Choosing the Right Boxes for Storage For Your Move

Relocating and transitioning your belongings is easier when you have the proper storage and moving supplies. Storage solutions offer a variety of benefits for those in a transition, whether it’s a short or long-term process. You’ll want to ensure your belongings are kept safe and appropriately packed during that time.

Choosing the right boxes for packing up and moving into storage is essential, and there are different materials from which to choose. In terms of what you’d like to store, how long it’ll be in storage, and the location, we’ve rounded up some of the best tips to help you prepare.

Which is better for storage: plastic containers or cardboard boxes?

Plastic and cardboard containers make the most sense for packing and storage. However, cardboard and plastic are two different materials. Factors that can help you consider which material is better for storage are the conditions your belongings need. This can include environmental elements such as temperature control and security.

Cardboard boxes for storage

Cardboard remains a popular choice for packing and storage because of several advantages. The material is light, recyclable, cost-effective, easy to stack, and convenient to write on or label.

If you’re leaning towards short-term storage, cardboard boxes can be a solid choice. Your boxes may potentially last long and be broken down for future use after serving their purpose.

Long-term storage may work best with more durable materials. If you are storing books, documents, seasonal home décor, and other belongings long-term, cardboard may not be the best fit. 

Depending on storage conditions, idle cardboard boxes may be susceptible to damage from bugs, critters, humidity, and mildew. In a climate-controlled facility, your cardboard boxes stand a better chance.

Specialty boxes

Specialty boxes are those that they provide added protection. These boxes can range from small to large and are convenient for packing, moving, and storing your prized possessions. A specialty box can also be suitable for light or heavy items, and with a fragile label, you can remember to handle the package with care.

You may want to consider specialty storage for these items:

• Vases or lamps

• Dishes and fragile items

• TVs and expensive equipment

• Sporting equipment

• Valuable items

Various specialty boxes include:

• File boxes: Best for valuable paperwork and personal items.

• Lamp boxes: Best for lamps, vases, and other home furniture and goods

• Book boxes: Can be used for book storage or other small to large items

• Wine boxes: Best for transitioning wine and glass bottles with special conditions

• Long boxes: Can accommodate various items such as golf clubs and the like

Depending on the material of your specialty boxes and features such as indents or cushions for fitted packing, this option can prove reliable and durable for safety. Additionally, specialty can be convenient for irregular sizes and weights to transition from one place to another with convenience.

Plastic containers for storage

Plastic is a reliable material used for many everyday tasks, so plastic containers can be a worthwhile and necessary investment in some cases. The benefits of plastic containers compared to other packing and storage materials include their lasting durability, functionality for storage, and weather-resistant protection.

Plastic storage containers are commonly used to store and protect the following:

• Family photo albums

• Seasonal home décor

• Excess or old clothing

• Electronics or office equipment

• Paperwork and files

Many big-box retail stores sell plastic containers from small to large sizes with easy-to-lock features such as snap-on lids and closure clips. Plastic handles on containers also have an advantage over cardboard, making it easier to lift and transit packages without other equipment. Moving companies may also offer rentable plastic containers for temporary use.

Storage tips for boxes

Regardless of your need and use of boxes for storage, an essential that remains alike in any moving and storage situation is the need for organization. If you’re preparing to relocate or use storage solutions for convenience and added space within your home or office, here are a few storage tips to consider when using moving boxes.

Tips for storing and organizing boxes in a facility include:

• Research the storage facility’s conditions and the environment your belongings need.

• Ensure your unit is clean and prepared to house your packages in the short or long term.

• Use shelving or other organizational structures to hold your boxes.

• Label all your boxes with numbers, words, stickers, or other identifying marks.

• Organize and store your packages according to kitchen or dining items within one unit area.

• Consider clear, plastic storage bins for items that need added protection and easy access.

• Consider coverings for equipment or electronics to guard against dust or dirt buildup.

• Store delicate items with extra care, label them fragile, and place them near similar packages in the storage unit.

• Prioritize your containers with an order from front to back and take inventory.

• If possible, leave a path to walk and access any items you may come back to retrieve.

• Consider making a map or other functional visual representation of what is stored where in the unit.

Ultimately, storage unit size and the number of belongings you have play a role in which organizational methods work best. However, labeling your boxes and packing your items safely is a top priority when moving your items into storage. Take time to prepare for success and use a reliable method that works for you.

4 tips for labeling your storage boxes

Out of all the essential tasks to check off your list when moving your items to storage, labeling your boxes is at the top of the list. This simple task can help you avoid unwanted stress and confusion when packages are stacked together.

