Is Buying Moving Boxes Really Necessary?
Most of us own at least a few possessions that we place great value on. Sometimes we can be fairly accused of protecting our valuables a bit too much. There are plenty of examples to illustrate this. Think about the guy who buys an expensive sports car. He doesn’t want anyone to touch it, especially after he cleans it, and will completely lose it if he finds a scratch or mark on the vehicle. Anyone who collects items will likely to go extremes to make sure they stay in mint condition.
When a person moves to another location, you would think that they would do absolutely everything in their power to make sure their items stay safe. Suprisingly, this is not always the case. How many really take the time to get the right boxes and pack their items the right way? It’s amazing how some really value their items, but are almost careless with them when moving.
More durable items such as books, magazines, blankets, sheets, and so on aren’t prone to damage, and packing them in less sturdy moving boxes isn’t the end of the world. But those belongings we aren’t as concerned about. They can be replaced rather cheaply if necessary.
Not just any old box will do however when packing unique belongings such as paintings, dishes, glassware, computers, instruments, lamps, flat screen TVs, and so on. These items in particular are either very costly to replace, or difficult to find. Let’s say that you own a piece of artwork, and only three of them exist in the entire world. If something should happen to it, not only would you lose a lot of money, but it would be almost impossible to replace.
Fortunately, we can buy moving boxes that are created specifically for unique belongings that either don’t fit into traditional boxes, or require added protection. Computers, lamps, flat screen TVs, and artwork are examples that need more protection and a box size that can accommodate their shape.
While boxes are important, packing materials are as well. The box will protect from outside forces, but items will shift inside. Packing paper, bubble wrap, and styrofoam popcorn will keep items from moving around and breaking.
Read More: File Moving Boxes, Types of Moving Boxes
How To Protect Fragile Belongings While Moving
When moving to a new area, one concern that almost everyone has is their belongings getting damaged. Many of our items, such as books, bedding, furniture, pots, pans, and clothing are sturdy. We don’t have to worry too much anything happening to them. However, there are always those few, precious belongings that we can’t afford to have anything happen to. Whether they have sentimental value or have a high price tag, replacing them could be virtually impossible or cost us quite a bit of money.
Maybe you own a piece of artwork that is highly unique and valuable. Or, you have precious china that was a highly expensive purchase. Or you own first class dishes and glasses that are no longer even around anymore. Regardless, almost everyone owns a value item(s) that mean something to them, but are a bit fragile too. No one wants these belongings in particular to get damaged while being transported to the new location. So how exactly do you go about making sure they arrive safely at your new location?
First and foremost, you have to get the right moving boxes. Standard moving boxes will not be enough, especially ones that have been already used. These boxes are not strong enough to adequately protect fragile items.
Instead, what you need are boxes that are designed specially for that item. Coincidentally, these boxes are known as specialty boxes. So if you have a expensive painting that needs protected, you’re in luck - there are art moving boxes available in different sizes to accommodate your painting. Specialty boxes can be purchased for other items including computers, lamps, mirrors, flat screen TV’s, glasses, dishes, and guitars.
These boxes have a shape the fits the item perfectly, plus they have double walls. Many times, they resemble the original box that the item came in. For example, a flat screen TV originally comes in a box that has a very similar shape. A specialty moving box for this item is pretty much the same. So if you still have original boxes on hand, then you won’t even need to buy new ones.
If the box doesn’t already have “fragile” marked on them, then take a marker and identify it as such. It doesn’t hurt either to note “this side up”, though once again this may already be indicated. This way, the movers know exactly how to handle it. Boxes that have hand holes on the side are beneficial because movers can get a better grasp on them, which increases the chances of it noy being dropped.
Read More: Dish Pack Moving Boxes, Computer Moving Boxes, Where To Get Moving Boxes
Points To Ponder Whenever You Need Moving Boxes
One thing about moving boxes is that they will never stop being one of the integral aspects of moving. May it be to another office or to another apartment; moving boxes are always going to be useful. However, even though it is very useful, that doesn’t mean that you should not pay close attention to the boxes that you are buying just because you badly need moving boxes. You can refer to the guidelines below if you want to buy the appropriate moving boxes.
It doesn’t mean that just because you need moving boxes, you have to buy new ones. You can ask your friends and family if they have a few boxes that they can give to you. Since there is a high chance that you’ll be able to get boxes from them, you can avoid having to get new ones.
Another option that you have is putting up an online ad on Craigslist and other websites. Don’t lose hope once your friends and family can’t help you out.
Once you’re received boxes, inspect them. There is a high possibility that these boxes have already been utilized, which is the reason why inspection for integrity issues should be done.
The sizes of the boxes should also be assessed. You should make use of the boxes that are the most appropriately-sized. You should think twice before accepting what other people give.
