A Moving Box is not just another Box

Find out what makes a moving box special and why you need these types of boxes for your move

 Moving Boxes

The corrugated boxes that are used for moving are not all made with the same quality and materials and they are not just the common standard boxes that you see in many retail stores. While it can be tempting to use the cheapest boxes and packing supplies available, the quality of boxes and supplies that you use will likely have a big impact on whether your items arrive safely and securely into a storage facility or into your new home. If possible, you should try to choose only boxes that are specially designed to be used for moving.

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What makes moving boxes different from other boxes is that they are designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a truck. Bowie Movers uses standard sizes boxes to help us plan effective use of our truck space. Our experience helps us determine how many boxes and the type of boxes that will be needed to complete your move and then from this data we can determine how best to pack these boxes horizontally and vertically onto our trucks. If you use non-standard box sizes, we will have to do our best to try to make things fit properly. These non-standard sizes create a much greater risk that there is dead weight on the truck and that the boxes shift during the trip.

 What is a Moving Box Made of?

Moving boxes are constructed out of single or double wall corrugated cardboard. The thicker the wall of the box the higher ECT (or Edge Crush Test) rating the box will have. The higher the ECT rating shown on the flap of the box, the stronger the box is and the more it can hold. As you would expect, the higher ECT rating, the more expensive the box will be as the production of the box involved a greater density of materials. Professional movers normally use moving boxes that have at least a 32 ECT rating (or 200 lb test). These ratings are standard across the box industry and provide you with comfort that the box with your household belongings is strong enough to survive the move. Boxes that have an ECT of less than 32 are not designed to be used for moving and should be avoided, if possible.

 How to Shop for Moving Boxes?

As we always recommend, planning is the most important first step. Complete an inventory of what you have to pack so you can get an idea of the type and quantity of items that you need to move. You can purchase ready made moving kits that provide the right quantity of boxes and moving supplies for your move.

 When you are shopping for moving boxes, you will see them presented with their 3 inside dimensions in the following order – their length, then their width and then their height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 18 x 16, which indicates the boxes’ length, width and height if you are looking from the top down into the box.

 Moving box manufacturers have created several types of boxes, specially designed for moving household items. Normal moving box types and sizes include: 

  • Book Boxes (18x12x12)- These small cartons are designed for heavy items, such as books, records, CD’s, and canned goods. 

  • Medium Moving Boxes (18x18x16) – These are industry standard boxes that are versatile and can be used for a number of common household items. You can use these boxes to store collectibles, kitchenware and most of your other household items. This box is designed for non-fragile and moderately heavy items, such as pots, pans, linen, folded clothes, toys, games, etc.

  • Large Moving Boxes (18x18x24) - Large sized moving boxes are all-purpose moving boxes that can be packed with heavy items, but can still be carried easily. Medium sized moving boxes are best suited for a mix of some heavy household goods combined with some light items. Also, a ll large bulky articles, very light, such as pillows, comforters, lamp shades.

  • Extra Large Moving Boxes (23x23x16) – Extra large moving boxes are best suited for light goods such as bedding, drapes, towels and clothing that you do not place in a separate wardrobe box. Do not place too many items in a large moving box as it can become unwieldy to lift and carry.

  • Legal Tote (24x16x13)- This box is specially designed for your files and folders.

  • Dish pack (18x18x28)- This box has double extra thick walls specifically designed for dishes, vases, glasses and other fragile items. You can also use cell packs separator for china or glassware with individual compartments for the items being packed. You should always wrap each corner of your item with Bubble Wrap. Depending on the value of each item, you may be able to place multiple items inside a single frame box.

  • Mirror, picture box: These narrow boxes accommodate different sized mirrors, paintings, other fragile items and flat items.

  • Wardrobe box with metal bar (24x24x48): This box is equipped with a metal bar so clothes can hang. Wardrobe boxes are a valuable time saver as they allow you to move your clothes directly from your closets right into the wardrobe box. These sturdy boxes can prevent your clothes from being wrinkled or damaged during the move. When you arrive at your new home, you can easily remove the clothes from the wardrobe boxes and place them in your new closet.

 Miscellaneous Packing Materials:

  • Tape: The most common tape used for carton sealing is a plastic tape called “PVC”.

  • Newsprint/ china paper: NEVER USE NEWSPAPERS as wrapping material. Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on items it touches and it very difficult to remove it from items such as fine china. Use “newsprint” paper as cushioning material.

  • Tissue paper . This can be used to pack up delicate or easily broken items by layering over an over again

  • Bubble wrap: This is another material used as cushioning material.

  • Styrofoam peanuts: Packing material used to protect fragile items. This material is lightweight, clean, lint-free and dustless and safe.

  • Ziploc bags. These can be used for an assortment of things including small bits and pieces you may have lying about in containers and drawers.

  • Magic Markers. You will need markers to label the boxes with the contents.

 

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