Well, it might come to you as a surprise that packing is a lot more than just fitting your things in a defined space. For both organizational purposes and for keeping all of your belongings safe and secure, choosing the right boxes is extremely important. Moving boxes come in a variety of sizes and materials when each type has an intended function. It might seem tempting to just throw everything in the biggest box possible; taking the time to make wise selections and choose the right boxes for the job is most definitely worth it. A good moving company in Brooklyn, NY will take care of the most things for you, but a little knowledge doesn’t harm.
The selection process for choosing the right boxes starts at knowing what the different types of boxes available are as that is what matters the most. Choose one that makes the most sense in terms of the items you want to store, how long you intend to store them, and the location they’ll be stored at.
Cardboard boxes
The first thing that comes to your mind when you think storage boxes is cardboard boxes as they’re inexpensive, light, and easy to pack, stack, and label. Also, they can be easily recycled or broken down for future use whenever needed.
Cardboard, however, isn’t the best fit for longer durations of time as it is susceptible to damage from certain conditions including heat and humidity. They’re also attractive to bugs and rodents. Storing items in cardboard boxes at a place that that isn’t climate controlled and well protected from critters, such as a garage or shed, you’re risking damage to not just the box, but also the items inside. This especially holds true if you’re storing your boxes somewhere where they might get wet as mold or mildew may start to grow in the box. If you’re storing items at a designated, temperature controlled storage facility, it might just be okay togo along with using cardboard boxes.
Plastic bins
Plastic bins are ideal boxes for storage for obvious reasons. They’re easily stackable and better protect your belongings from moisture, heat, and anything else that might be trying to get inside. With plastic boxes, you don’t have to worry about packing tape as they are self-sealable but the thing about plastic bins is that they’re more expensive than cardboard boxes. Considering the fact that they’re relatively indestructible and that you will get use out of them for much longer, that factor is quite justified.
For short term storage purposes, you may not want to splurge on plastic bins as you won’t be able to break them down to store them when they’re not in use. They make the perfect choice for long term storage, especially if your items will be stored somewhere that isn’t climate controlled.
Specialty boxes
Specialty boxes are perfectly suited for belongings that are particularly fragile or valuable. As the name suggests, they are specifically designed to safely store a particular type of item. These boxes are useful for everything from storing dishes and holiday decorations to art and flat screen TVs, and are available in both cardboard and plastic varieties. The most significant benefit of using specialty boxes for storage is that they make difficult things easier to pack, thanks to the inserts that keep items from moving around and shifting. They are slightly more expensive than traditional boxes, but offer added value in terms of convenience and security.
What comes next in this process after you have shortlisted the type is the size of the box.
- Small boxes
The dimensions of a standard small box are 16 x 12.5 x 12.5, or 1.5 cubic feet. They’re well-suited for packing up small, heavy items that might add too much weight to a larger box with more items in it, such as books, as well as fragile items like dishes and vases. Most small boxes can safely hold up to 60 pounds, but to be on the safer side, it’s generally not advised to pack them heavier than 50 pounds.
- Medium boxes
The dimensions of a standard medium box are 18 x 18 x 16, or 3 cubic feet. The medium-sized boxes are used to store bigger items that don’t have to be packed as tightly, including clothing, pots and pans, and toys. A medium box can be safely packed up to about 65 pounds.
- Large boxes
The dimensions of a standard large box are about 18 x 18 x 24, or 4.5 cubic feet. They’re good for things like linens and blankets, lamps, and small kitchen appliances. And while they’re bigger than medium boxes, they have about the same weight capacity at 65 pounds, so don’t over pack them.
- Extra-large boxes
The dimensions of a standard extra-large box are about 24 x 18 x 24, or 6.1 cubic feet. They can be packed up to a weight of 70 pounds, but they become extremely difficult to lift when filled too much. It is suggested to store the items that don’t fit as readily in smaller boxes, like pillows and comforters, winter coats, and larger kitchen appliances in these boxes.
- Wardrobe boxes
As the name suggests, a wardrobe box is specifically intended for the easy storage of clothing, and has a bar across the top where you can hang items instead of having to fold them. They come in all sizes and can be chosen based on the amount and size of the clothing you’ll be packing. As long as it doesn’t make it too heavy, it can be conveniently used to store shoes, purses, sweatshirts, or anything else that doesn’t add on too much weight.
Here is also a list of tips that might come handy when dealing with storage boxes.
- Do not compromise on the quality
No matter the type and size of box you use, make sure that it is high quality. Ensure that there aren’t any cracks or tears and no pre-existing water damage. It is important to understand that just sitting in a storage unit puts stress on boxes, so you may want to start with boxes that are strong and in good shape.
- Stack wisely
The way you stack your boxes is just as important as the boxes you choose. Stack the boxes as they should be done, lighter boxes on top of heavier ones, and while you should take advantage of vertical space, refrain from stacking all the way to the ceiling.
- Make sure you label the boxes
Labeling the boxes so you know what is inside is particularly important for storage, since it’s very unlikely you’ll remember where everything is when it’s time to go unload the unit or when you need to find a specific item.
- Fill in the gaps
To prevent shifting, fill in any gaps among your stacked boxes with extra packing material, towels, or linens to keep things stable and help you avoid unnecessary movement.
Keeping all the above mentioned factors in mind when dealing with storage boxes is sure to help you choose the right boxes for your next move!
Beacon Moving & Storage company is not just a local moving company as their network of agents and offices throughout the continental United States allows them to provide an enormous array of moving services in Brooklyn to a huge clientele. We help you identify and uncover your priorities by consulting you via phone, e-mail or in person and use high-quality moving boxes to store, move your things.
For more information about us or our services, feel free to visit our official website www.beaconmoving.com. You can also reach out to us if you are looking for last minute movers in Brooklyn by writing to us at info@localhost or simply dialing our toll-free number 888-966-8323.