If having boxes from friends and family is not enough or you simply need higher quality, then you might to buy cardboard moving boxes in packages. What these packages can offer are boxes that are not that expensive. There is no such thing as having too many boxes. Also, there are custom moving boxes that you might find useful. Once you make use of these boxes, your need for specific sized boxes will be met.
See Also: Where To Get Moving Boxes, Where To Buy Cheap Moving Boxes
Boxes For Moving Home
Nothing that seems so simple but can be as stressful as moving house and all those moving boxes you need. This is especially true when you are moving. But before you even get to the moving part you must first find them. Some people don’t spend money on moving boxes. Most large grocery stores and shopping centers (Such as Wal-Mart and Costco) are more than happy to give you lots of empty boxes. Calling ahead to management is the wisest way to do that. That way, they can actually put some aside for you.
After filling your van with all the empty boxes you need, you then need to determine what is going to go in where. For example, for heavy items like books and electronics, you’ll want to use a thick and sturdy box. For more fragile items such as jewelry, pictures, and paintings, you’ll want to use a smaller box with plastic or paper filling to protect it.
For bigger boxes, is always best to find them with sturdy bottoms. They make great moving boxes and they come in different sizes. Make sure there’s plenty of markers for and packing tape for labeling. Now you arrive home with boxes, markers, and packing tape in hand. Let’s start packing.
Get organized, planning your packing will make things much easier for you.. It’s suggested that you assign each room its own boxes. So, for example, the bathroom will have its own set of boxes. Label each of the bedrooms boxes individually.. The less it’s packed the easier and less stressful it is. Plan your packing so unpacking is faster.. Once things are organized by rooms it is necessary to pack only what’s essential.
It is extremely important to label boxes and categorize them. It is very useful as well to pack a separate box for the most necessary personal things as well as kitchen and bathroom items that are needed right way. Perishable items can be put in open boxes to throw away or give away. When you pack up your house, it’s a good time to get rid of any unwanted items..
When you are finished moving house it’s a good idea to take the boxes down to your local cardboard packaging recycling station.
Differences Between Moving Boxes And Other Boxes
Moving Box Question:
Is there anything special about moving boxes vs. any other kind of boxes?
Moving Box Answer:
Yes. There are two main differences between moving boxes and many other boxes:
1. Moving boxes are designed and manufacturerd to be much sturdier than an ordinary cardboard box. Cardboard boxes are usually measured using two different scales: one is called the ECT, or Edge Crush Test, and the other is called the Burst Strength test. ECT is a measurement of how well boxes will hold their form and measures the degree to which a box will hold its form and how well the boxes can be stacked one upon another. Under stress, the Burst Strength Test, or BST, identifies how well the box will hold together. What separates moving boxes from others is that they usually carry a higher score on the ECT scale (meaning a score of 32 or higher) and the Burst Strength Test (a value of 200 pounds or higher), demonstrating that they are better alternatives for the demands of a household move. Therefore, moving boxes can carry a heavier weight load (about 65 pounds) while resisting crushing or tearing.
2. Moving boxes come in specific designs to help solve specific problems associated with moving:
· Wardrobe boxes. These tall, deep boxes with built-in bars for hangers are ideal for transporting clothes from closets without causing damage or wrinkling. They are also extremely easy to use. In most cases, you can lift clothes straight from your closet hanger bar directly onto the hanger bar of the wardrobe box. Tip: You can use the bottom section of wardrobe boxes to transport shoes, which will cut down on the total number of boxes you’ll need. Recommendation: We recommend these boxes.
· Dish packs. These "cell boxes" use internal dividers to separate and protect dishes and glassware. They play an important role of keeping things for the kitchen organized. Tip: Dishes should be packed on their edges, as if they were in a dish drying rack, and stemware should be packed standing up, not on its sides. Recommendation: These boxes are very helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
· File boxes. Designed specifically for transporting papers in file folders, these boxes often come with interlocking tops. Tip: You might wonder why you would need file boxes if you already have your files neatly stored in your file cabinets. The main reason is that files are incredibly heavy, and that file cabinets were never designed to be moved with files inside them. This weight and instability can lead to real moving crises, where file cabinets can spill their contents and/or break apart. Even if the cabinets and files survive intact, the people who move them can end up with serious injuries. Recommendation: We strongly recommend file boxes.
· Picture frame boxes. Designed to protect and transport large pictures and mirrors during your move, these boxes are often quite long, wide and flat. And other than trying to flatten other boxes and tape them together, they are one of very few options available. Tip: It’s tempting to try to put multiple pictures together in the same box; however, they often get scratched or damaged if your do. Recommendation: We recommend picture frame boxes.
These two differences separate moving boxes from most other boxes. You should keep your eyes open for the specialty moving boxes, and check the bottom box stamps to see that they meet the standards for strength. These steps should prepare you well for your move.
For more FREE moving tips, articles and advice, please visit the following resources:
- Moving checklist: The Ultimate Free Moving Checklist
- Tips on moving: 101 Best Moving Tips
- Finding great movers and moving companies