Whether you’re shipping your belongings to a new apartment or storing them in a self-storage unit, you’ll need to pack them in a box. But what kind of box? Cardboard boxes come in all shapes and sizes but aren’t all created equal.
Some are sturdy enough to hold heavy items without folding or ripping; others will cave under pressure. To help you choose the right box for your needs, we’ve put together this handy list of tips for finding heavy duty cardboard boxes:
Choose a Box With a Sturdy Bottom.
Sturdy cardboard is not the same as thick cardboard. Sturdy means that the box can hold heavy contents without crushing or folding, even when you stack it on top of other boxes. Choose a box with reinforced edges and corners if you have heavy items to ship. This kind of box will be more expensive than standard boxes, but it’s worth it if your package needs to be strong enough to withstand rough handling during shipping.
Your packaging boxes for shipping materials should be able to support the weight of their contents without crushing them or putting undue pressure on them during transport (or storage). If using corrugated cardboard isn’t an option for some reason (for example, because it won’t fit in your printer), consider buying rolls instead of sheets so that all sides are reinforced rather than just two sides, as is common with sheets from stores
Pick the Right Kind of Cardboard.
When shopping for cardboard boxes, you’ll be confronted with several different options: size, shape, material, and thickness. You’ll also want to consider color and finish. The dimensions of your box will depend on the type of product you’re shipping. If you have a large item to ship (such as a mattress or appliance), then a heavy-duty corrugated box is best because it can support more weight than regular cardboard boxes. You might also want to consider whether or not you need folding flaps on all four sides of your box; these are especially useful if something fragile inside could get damaged during transit.
Add Cushioning.
- Add cushioning. Box and bubble wrap are important for shipping. If you’re shipping a small and lightweight item that’s not fragile, use bubble wrap or foam peanuts to pad your box from all sides. This is especially important for taller boxes, which also require more packing materials on the top and bottom of the box. For example, if you’re shipping a 10x10x4″ package in an 8x8x4″ cardboard box with padding on all sides, add 2 inches of material on each side of your package so that it can be safely contained inside the larger outer box.
- Check for cracks and leaks. While most manufacturers will give you a warranty against defects in their packaging materials, this doesn’t mean that every single piece will be perfect on arrival! Double-check each box before sealing your shipment, so there aren’t any obvious signs of damage (cracks along seams or corners) or leaks (water marks near openings).
Tape Wisely.
Taping is a crucial part of box-making, and it’s important to use the right kind.
The tape should be strong enough to hold the box together but not so strong that it will take forever to remove. The best way to accomplish this is by using packing tape or duct tape. Both are easy to tear by hand and don’t require scissors or knives—which means no sharp edges!
You also want your packaging materials to be durable enough, so they don’t rip under pressure but not too thick that they’re hard for you or your customers (or their employees) to open up later on in the process.
In addition, boxes for mailing packages should be sturdy enough to protect their contents. This means you’ll want to avoid too thin or flimsy cardboard, which can lead to more breakage and damage during transit.
Secure the Contents.
You can secure your contents by using tape. For this method, it is important that the box is the right size for its contents. If you use a box that is too small for its contents, you will have to fold them up and jam them into the box. This is not ideal because it creates more pressure on top of your items, making them more likely to get crushed during shipping or storage.
If possible, choose a box with tall sides to accommodate all of your items without folding or bending them. If this isn’t an option, then there’s another option: make sure that the top flaps overlap with each other, so they form a roof overtop your item. This way, when things are stacked on top of each other in transit or storage, they won’t crush down onto each other as easily
Take Precautions During Storage and Shipping.
As you pack up your belongings for storage, shipping, or moving, take some time to protect your boxes from the elements. Moisture, humidity, and heat can cause the cardboard to warp and break down over time. Cold temperatures can do the same thing — as well as freeze water inside a box that could rupture when exposed to warmer temperatures later on. Insects love cardboard too! They will chew through it quickly if given access.
Rodents are another problem — they like gnawing on cardboard because they need calcium for their teeth (not just because they love eating egg cartons). Moving boxes make an attractive nesting spot for animals like mice or rats—so ensure that none of those critters have access before sealing up your boxes with tape or staples!
Final Words
Cardboard boxes are essential to any business; the best ones are sturdy enough for various uses. They’re also affordable: it doesn’t cost much to buy a box in bulk or even just a few packs at once from a shipping supply company. However, it can be hard to get exactly what you need when your budget is tight—especially if you’re not sure what features make each type differs from one another!