to buy wardrobe boxes, you’ve got quite a few good options.

Whether this is your first move or your 50th, there’s always a use for wardrobe boxes. Below, we’ll cover the considerations that you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting the right wardrobe boxes, their sizes and cost, how to assemble and pack a wardrobe box, our top picks for where to buy wardrobe boxes that fit your needs and your budget, and more. Let’s get to it.

Wardrobe Box Dimensions

All wardrobe boxes are large, but like other types of moving boxes, there are a few different varieties when it comes to size and dimensions. The exact dimensions available to you depend on where you look when it comes time to buy your boxes, since some stores offer a wide selection of wardrobe box sizes while others only offer one or two.

The different sizes of wardrobe boxes include:

Short wardrobe boxes. These have less room on the bottom for storing additional belongings, but are more compact — and thus easier to lift and carry. Average size: 20” x 20” x 34” to 24” x 24” x 34”.

Large wardrobe boxes. Large wardrobe boxes tend to be the standard size that you find in the store. In addition to the hanging bar, you’ll also have plenty of room for packing items on the bottom. Average size: 24” x 24” x 40” to 24” x 24” x 48”.

Most wardrobe boxes allow you to fit about 1.5 feet to 2 feet of hanging closet space. The biggest variant between wardrobe box sizes generally comes down to length, with boxes with more height being better suited not just to additional storage but to hanging longer items like suits and dresses.

Where to Buy Wardrobe Boxes

When it comes to where to buy wardrobe boxes, once again you’ve got a few different options. We recommend choosing your purchasing spot based on convenience, pricing, and whether or not you need additional moving or home improvement supplies — since some stores offer more variety than others. That being said, here are our top choices for where to buy wardrobe boxes.

1. Home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s

   Home improvement stores are excellent places to buy moving supplies, and that includes wardrobe boxes. You can often find wardrobe box bundles, which allows you to get a good deal on buying two or three of them at a time. You’ll also be able to pick up everything else that you need for your move at the same time, like additional moving boxes, packing tape, packing paper, and air-filled plastic padding.

   Both Lowe’s and The Home Depot make it easy to see what’s available in your nearest store online before you make a trip. It’s a good idea to take inventory at home of what you need (use our packing calculator to make it easy) and then check online to make sure it’s available and get guidance on where you’ll be able to find it.

2. Truck rental companies like U-Haul and Penske

   If you’re going to be renting a moving truck, then why not see if you can bundle in some wardrobe boxes too? Most truck rental places also sell a variety of types of moving boxes, including wardrobe boxes. Shop online or pick them up at your nearest location. You may even be able to get a discount if you pick them up in person, and you can also ask about moving kits, which include wardrobe boxes, other moving boxes, and other moving supplies — all for one set price.

3. General home stores like Target and Walmart

   If you’re already going to be shopping at Target and Walmart for necessities you need for your move and your next home, why not pick up some wardrobe boxes while you’re there? While most locations will probably offer a smaller selection than home improvement stores and rental truck companies, if you know what you’re looking for (and it’s in stock) then this might be the most convenient way to go.

4. Online retailers like Amazon

   Put that free two-day shipping to use by using Amazon to buy wardrobe boxes, or shop other online retailers to stock up without having to leave your home. When it comes to buying wardrobe boxes online though, keep in mind that you may be limited to buying more than one at a time, which is fine for most moves but not great if you’re only in need of one wardrobe box. It is, however, the most convenient option, and you can usually snag a great deal, too (just be sure to read customer reviews so you don’t buy a box that won’t hold up).

5. Your moving company

   Many nationwide moving companies sell all types of boxes plus other moving supplies. Ask your mover if they offer wardrobe boxes for sale or even rent. Your moving company should definitely be one of the first places to check — and, ideally, it will be happy to meet all of your moving needs.

   Check out our article on 25 places to find free boxes for additional insight on where you might be able to find wardrobe boxes for your next move. They’re a bit harder to come across than other types of used moving boxes, but who knows — you might get lucky!

Why Do I Need Wardrobe Boxes?

It’s simple: If you have to move clothes, especially clothes like suits or delicate garments that might snag or wrinkle, wardrobe boxes are your friend. They’re well worth the prices and only take a few minutes to assemble (more on that later).

