How to Use Cardboard Boxes for Your Move

DixieMovingBlog

Do you want to pack cardboard boxes like a pro? Before you fill the first box, take a look at the simple steps that can reduce damage risks and make the packing process easier for everyone in your home.

Choose the Right Boxes

You need to find the right box for your packing needs. Even though all cardboard boxes may seem similar, you need to consider:

  • The size of the items. The larger the item or items you need to pack, the larger the cardboard box you need. Cardboard boxes range in size from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to large enough to accommodate a refrigerator or other major appliance.
  • Fragile items. Do you need to move breakables? A thicker or corrugated box may provide extra padding.
  • Special items. Gowns, suits, and other similar items may require special handling during your move. A specialized box, such as wardrobe box, can accommodate this type of need.
  • The weight of the items. While cardboard is a sturdy material, it won’t hold heavy weights well. If you have several heavy items to move, you may need to split them between several cardboard boxes or choose heavy-weight plastic bins.

After you choose the right cardboard boxes for your move, take the next step and plan to pack.

Create a Packing Plan

Organize your move into an easy, efficient process. Instead of filling boxes with everything in sight, create a packing plan. Not only can a plan help you to organize your move, but it can reduce packing time and may even help you save money. With a plan in place, you’ll know how many boxes and other packing materials you need to buy.

This plan may include:

  • The number of boxes. How many boxes will you need for your move? Review everything you’ll pack in cardboard. Estimate the box number need based on the quantity of items, sizes, and weights.
  • Extra packing material. While the cardboard box will protect your items as you travel from one home to another, you may need additional materials to keep everything inside safe. These materials could include bubble wrap, newsprint, towels, or cushions.
  • The packing order. Along with materials, you also need to plan a packing order. What will go into the cardboard boxes, and when will you pack each item? Out-of-season items or anything you don’t use regularly can go into boxes sooner than daily use picks.

Now that you have a plan you can pack. Inventory everything in your home on a piece of paper, app, or spreadsheet. As you pack, label each box with the contents and check off your inventory.

Pack the Cardboard Boxes

Before you pack, you need to set up each box correctly. If the boxes are flat, you need to fold each one tightly. Avoid gaps or large borders between pieces of flaps. Gaps can weaken the box and cause a mid-move failure. Tape the bottoms of the boxes for added security. Cover each seam with strong packing tape. Add another tape layer at the edges, where the end and sides touch.

With the boxes folded, you can:

  • Wrap breakables. Again, cardboard can protect your items. But you also need to wrap breakables in towels, newsprint, or bubble wrap.
  • Pack tightly. While you don’t want to overfill cardboard boxes (this can stretch or split the board), you do want a snug fit. This prevents items from sliding inside.
  • Tape the tops. After everything is in the box, tape the top tightly and label the outside.

If you have clothing to pack, either fold the items first or hang them in a wardrobe box. A wardrobe box is a cardboard container that looks like a movable closet. This option allows you to move delicate clothing, minus damage or wrinkles.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Dixie Moving & Storage, Inc., for more information.