Finding boxes for your move is so much easier now that you can quickly turn to neighborhood social media apps to find people who are willing to give theirs away. You might also have a few boxes just sitting around the house from recent deliveries. Taking advantage of used boxes is a great way to trim down your moving budget, but you’ll want to make sure to double-check that a box is fit to handle the job. Obviously, you’ll want to toss any boxes with obvious damage such as broken bottoms, and these tips will help you assess the sturdiness of the rest.
Avoid Boxes With Water Damage
Cardboard boxes are essentially paper products, and water can break down even thick panels rather fast. A box that has been exposed to water might have discolored areas or bubbled-up parts of the cardboard. Once the water has touched a box, you can never be sure of its stability. Go ahead and put these boxes into the recycling bin, and pick out ones that have never been caught out in the rain.
Use Caution With Free Boxes From Strangers
People who have just moved love giving their boxes away to others who are about to embark on a similar journey. While their generosity is admirable, you’ll want to be aware that it is an easy way for pests to spread. That free-used box sitting on someone’s porch for pickup might be harboring bed bugs or roaches. If you’re not sure of a box’s origin, then find new ones that are sure to be pest-free.
Choose Boxes With Thicker Cardboard
Moving has a funny way of teaching you that boxes aren’t all the same. Cardboard comes in a variety of different types and weights that make a difference in keeping your belongings safe during a move. For instance, paperboard is a thin type that you’ll see being used for things such as cereal boxes. Boxes made from this thin material usually can’t hold heavy items, but you might use them for double-packing fragile things in a bigger box. Heavyweight corrugated cardboard is what you need for serious packing. It’ll be strong enough to hold multiple items without having the bottom fall out.
Find Specialty Boxes for Fragile Items
Generic free boxes are easily found at grocery stores and by people who have recently moved. But, you’ll find it is harder to find ones for special items. Your local movers in Malvern will often recommend buying a few types of boxes that are designed for important jobs. For instance, a wardrobe box comes with a bar inside so that you can move your clothes from your old closet to the new one without taking them off of the hangers. Partitioned boxes are another type to buy that are perfect for keeping dishes and glassware from breaking.
Ask for Help With Packing From Professional Movers
Packing is one of the most stressful parts of a move, but you don’t have to spend your time fretting over which box to pick. Give O’Malley Movers a call today. Our pros can help you find specialty boxes and even pack up your belongings so that you don’t have to stress over breakage.