Wardrobe boxes have hangings bars inside that allow you to move your clothes on hangers, just like they were in the closet. This can help avoid damage, dry-cleaning bills, and ironing later. Plus, depending on the size of the box, you can also put things like shoes and pillows on the bottom of the box, beneath the clothes.

And don’t forget to purge your closets before you start packing! Not sure where to start? Read our six-step guide to cleaning out your closet before the move.

How Much Do Wardrobe Boxes Cost?

Can’t find free wardrobe boxes? According to CostHelper, “If purchased separately, small boxes for heavy items run $1-$1.70, medium boxes $2.35-$2.79 and large boxes about $3. Extra large boxes for lightweight bulky items cost around $3.75.” However, specialty boxes, including wardrobe boxes, cost more, starting with an average of about $12-$15 for a 20×31-inch (LxW) and up.

Want a kit? CostHelper offers these numbers: “A moving kit for a one-bedroom apartment runs $69-$90 and includes anywhere from 14-29 boxes, one roll of 55-yard tape and a box marker. A moving kit for a two-bedroom house runs $178-$197 and contains 55-60 packing boxes, around four rolls of 55-yard tape and one marker with a box knife. A moving kit for a four-bedroom house runs $311-$404 and contains 86-119 boxes, eight rolls of tape, two markers, and box knives.”

Other Uses for Wardrobe Boxes

You can use wardrobe boxes for moving a lot more than just the clothes hanging in your closet. Consider using wardrobe boxes for moving:

• Linens
• Pillows and comforters
• Dining room chairs
• Bar stools
• Tall lamps
• Framed pictures
• Mirrors
• Yard tools like rakes and shovels

You can stack chairs on top of each other or flip stools over so their seats are on the bottom of the box to keep them secure. If packing fragile items like framed pictures or mirrors, use cushioning material to prevent breakage, and pack only one large item in each box. Padding them with your clothes is also helpful. Just be sure to label these boxes accordingly so that they are handled carefully by the movers.

Regardless of what you’re moving in wardrobe boxes, safety is key. Check on the packaging to see what the weight limit is for the box that you’re using — especially because you might be able to fit more than the box can reasonably hold.

Keep in mind your own capabilities, too. As with all boxes, you want to be careful about not loading more into your wardrobe boxes than you can safely lift and carry. Wardrobe boxes in particular can be a bit unruly to deal with since they’re so tall. Read up on how to lift a box correctly to ensure you protect yourself during your move.

Finally, one more use for the wardrobe box we can think of is storing your off-season clothes after you move.

How to Assemble a Wardrobe Box

1. To assemble the wardrobe box, first hold the box bottom side up. Fold the short flaps down first, followed by the larger flaps. Secure the cardboard flaps with packing tape.
2. Next, flip the box over so that the bottom is now on the floor and the top flaps are open at the top.
3. Secure the ends of the hanger bar inside the cutouts located on the top crease of the box. The hanger bar should pop right into these cutouts without a problem.
4. After the hanger bar is secured to the box, you can begin hanging your clothes inside the wardrobe box.

How to Pack Hanging Clothes

Not sure how to pack your hanging clothes into a wardrobe box? Read on!

1. After you build your box (see above), flip the box over and seal the bottom first, then secure the metal bar across the top part of the box. For added durability, it’s a good idea to tape the bar in place.
2. While you don’t want to overpack the box and make it too heavy to lift, you can use that extra space by filling it with shoes or other accessories, or lightweight bulky items like sweatshirts and pillows. Fill up the bottom space of the wardrobe box first and then move on to packing your hanging clothes.
3. Take items right out of your closet on their hangers and then hang them on the bar in the garment box. Wardrobe boxes are quite sturdy, so you can get away with applying a good amount of weight. (Each hanger bar should be able to hang eight or more pieces of clothing on hangers.)
4. Once you’ve finished hanging your clothes inside the box, close the two longer flaps on top. These pieces should have a cutout in the middle.
5. Next, take the two shorter flaps and bend the outside edges (these should be cut out) down.
6. As you close these flaps on top of the box, the bent pieces should fit perfectly into the middle center cutout.
7. Secure the last top piece with packing tape.

Ready to move?

To find a reliable and trustworthy moving company, check our extensive network of movers. We make it easy to compare quotes from hundreds of long-distance movers and local movers near you — free of cost. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!