Best Cardboard Boxes

What Are the Best Storage Containers for Damp Areas?

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:57:36 +0000

Many people do not have the luxury of storing items in large, dry areas. They must resort to stashing extra stuff in basements, attics, or garages that are not well-ventilated and may even be subject to flooding. If this is the case in your home, learn more about the best storage containers to use in damp areas. Storing items in these containers can prevent them from becoming ruined during the next rainstorm.

Types of Moisture-Resistant Storage Containers

A water-resistant storage box features an o-ring seal on the lid that keeps water from entering the container. Some offer a deep storage compartment and handles for convenient carrying. All-weather storage cases are designed for extreme weather conditions. They feature a seal that makes the container airtight, dustproof, and watertight. Some styles are available with a foam interior that protects contents during transport.

There are also airtight, water-resistant boxes that resemble standard plastic containers. The foam seal in the latching lid keeps air and water out, protecting clothing, linens, collectibles, and whatever else is being stored. Though these boxes and containers will keep contents dry, they can also be quite expensive. Standard plastic tubs featuring snapping or locking lids are suitable for locations where water will not rise higher than the height of the containers.

Amazon.com Widgets

Other Uses for Moisture-Resistant Storage Containers

Many people use these containers to store clothing, pictures, decorations, and linens. Some styles are also suitable for storing pet food to keep it fresh and moisture-free. Grilling fanatics can store their charcoal in one of these containers so it will light the first time. Some people even store their non-refrigerated food in airtight, moisture-resistant containers, putting it in the pantry to keep it out of sight until they are ready to enjoy it.

Boxes that resist moisture have uses outside of the home. They are perfect for boating and camping trips because they keep food, clothing, and supplies dry and prevent access by insects and other critters. These boxes come in multiple sizes so consumers should be able to find containers small enough to fit on a small boat or in a tent.

If an area of your home is prone to moisture or flooding, do not take any chances. Purchase storage containers that keep contents dry under these conditions. The last thing you want is for grandma’s hand knitted quilt or the family photo collection to be ruined because water seeped into your storage containers.

How Can I Get Free Moving Boxes?

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:12:07 +0000

Moving is expensive enough without having to pay for packing supplies. Fortunately, there are several ways to get free moving boxes, reducing the cost involved in moving across the country or across the street. If you are a budget-minded individual, follow these tips to locate free boxes for your next move and do the environment a favor in the process.

Reasons to Use Free Moving Boxes

Saving money is the main reason many people use moving boxes. These containers cost several dollars each, even if purchased in bulk. Wardrobe boxes and containers for specialty items like televisions, computers, and china cost even more and the required packing materials only increase the price tag. A free box is like a gift. It meets a need and does not involve dipping into the wallet.

Aside from the financial benefit of getting these boxes at no charge, repurposing the containers reduces environmental waste. No additional trees will be cut down and processed to make your moving boxes. After using the containers, place them at the curb for recycling or offer them to someone else who is moving, continuing the eco-friendly cycle.

Where to Find Free Moving Boxes

Friends, co-workers, or family members may have boxes left over from their last move so ask to borrow these. The website Craiglist has a special section for free items that usually includes listings for free boxes. Liquor store workers often stack empty boxes at the front of the store for people to take. These boxes are small, sturdy, and usually feature compartments that are great for glassware or small items. Bookstores also have sturdy boxes and if you have a lot of books, this is the place to find containers for them.

Apple boxes from supermarkets are great for transporting fragile items. Banana boxes are very sturdy, but they have open sections on the top and bottom so only fill them with items that will not fall out during the move. Retail stores receive shipments in boxes so stop by the local mall or discount retailer and request a donation.

The office is another great place to get free moving boxes. Copy paper is shipped in durable cardboard boxes that usually have separate lids. When office supplies are ordered online, they are delivered in boxes so there should be an assortment of sizes available. Using the sources mentioned should provide more than enough boxes for your next move.

Basic Packing Supplies for Your Next Move

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:48:03 +0000

If you are planning a move, you will need much more than just a moving truck. Packing supplies like cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape will also be required. Buy purchasing these in bulk, you can take advantage of pricing discounts. There will be enough supplies to wrap items securely so they will not become damaged during transport.

Common Packing Supplies

Moving boxes come in all shapes and sizes, designed to store nearly every household item. There are boxes for clothing, glassware, china, mirrors, artwork, and even electronics. If you did not save the box that your television came in, never fear, because there is a moving box designed for it. Wardrobe boxes allow you to move clothing on hangers. Simply install the clothes rod in the box and hang the hangers on it.

Packing paper and bubble wrap are designed for wrapping small items placed into a box together. These provide protection and keep items from jostling around in the box. Special tape is used to secure the wrapping so the object does not fall out during transport. These supplies are well worth their cost because they prevent fragile items from becoming damaged during a move. Purchase slightly more than you think will be needed because the remainder can be given to a friend or co-worker who moves after you do.