Here are four tips for labeling your storage boxes:

1. Use a practical identifier system

Labeling boxes may seem like a simple task, and while it may be, it’s easy to lose track when it looks like everything is all over the place. Decide on an effective identifier system such as box numbering, color coding, or categorizing. Be sure to write down what goes where and what each label means.

2. Be descriptive when labeling

Labeling your boxes with added details, such as what is packed up inside rather than which room it belongs, can help you avoid losing items. Have a reference sheet and map to reflect on and stay organized throughout the process. Be descriptive while labeling and packing to make it easier when unpacking.

3. Use the right labeling tools

Having the right labeling tools is essential when you have a system in place. You’ll want to ensure the labels are legible, visible, and can stand the test of time. Permanent markers, electronic labelers, stickers, and other tools can be helpful when labeling your storage boxes.

4. Label boxes on multiple sides

In addition to other tips listed, labeling boxes on more than one side can give you added comfort and convenience while every package is stacked and stored away. This tip can help ensure your box labels are visible regardless of which way they are facing when stored away. You’ll save time from trying to search for your descriptions.

Whether you are using short- or long-term storage, use a reliable and long-lasting labeling method. You can’t go wrong with going the extra mile for efficiency and organization.

Void fill packaging methods: a complete guide

If you’ve ever tried to pack belongings into boxes, you’ve likely experienced difficulty getting items to fit right or filling the voids and spaces between items. Packing can require different equipment, such as protective packaging, paper, wrapping, and other materials.

Instilling these measures helps protect items from damage and rustling within the surrounding emptiness of the package. Glass, vases, dishware, and other fragile items can benefit from packing methods such as void filling. Continue reading to review more about the best techniques and practices of void fill packaging.

What is void fill packaging?

When you pack up your items into a box, the best standard to keep is avoiding empty spaces that leave room for movement. With void fill packaging, packaged items won't shift and move around while in transit to storage.

If voids aren't filled within packages and moving boxes, your belongings can collide with surrounding items and suffer the impact. In the case of fragile items, this can cause glasses, dishware, décor, and other items to break and become unusable.

Types of void fill packaging material

Modern techniques of void fill packaging are suitable for protecting various items. The materials can vary depending on your chosen method and item needs. However, the goal of void filling is to prevent movement and unused space.

Types of void filling packaging material can include:

• Paper sheets

• Styrofoam

• Poly bags

• Foil sealed bags

• Crinkle cut paper

• Cardboard inserts

• Partition dividers

• Bubble wrap

• Packing peanuts

• Moving blankets

Filler materials can vary; only some fillers work best in some packages. For example, items such as bubble wrapping can suit items such as glass in a packaged box and is cost-effective. On the other hand, air pillow packaging is single-use and pricier, and there are better solutions for packing large quantities.

Popular void fill methods

Since there are different materials available for packing filler, there are different approaches to using filler supplies for their effectiveness. Here are a few of the best void fill methods:

• Blocking – In the blocking process, you'll use folded paper pads or bubble wrap to hold items firmly in place and stabilize them. The blocking method aims to embed the items within the protective materials.

• Individual Protection- When protecting glass, figurines, or fine china, each item requires its supplies. Individual protection is a trusty method of protecting items with individual wrapping. Materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or packing peanuts can keep this method effective. 

• Loose Fill- Loose fill can be the best choice for fragile or irregular items. In this process, you'll use packing peanuts or a lightweight foam to cushion the item and restrict its movement. .

• Box Cushioning- With box cushioning, different materials can help your stored items stay immobilized.

When packing your items, filling up the spaces and gaps within the box or container can help immobilize the object. The materials used for filling and using different methods are essential because you'll want to ensure it'll be enough to take the impact and not damage your items throughout a relocation. 

What is the best void fill?

The best method for your packing depends on the item, shape, size, and fragility. Some items may require less cushioning, while many can benefit from the blocking method or individual protection. If you're using cardboard boxes for moving and storage needs, consider individually wrapping fragile items and incorporating bubble wrap in your packing.

Plastic containers and specialty boxes can add a little more protection in a transition, however, blocking, loose filling, and cushioning should be used wherever appropriate to protect your belongings from breaking or shifting around.

How much void fill to use when packing

Depending on the size of your boxes or containers and what you are packing, you'll want to use the right amount of filler. Move the package around gently to determine if you have the right amount of void fill in a package packing. You should see little to no movement of your items within the box. If this is not the case, re-open your package and add filler or individually wrap your items.

For heavier boxes or items that you can't lift and test out, looking within the package and ensuring there are no empty areas can help. Always provide a good balance and ratio between the box size, the amount of void fill, and the item size. Overall, void filling can help you maintain the state of your belongings during a move when the methods are used correctly.

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