Boxes For Moving: Which Are Right For You?

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.

How many different types of boxes exist, and how do you determine which one is right for you?

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.

Single-wall, or c flute, as it sometimes referred to, is the most common type of cardboard. Approximately 90% of moving containers manufactured are of this type, and this is usually what people are referring to when they use the term cardboard. This single wall board has been tested withstand weights between 175 through 350 pounds. Therefore, this is the appropriate box type for most moving purposes of the average person. However, it is important to note that even though the boxes are rated to support that much weight, the average person may not be able to safely handle even half of that weight.

In the case that the boxes required need to be able to withstand greater weight than the single-wall boxes afford, one can request double-wall corrugated boxes. These are tested to hold anywhere between 275 and 500 pounds. As an added bonus, these boxes are also extra padded, so not only can they house heavier items, but they can also protect the more fragile ones. These boxes are great for kitchenware, or if you end up needing to stack the boxes.

Triple-wall corrugated cardboard is the last of the three types, and are generally not necessary for the general move. They have a total of seven layers of paper, and are usually only used when moving heavy industrial items or bulk commodities.

Once you decide on the proper box types for your needs, there are still other factors to consider. Most importantly, what size of boxes you will need. Small items can quickly add up to large weights when combined, so if you will be moving these boxes by hand, keep that in mind. If you are going to use a dolly, pick boxes that you can stack safely on the dolly. If you are going to team-lift most items, sometimes it is easier to manage longer, more rectangular boxes.

Whether you plan on moving today or sometime in the future, you will most likely experience another move in your lifetime. So, becoming area of the different box types, and paying attention to the type of boxes you find most convenient to handle is good life planning. - 30331

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