Buy Packing Supplies

Amazon.com Widgets

Specialized Packing Supplies

Packing peanuts are used to fill empty spaces within moving boxes and biodegradable versions are available. Picture holders feature reinforced edges to prevent picture frames from breaking during a move. Bubble corners have adhesive strips that anchor them in place to protect artwork and furniture. These are reusable so they can be reapplied when items are placed in seasonal storage.

Quilted pads are available to cover furniture and appliances so these items do not become damaged in the moving truck. Pads can be secured with mover’s rubber bands, special tape, bungee cords, or straps. When moving heavy items, forearm forklift straps come in handy. These encourage proper lifting methods and require 66 percent less effort on the part of the mover.

Take inventory of the items being moved and then make a shopping list for packing supplies. With all the needed supplies on hand, packing becomes less of a chore. When unpacking after a move, you will discover that all items arrived intact. Many moving supplies can be repurposed or reused so help the environment by giving them a second life.

Different Types of Packing Boxes

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:01:21 +0000

Ah, spring and summer! The flowers bloom, gardens yield vegetables aplenty, and people head outdoors to…move? Yes, many people time a relocation to coincide with the arrival of warmer temperatures. They would much rather move their belongings in a t-shirt and shorts than a parka and snow boots. If you are preparing for a warm weather move, here are the different packing boxes available to you.

Packing Boxes Suitable for Personal Relocation

Most of us are familiar with the standard rectangular cardboard box sold online. However, many people do not realize that they have more options for storing their belongings during a move. There is no need to fold clothes and get them wrinkled in one of these cartons when wardrobe boxes are available. These feature an integrated hanging rod so clothing can be stored on hangers. Wardrobe boxes also make excellent temporary storage closets following relocation.

Dishes, glassware, and certain collectibles are very fragile. A dish pack box features insulated partitions that prevent dishes and glasses from touching each other. Each item stays safe in its own mini container, arriving at the new home without a crack or chip. High-priced electronics can be packed and moved in boxes designed especially for these delicate components. There are even special boxes for artwork, mirrors, and framed pictures. These reinforced containers adjust to fit different shapes and dimensions.

Amazon.com Widgets

Materials and Dimensions of Packing Boxes

Most boxes designed for moving are made from fiberboard, a material engineered from wood fibers. Corrugated fiberboard, the typical cardboard box, features two flat linerboards with a fluted corrugated sheet between them. These boxes are typically categorized by their fiberboard grade using a special test. A certificate from the box maker is stamped on the bottom of the box. It features this information as well as the gross weight and size limits for the container.

The cubic foot is the measurement used for a packing box. A box that is 16×12.5×12.5 inches equals 1.5 cubic feet. This container will store books, kitchen utensils, and small appliances. A box measuring 3.0 cubic feet can store cookware or electronics and a 6.0 cubic foot box is suitable for holding toys, cushions, bedding, and lamp shades.

Before purchasing packing boxes, take inventory of the home contents. Determine how many of each type and size of box will be needed. Order a few extra of each type because it is better to pack light. Otherwise, you might be spending your first days in the new home in bed while unopened boxes litter the floor.

Custom Cardboard Boxes to Build Your Brand

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:23:24 +0000

Business owners take every opportunity to develop the company brand and custom cardboard boxes are a great tool in the promotional arsenal. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors and all of them proudly display the company name and logo. No matter what the company sells, there is a customized cardboard box suitable to hold it.

What Custom Cardboard Boxes Can Hold

Manufacturers create everything from small boxes that hold tiny pieces of jewelry to large, reinforced boxes designed to hold auto parts or medical equipment. In many cases, the design of the box is intentional, offering the most protection to the item it was created to contain. Some custom box manufacturers even make anti-static boxes for storing and transporting sensitive electronics or computer components.

Whether a company sells bath products, clothing, housewares, or hubcaps, there is a manufacturer that offers suitable boxes able to be customized. Standard brown, white, yellow, red, blue, and an assortment of other colors are available. There are also a variety of packaging materials designed to keep products safe during transport to a distributor or directly to the customer.

The Creation of Custom Cardboard Boxes

Once business owners find boxes with the correct color, features, and dimensions, they can focus on the customization option. The manufacturer can imprint the company logo, name, and other details directly on the boxes, giving these a personalized look. If the company has a website, this should always be included. Imprinting serves as a highly visible advertisement to anyone observing the box during transit.

Using color in the imprint will make the result even more eye-catching. To prevent the design from becoming too busy, use no more than two or three colors. A good combination is a single color for the logo and another for the company name. When including the website, have this imprinted in a highly visible color and font such as bolded red or black on a brown box. Ask the manufacturer to place the imprinting in a prominent location.

Custom cardboard boxes may cost more than generic versions but the additional expense is more than justified by the resulting increase in sales. These boxes are moving promotions and highly visible ones at that. Companies should choose a box that is sturdy, of the proper dimensions, and comes in an attractive color. The manufacturer will handle the customized imprinting, placing the company name, logo, and other details on each box.