How to Assemble Moving Boxes: Dos and Don’ts 

 

Moving boxes are one of the essential items you need when you’re moving. There’s a good chance that you don’t have enough boxes laying around your home to pack all your belongings. You’re going to need to buy moving boxes, but it might come as a surprise to some that the boxes aren’t always pre-assembled. If you don’t know how to assemble a box, we’re here to help you with these dos and don’ts when it comes to assembling moving boxes.  

Do: Make an Area to Assemble Your Moving Boxes

When you buy your moving boxes, they will come flattened even the recycled boxes like one from the Take a Box, Leave a Box program at U-Haul locations. When you’re moving, you’re going to need a lot of boxes. For example, for families moving from a 3-4 bedroom house it’s recommended they use a 26-foot moving truck, the largest of the U-Haul fleet. It can fit a ton of moving boxes. If you need help knowing how many boxes or moving supplies you need, use our moving supply calculator.  

You’re going to be putting together all of those boxes for a good chunk of time. Make a station where you’ll be comfortable with plenty of space for your boxes and supplies. If you have kids, make a fun game out of it. The faster the boxes are ready for packing the faster they can move to their new adventure, although they may ask to be paid in ice cream.  

Don’t: Skip Using Tape

Trying to save money by not using tape for your moving boxes? We’re here to save you from yourself. Plenty of people try to interlock the flaps of the box, hoping that will keep them closed together. When people attempt this with their moving boxes, the flaps open and items fall out. The box also becomes weaker, meaning your items have a higher chance of being damaged in transit. Also, don’t try to use duct tape. It doesn’t adhere to the corrugated boxes well. You’ll learn more about the importance of tape in our next point.  

Do:Tape a Box Properly

 To assemble a moving box, you need to know how to tape a box. The corrugated cardboard is an excellent foundation for a moving box, but the tape job makes it complete.  

Using the best tape for your assembly needs is the first step when taping a box. To assemble a moving box, use box paper tape. This type of tape tears by hand, making it easy for you to hold down the box flaps in place instead of cutting each piece of tape. The tape also sticks to cardboard better than most tapes. For a better understanding of types of tape, check out our different types of tape guide.  

Now that you have the correct tape, grab one of your moving boxes. Identify the bottom of the box, shape it in the way it is intended to be, fold the shorter flaps, followed by the longer flaps. Grab the tape and follow the line of the flaps extending the tape down each side of the box 2-3 inches for extra support. The U-Haul flap locks will help keep the flaps out of your way as well. Your box can be flipped over and you can begin to pack your moving box. Once you’re done, tape up the top as you did the bottom.  

Don’t: Treat all Specialty Moving Boxes the Same

Moving boxes go far beyond the standard small, medium, and large boxes. There are different types of moving boxes including boxes designed for specific items. There are wardrobe boxes, TV moving boxes, mirror and picture boxes, and more.  

These boxes can have specific ways to assemble them. The TV moving box doesn’t have flaps that need to be taped together. To pack a flat screen TV you’ll need a TV moving box, which is technically two boxes. As the video shows below, one box is smaller than the other allowing it to fit in the bigger one and expand according to your TV’s length. Check out our guide to setting up a TV box as well.  

Wardrobe boxes have a metal hanger bar that needs to be put in place, letting movers take their hanging clothes from their closet and put them in a box with ease and no folding required. Glass & Dish Pack Kits do have flaps like standard regular moving boxes, but they have cells that help separate the fragile glass and dishes.  

Here are a few other articles to help you use specialty boxes: 

Do: Buy your Moving Boxes and Supplies from U-Haul

There are many aspects to moving. Where to get your moving boxes and supplies can be one of the simplest things you have to do as you prepare to move. You can get all your moving boxes and supplies from U-Haul.  

There are four ways to get moving boxes and other moving supplies from U-Haul. You can order online at uhaul.com for pick up or delivery. When you order online, you can choose from Same Delivery and FREE in-store pickup to ensure you get the moving supplies you need, when you need them. The other option is to find your nearest U-Haul location to buy boxes at the counter or use our U-Haul Self Checkout. We have been serving the do-it-yourself mover since 1945 and we are here to help you get the boxes best suited for your move. 

 

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