It's stressful enough to move without having to worry that your boxes will fall apart and damage your things. It's important to know how to pack boxes that can handle the stresses of a move so that your move goes more smoothly and safely. Here's how to keep your boxes strong all the way through.
1. Why moving boxes fall apart: common mistakes
Moving boxes can surprisingly easily fall apart when you're busy moving. Overfilling boxes is the most common reason. This makes them bulge and put stress on the seams. But filling boxes too little is just as dangerous because empty spaces can make the box collapse when stacked. Using boxes that are weak, thin, or old and have already been damaged or gotten wet will also make them weaker. Also, don't forget how important it is to secure the boxes correctly. Not reinforcing seams and corners with strong packing tape is another common mistake that can lead to disaster.
2. Picking the Right Type and Strength of Cardboard Box
Picking the right boxes is the most important part of a successful move. Some cardboard moving boxes are just too weak for the job. For the best results, look for moving boxes that are heavy-duty and have a strength rating of at least 32 ECT (Edge Crush Test). These are made to handle heavier loads and stacking in particular. Before using a box, always check it out. Don't use any that are soft, torn, or have been wet. Buying new or gently used, strong cardboard moving boxes is a good idea because they will keep your things safe.
3. How to use tape to make the bottoms of boxes stronger
Even the strongest box needs extra support to keep it from falling apart. Before you start packing, turn the box upside down and use high-quality packing tape that is at least two inches wide to hold the bottom in place. Put at least two strips of tape along the seam and up the sides for extra strength. Adding a strip that runs perpendicular to the seam is a very effective way to H-tape. Make sure to tape all the corners and edges, because these are weak spots. Taping your boxes correctly is an easy step that makes a big difference in how well they hold up.
4. How to pack heavy and light things the right way
The way you pack your things is just as important as the boxes themselves. Always put heavy things like books, dishes, or tools in small boxes. This keeps the weight down and stops the box from bending. You can safely fill bigger boxes with lighter things like clothes, linens, or toys. Put the heavier things at the bottom of each box and the lighter things at the top. Don't put too much weight in any box, because that's the fastest way to make the bottom break. Packing carefully keeps boxes strong and protects your things.
5. Adding dividers, inserts, and cushioning for extra strength
Add internal supports to your boxes to make them stronger and protect your things even more. Cardboard dividers are great for keeping fragile or heavy things apart, and they also help spread the weight out more evenly. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or even towels to fill in any empty spaces. This will keep things from moving around while they are being shipped. If you have very fragile or valuable things, think about using foam inserts or custom supports. These extra steps help keep the box's shape and protect your things from bumps and shocks on the day of the move.
6. How to safely stack and load boxes in a moving truck
The last thing you need to do is safely stack and load your boxes into the moving truck. Start by putting the strongest and heaviest boxes on the bottom to make a stable base. Don't stack more than three or four boxes high because too much stacking makes it more likely that they will fall. Spread the weight out evenly across the truck's floor so that no one spot gets too much pressure. To keep boxes from moving around while you're driving, fill in the spaces with soft things like pillows or blankets. If you stack and load your boxes carefully, they will arrive at your new home in the same condition they left.
You can avoid the trouble and heartache of collapsed cardboard moving boxes by taking the time to choose the right boxes, reinforce and pack them carefully, and load them correctly. If you pay a little more attention now, you'll save time, effort, and worry during your move, which will help your things get to your new home safely.
