Boxes For Moving: Defining Your Choices

By Monica Alberts

At some point in life, most people move. Whether it is a simple move down the street or clear across the country, we depend on boxes to help get our things there safely. Boxes for moving seem simple and are easily taken for granted, but without them, the moving process would be almost too daunting to be worth the reward.

So, how does one go about picking just the right boxes? Which type of cardboard box is right for you is dependent upon the size and weight of the item you wish to entrust to its care.

Up until this point, you may not have even thought about what wide variety of boxes exist. In fact, there are many different types and sizes of moving containers available. The term cardboard is often avoided by those in the industry of containers, because the term itself does not really refer to any specific martial. That being said, the material that the general, lay-person refers to as cardboard is actually corrugated board.

The different types of corrugated board include single wall, or c flute, cardboard. By far, this is the most common type of moving container type used, comprising 90% of all cardboard manufactured. This single wall corrugated board can be rated to withstand anywhere from 175 to 350 pounds. Most people don't care to handle boxes that way over around 50 pounds, so for most purposes, these boxes are more than sufficient for our needs.

While in the moving process, you do come across an item that is over 200 pounds, you may be well advised to bump up to the next type of corrugated box, the double-wall, or c+f flute, type. In addition to the added security to your heavy items, these types of boxes also have inherently increased padding, which can more safely transport any delicate items, as well. This type of container would be excellent for kitchenware, such as glassware, dishes, and other heavy, though breakable, items.

The third type of boxes for moving is comprised of seven layers of paper and two boards, referred to as triple-wall corrugated board. Generally speaking, the average person will not require the use of these boxes, and very few manufacturers even offer them. Nonetheless, if you do have to move extra-heavy or bulk items, this is the type of box you would use. If you do happen to get some of these boxes, they are excellent for stacking heavy items, since they will not loose their shape easily.

Beyond the type of cardboard box required, the other factors to consider are move-ability and stack-ability. Be sure to be realistic about your own capabilities. Are you going to use a dolly to move these items? Are there are a lot of stairs you will need to go up or down? Will it be necessary to stack these boxes for any length of time? Small boxes may be easy to move around, but when stacked to any height often have a problem of leaning and falling.

Keeping all these factors in mind will help you be prepared for your next move. Boxes for moving are not all the same, and determining which ones are right for you and your items will not only keep your possessions safe, but will keep you safe while moving them, too. Remember a lot of small items in a large, convenient box nearby can quickly become an unmovable hazard. - 30331

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