When you think of cardboard boxes for moving, you might assume that a box is a box. Many DIY movers will overlook the important choice of what box to purchase and will simply use what is free or inexpensive. In this post, we want to take a look at an important component of a box, the flute, and why not all boxes are created equal.
What is a flute? A flute is the type or size of corrugation that is sandwiched between the two outer layers of cardboard boxes (see graphic below). The general rule is, the bigger the flute, the stronger the box. When you are purchasing boxes for moving, ask the company what their standards for flute structure are. Many moving kits from a big-box retailer are made with B-Flute material which is about 1/8” thick, whereas supplies such as U-Haul sells boxes that are made with C-Flute material at the least, which is about 25% thicker. Boxes with a thicker flute will hold up better when stacked, and will better protect the items inside. The thicker the flute, the more barrier or “cushion” your items will have. If you want to store items in the box for a long time, or reuse the boxes, go for the boxes with the the thicker flute!
To save some money when buying boxes for moving, consider purchasing them all in a kit with a combination of different shapes and sizes. The boxes in the kit will usually have a lower price per box, plus you will have plenty of flexibility when packing. Also, keep an eye out on Craigslist for extra boxes for moving, or check out U-Haul’s take-a-box, leave-a-box program.
What are the most important things you consider when selecting boxes for moving? Did you know what a ‘flute’ was before reading this post? Let us know below in the comment’s section.
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