Boxes

The corrugated boxes that are used for moving are not all made with the same quality and same 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 have a big impact on keeping your items safe and secure during the move.

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Moving Boxes 

If possible, try to choose only boxes that are specially designed to be used for moving. What makes moving boxes different from other boxes is that they are designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a truck. Professional Philadelphia moving companies use standard size boxes to help them plan effective use of their truck space.

Their experience helps them determine how many boxes and the type of boxes that will be needed to complete your move and then from this data they can determine how best to pack these boxes horizontally and vertically onto their trucks. If you use non-standard box sizes, the Pennsylvania moving company will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly. Non-standard sizes create a much greater risk that there will be dead weight on the truck and that the boxes may shift during the trip.

How to Shop for Moving Boxes?

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 three inside dimensions in the following order: length, width and then height or depth. For example, a standard medium moving box will be shown with the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 12, 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:

Small Boxes

1.5 cu. ft

18″ x 12″ x 12″

Small and mighty, these boxes are great for books, DVDs, video game consoles, cleaning supplies, magazines, tools, and nick-knacks.

Medium Boxes

3.0 cu. ft

18″ x 18″ x 16″

Our most versatile box, ideal for books, photo albums and toys. Absolutely perfect for kitchenware, and collectibles.

Large Boxes

4.5 cu. ft

18″ x 18″ x 24″

These are the big boys, excellent for the lighter and awkward sized stuff like pillows, blankets, towels, larger dishes, and even lamps.

Wardrobe Box

24″ x 21″ x 46″

Sure this box can hold your clothes right on their hanger, but it also transforms into a cool spaceship fort. So after you unpack, your kids can play.

We also have other boxes for more customized items from picture frame & mirror boxes to lamp cartons and dish pack boxes. Call us today to order your boxes.

How Many Boxes do you Need?

The table below will help you plan your move: 

How to Pack a Box

  1. Assemble the box, and secure the bottom seam with tape. For added reinforcement, strap the bottom of the box by applying tape perpendicular to the main seam.
  2. Pad the bottom with enough crumpled paper to form a cushion — if you press down on the paper, you should not be able to feel the bottom of the box.
  3. Stuff extra paper into corners, since they will take the brunt of the impact if a box is dropped.
  4. Wrap each item in paper, then put it in the box, leaving enough room on the sides and top for more paper padding.
  5. Don’t “underfill” boxes, or they will collapse when stacked. Small gaps can be stuffed with paper, a towel, or clothing.
  6. Tape the box shut and label it with your name, the room it belongs in, and general contents. Label the side of each carton rather than the top so that labels are visible when boxes are stacked.

Keeping Items Safe In Your Moving Boxes

The most common cause of damage during a move comes from the vibration of items inside their box during transport. If you leave space within the box or you have not properly wrapped the items in padding and bubble wrap, you will leave open space that creates movement of your items inside the box. If there is too much space, a sudden jolt could cause your items to penetrate the box and be left open or exposed in the truck for the remainder of the trip.

Insist that your movers use quality packing tape, packing paper and bubble wrap. Even if you fill up boxes with clothes, blankets or pillows, you are providing more protection against shifting of items inside the boxes. This small extra investment upfront can pay big dividends. Just a few damaged dishes or other expensive items can create an expense far exceeding the cost of the extra packing materials.

 

Other Important Moving and Packing Accessories

Other items that are important to have on hand, along with your quality moving boxes, include:

  • Labels

  • Box Markers

  • Packing Paper

  • Bubble Wrap

  • Furniture Pads

  • Packing Tape

 

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