Packing a box full of your valuables for a safe journey is more than simply folding the bottom and loading your stuff in. By properly loading a box, you are able to move objects from one place to another without worry of accidents or injuries. While some people may think that loading a box shouldn’t be too difficult of a task, many of them may wind up spilling the contents on the sidewalk or damaging the contents inside.
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. Remember the Tape – Never underestimate the importance of packing tape. While folding the bottom of the box may allow it to hold some weight, putting too much in will more than likely cause it to unfold from the center spilling the contents out across the lawn. Since most people will grab a box from the bottom sides, not enough pressure is applied to the center – the point of which the fold will undo. Three overlapping trips of packing tape along the bottom will add additional support.
2. Choose the Right Size – If you’re strapped for cash, then you probably don’t have much of a choice when it comes to picking boxes. Using the right size of box for the task can save you a great deal of trouble. Put heavier objects in smaller boxes as many will tend to load up larger ones with everything they can find. This usually causes the box to be far heavier than it needs to be. It is better to make three trips than to make one that can cause strain to yourself and your valuables.
U-Haul’s Take a Box, Leave a Box program encourages customers to pick up free boxes.
3. Do not Overload – Some people may think that a large box can be filled with everything and anything. The more you load into the box, the heavier it will become. This isn’t merely for your sake as the person carrying it, but a box is made out of cardboard. Eventually, you can reach the maximum capacity it can support and there is a chance of tearing out the corners.
4. Protect Fragile Goods – Even though you may wrap your fragile items up in paper, bubble wrap, or towels, loading other items on top of them still runs the risk of breakage due to being crushed. Glasses, plates, bowls, and the like need to be packed into a box separately. Although this means carrying out more boxes, it is better than having them broken during transport. Another reason to separate them as much as possible is due to the vibrations within the vehicle while it’s moving. Even newspaper isn’t a guarantee that the fragile items won’t clang together while the moving truck is in motion. Consider a glass pack kit to keep the fragile items separated.
5. Reinforce – Many people will reuse boxes several times for a variety of reasons. Over time, boxes will begin to breakdown and the edges can become easily torn. Don’t forget to reinforce the box using packing tape in order to prevent an accident. Remember, boxes that have weakened sides should be avoided as they may become unstable during transport.
If you are concerned about damaging your valuables, it is always best to take time to properly pack them. Even if you’re being rushed, there are still things you can do to reduce the damage to your items during the move. Practice safe moving procedures and save yourself a great deal of trouble. The world will not fit in that box no matter how tightly you pack.
This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter. Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com You can reach her at: m.hatter12@ gmail. com.
Do you have any special tips for packing a box? Let us know below in the comments section!
