Anyone who’s moved to a new home before knows what a hassle moving can be. There’s purging belongings, packing up what you decide to keep, and then finally moving everything from one home to another. With so much to think about, many people don’t give a thought to the type of cardboard moving boxes they need. However, these hold all your belongings, so it’s a good idea to find ones that are sturdy and can stand up to a beating and still protect the valuable contents inside.

Multifaceted Cardboard Moving Boxes

The best type of moving box is one that’s specialized for each room in your home. Items like heavy bakeware, pots and pans, and kitchen dishes require a different type of box than clothing, for instance.

If you buy moving boxes, you’ll be able to purchase ones specifically designed for each room in your house. A kitchen box may be more heavy duty than one for other household items, but it’s important to find one that’s made of high end, double wall cardboard for maximum protection, no matter what room you’ll be packing.

Also available are special wardrobe cardboard moving boxes. These special ones are designed to make it easy to transfer items in your closet without needing to take everything off hangers or cramming them flat and wrinkling your clothing. A well-built metal hanger bar fits across the top of each box, enabling you to transfer clothing from closet to closet easily. It’s possible to find these in two different sizes, tall for dresses and pants and short for shirts, skirts, and pants folded over on a hanger. The bottoms of these wardrobes also make a great place to stash shoes, doubling their efficiency.

What To Look For When Choosing Cardboard Moving Boxes

It’s possible to find moving cartons in a variety of sizes so you’ll have a size for every need. Many people mistakenly choose only the largest size available, but consider if you need to pack up a bookcase full of big, heavy books? Would you be able to move a box that size? Most people wouldn’t and you’d end up with a half full box and a lot of wasted space. Because of this, it’s a good idea to use multiple sizes for more efficient packing.

Also consider the strength. A box with a 32 ECT (edge crush test) rating is a good, sturdy moving box. While ECT may not mean much to someone without a lot of extensive moving experience, in the moving and packing world, it’s a number to look for. A 32 ECT box is one that can withstand 32 pounds of pressure per square inch while standing on an edge. This is key if your cardboard moving boxes will be stacked on top of each other, something that’s sure to happen in nearly any move.

A box made out of corrugated cardboard will hold its shape well. A corrugated box has a pleated inner layer between two strong pieces of cardboard. This type of box is sure to keep your household items safe and secure.

If you buy moving boxes, ask the company whether they have a special package for your type of household. A one bedroom apartment will naturally require fewer packing cartons than a large home. A company that specializes in helping people move will have a rough idea of what you will need and should be used a valuable resource.

Buy Moving Boxes Or Use The Ones Free From The Liquor Store?

Think about this – every one of your belongings will be packed into cardboard moving boxes. Do you really think a box from a liquor store or grocery store is up to the challenge of keeping everything you own safe?

A box from a liquor store or grocery store may be free, but these are also designed as a one use box. They’ve already served their purpose and are ready for the recycler. While you may think you’re being frugal and good to the environment by using these to move, you’ll likely have to use more packing supplies like air bubble cushioning wrap and packing paper just to cushion your household goods well enough to keep them from breaking.

If you buy moving boxes from a reputable source, however, you’ll get ones that can stand up to a move. These are often made out of high end, double walled cardboard and if you purchase them yourself, you’ll be able to buy a variety of sizes instead of being at the mercy of whatever’s available at your local store. These can also be reused for storage or even resold to someone else who’s getting ready to move.

Moving is stressful enough. It’s important to have packing materials that are up to the challenge and not leave you with cartons full of broken items. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you can lessen the stress with the right materials.