When it is time to make a big move, the first thing that may come to mind is boxes! Where do you get the boxes? How many boxes do you need? Are there different kinds of boxes? Which items work better in which box? Are you going to be swallowed alive by all these massive stacks of boxes? Which box did you put that important item in?
Obtaining Boxes
If you are looking for free, the most popular place to look is grocery stores. You may also have good luck at office supply stores, bookstores, package stores, bars, and restaurants. Check online neighborhood, trade, or garage sale type groups in your local area. Many times people post moving boxes that can be picked up for free. And don’t forget to look at your local recycling center. Another option is to purchase moving boxes that will allow you to select the perfect boxes for your unique situation.
Types of Boxes
Small, medium, large, and extra-large boxes - Your typical square moving box comes in various sizes. The trick is to keep each box under around a 40lb limit whenever possible. This means packing heavier items in as small of a box as they will fit into. Place the heaviest item into the box first because you never want heavy items to crush items underneath it or cause your box to become top-heavy. You also want to choose a box size that will allow you to pack it as tightly as possible. Extra space in boxes can cause them to collapse. You can always fill any leftover space with lightweight items such as packing paper, extra towels, or blankets.
Kitchen Dish Boxes - Extra-strong or heavy-duty constructed boxes are ideal for packing and protecting dishware, glasses, china, and other breakables. Be sure you have something that won’t buckle under the weight or collapse.
Wardrobe Boxes - This is the one type of box we would recommend you purchase if you can’t find them elsewhere – they are sanity savers! You can take clothes from the closet to the wardrobe box then back to the closet, never leaving the hanger.
Frame Boxes - These boxes are ideal for large picture frames, paintings, mirrors. Typically, each heavy-duty frame box should handle two or three paintings, pictures, or mirrors.
TV Box Kit - When moving televisions, most people loosely pack them into their moving trucks or rental containers. This heightens the chance of the TV falling over and cracking or shifting during transportation. A heavy-duty TV box kit will protect your televisions from unwanted shifting.
File Boxes - Use record storage file boxes to pack and secure important papers and other documents. An attached lid makes file boxes easy to access over and over. With a file box, you can organize important documents that you may need before, during, and immediately after your relocation into one place. This list includes financial documents, property-related documents, insurance, moving paperwork, and even school and health records.
1-800-PACK-RAT wants to make your upcoming move as simple as possible, which is why we now offer moving supplies to our customers. Simply order whatever you'll need, and we'll have it shipped directly to your door. We can provide everything from packing boxes to furniture moving pads to plastic furniture wrap. We even offer custom moving kits that are perfect for our 16-, 12-, and 8-foot containers. Our goal is to be a one-stop-shop for all of your local and long-distance moving needs as well as your storage requirements. Call us today or continue checking us out online to see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!