The Anatomy of a Well-Packed Box

August 1st, 2008 4:32 PM

But don't despair -- this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about moving boxes, to make your move easy and stress-free.

Moving Boxes

The corrugated boxes that are used for moving are not all made with the same quality and same materials, and they are not the common standard boxes that are found in many retail stores.

While it can be tempting to use the cheapest boxes and packing supplies available, the quality of boxes and supplies you use will most likely have a big impact on keeping your items safe and secure during the move, or in a storage facility. If possible, try to choose only boxes that are specifically designed to be used for moving.

What makes moving boxes different from other boxes is that they are designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a truck. Professional moving companies use standard sizes boxes to help them plan effective use of their truck space.

Their experience helps them determine both the quantity and quality of the boxes needed to complete your move. From this initial analysis, it becomes possible for moving companies to determine how best to pack these boxes horizontally and vertically onto their trucks. If you use non-standard box sizes, the moving company will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly, but these non-standard sizes create a much greater risk that there is dead weight on the truck and that the boxes shift during the trip.

Shopping for Boxes

Planning is the first and most important step. Complete an inventory of what you have to pack in order to get an idea of the type and quantity of items you need to move. You can purchase ready-made moving kits that provide the right quantity of boxes and moving supplies for your move.

When you are shopping for moving boxes, you will see them presented with their 3 inside dimensions in the following order: length, width, and then height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 12. These numbers indicate the boxes' length, width and height, if you are looking from the top down into the box.

Moving box manufacturers have created several types of boxes, specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include:

• Medium Moving Boxes (18x14x12) - These are industry standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. You can use these boxes to store books, collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items.
• Large Moving Boxes (20x20x15) - Large sized moving boxes are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items but can still be carried easily. Medium sized moving boxes are best suited for a mix of some heavy household goods combined with some light items.
• Extra Large Moving Boxes (23x23x16) - Extra large moving boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Do not place too many items in a large moving box, because it will be difficult to lift and carry.

Securing Your Items

The most common cause of damage during a move comes from the vibration of items inside your box during transport.

If you leave space within the box, or if you do not properly wrap the items in padding and bubble wrap, an open space in the box will create the possibility of shifting items. If there is too much space, a sudden jolt can cause a sharp item to penetrate and fall out of the box, leaving such items unsecured throughout the rest of the trip.

Insist that your movers use quality packing tape, packing paper and bubble wrap. Even if you fill up boxes with clothes, blankets or pillows, it is important to secure the outside of the box as well. This small, extra investment can pay big dividends. Just a few damaged dishes or other expensive items can create an expense far exceeding the cost of the extra packing materials.

Important Moving and Packing Accessories
Other items to have on hand, along with your quality moving boxes:

• Labels
• Box Markers
• Sofa Covers
• Packing Tape
• Packing paper
• Bubble Wrap
• Furniture Pads

By Relocation.com | Published: 6/13/2008

 

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