Cardboard moving boxes are still the best way to pack your things for a move. The key is to match the right moving boxes for the items you're packing. Here's a look at why cardboard moving boxes are the best, what types of boxes you can buy, and how to use them. 

Why Cardboard Moving Boxes Work So Well

When you were in college and didn't have much money, you may have raided a supermarket dumpster for empty boxes when it was time to move out of your dorm. That might work when you don't have much to move, but besides being unsanitary, those boxes aren't ideal for moving your belongings. They've been filled with food, transported, roughed up, and opened. That means they may not stack well, or they may not be big enough or strong enough for your needs.

Moving boxes are reinforced with corrugated cardboard, thick cardboard, and individual cells depending on the type of box. They have a uniform size so they stack well, and they're in excellent condition when you buy them. They are also more affordable than buying plastic totes. They load better in a moving truck than things stuffed in plastic bags or banana boxes from the store.

How To Use Cardboard Moving Boxes

First, choose the right box for the job. For instance, book boxes are small so you won't overload them. They are also tough so they can hold the weight of a few books. You can buy a box for your mattress, glasses, clothing, and general belongings. You may want large boxes for lightweight clothes and bedding.

You'll want to fill the boxes to the top. You'll probably need to add air pillows or foam peanuts to the boxes to protect your things, so be sure to fill the boxes to the top without overfilling them. You might want to stuff socks or T-shirts in the boxes to make sure the boxes are full and nothing slides around inside them.

Tape the top of the box closed so the box is flat. It's important to have flat boxes so they'll stack on each other without one on the bottom caving in. You'll also want to use color-coded stickers that designate the room each box goes to in your new home. It's also a good idea to write the contents of the box on the outside so you know where everything is and you don't have to tear open every box to look for something once you're in your new home.

If you buy the appropriate boxes and pack them properly, all of your belongings should survive being handled and jostled around in a moving truck without being damaged.

Contact a local moving box service, such as Reliance Paper Co, to learn more. 

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