Packaging 101: Cardboard Boxes & the Other Items to Procure

Moving to another place can play a sick game on your emotions and mental state. No wonder a third of Americans consider relocating more stress-inducing than breaking up with a loved one, and packing your belongings is the most terrifying part of the whole process.

We at Albuquerque Self Storage help locals store everything from family heirlooms to business inventory with minimum discomfort. We also believe that cardboard boxes are some of the best ways to transport your entire life from one city to another. But where to buy cardboard boxes in this economy? What other packing supplies will you need? Let’s explain here.

Why Choose Cardboard Boxes for Your Move

We are moving less frequently than our grandparents, one study shows. But we have access to amazing packing supplies when we need to relocate as well. You should always get cardboard boxes for shipping when you want to load your stuff on a truck or dump it in a self-storage unit. These cardboard boxes:

• Stack neatly in self-storage facilities
• Protect your valuables from dust and bugs
• Cost little money, since they are… well… cardboard
• Are easily available at local stores like U-Haul or Home Depot

You should do away with weak grocery store boxes because they can collapse under weight and expose your belongings to mid-transportation damage. You should also choose the size of your boxes based on your needs:

• Small boxes with 1.5 cubic feet of space work best for heavy items like books or tools
• Medium 3-cubic-foot boxes suit kitchen supplies and toys
• Large 4.5-cubic-foot boxes handle lighter bedding and linens

If you have fragile items, you should get heavy-duty double-wall boxes that can withstand this stacking pressure. Don’t forget to:

• Reinforce the bottom of your boxes with two strips of packing tape
• Fill empty spaces with paper to stop stuff from shifting uncontrollably

Packing Supplies Beyond Small Cardboard Boxes

Some homeowners prefer plastic bins over cardboard boxes. In reality, both options have their distinct uses. After all, cardboard boxes are not the only packing supplies you can use; they do not suffice for 100% protection. You should always get additional supplies to safeguard all your stuff during the move and while in storage. Here’s what we recommend:

• Start with strong packing tape in 2-inch width and 55-yard rolls (buy 10 rolls and a small handheld dispenser to seal your boxes).
• Get bubble wrap for your electronics, glassware, picture frames, etc. You should wrap your dishes individually in newsprint or unprinted kraft paper to avoid ink stains.
• Label everything clearly with thick markers. You should also write the name of the room, the belongings of which are contained in the box, such as “Kitchen: Pots and Pans.” Using colored labels will help you unpack your belongings fairly easily.
• Get a disc-style padlock for your storage unit door and tie-down straps to secure loads in your vehicle. These items will make sure nothing shifts during transit.

Dumping your cardboard boxes can be a problem as well. You must plan for disposing of these boxes in the end. It’s better, however, to keep your boxes, so you may reuse them the next time you relocate. After all, relocating is fairly common for Americans; a survey says that an average American will change eight houses in a single lifetime. So, yeah… keep those boxes!

Practical Tips for Successful Packing & Storage

If you have cardboard boxes, you can do several out-of-the-box things with them (in case you want to keep them instead of throwing them away). If you want to make your relocation plan a success, here’s what we suggest:

• Write detailed labels on each box to make it easier to know what’s inside.
• Group seasonal items in the same place for easy unpacking.
• Avoid overpacking, as it can tear up your boxes (or distribute weight unevenly)
• Test heavy cardboard boxes by lifting them and checking their stability before loading them on a truck

Ready to store your packed belongings? Get a free quote from Albuquerque Self Storage today. Our local team provides affordable, accessible solutions right here in the Duke City.