You want moving house to be an exciting time. You want the process to run smoothly, especially when packing your personal possessions to ensure they arrive at your new destination safely. When packing your belongings, consider the boxes you use so they suit your items.

How do you ensure your boxes are up to the job? It’s about focusing on the size and shape as well as the packing material inside the box. Not only are the right boxes important, but also the loading of the boxes into your moving vehicle.

Want to know how to choose the right boxes for your move? Read on for some tips so your packing technique creates a safe place for your valuables while in transit.

New or Second Hand?

Recycling is always great and many people have a few boxes lying around which can be used for moving; however for heavier items or special possessions, always use boxes specifically designed for moving and choose your box according to what you’re placing in it. Used boxes can be prone to tears and collapsing, so stick to sturdy boxes to keep your items secure. For only a few dollars, new, high quality moving boxes are a great investment for the peace of mind that your belongings will travel safely.

Which Size?

Group similar sized items together and choose your box size according to what you’re placing inside. Large items like furniture and electronics will generally require one box per item. Smaller items, especially breakables and ornaments, are best packed into smaller boxes which can be lined with bubble wrap and inner dividers. Smaller items can quickly add up in weight when several are packed together, so it can help to distribute them in a few smaller boxes. Heavy items such as books are also best packed in smaller boxes to keep the weight manageable. Large boxes can be kept for your larger items, electronics and smaller furniture pieces.

Box Construction

Construct your boxes using a strong packing tape, ensuring the tape is covering all sides of the box if possible and coming from opposite corners. Taping in a crossover on the bottom of the box helps prevent the box from collapsing when it’s stacked, so your items will remain secure.

Wrapping and Stacking

Whatever the size, a box is only the outer shell and won’t ensure items don’t smash into each other in transit. A very important step when moving is to individually wrap your breakables. You want to make sure the items in your boxes are packed as closely together as possible, with nothing sitting loose. Place large items on the bottom to provide some support with smaller items on top, filling all the gaps. Bubble wrap or paper is best for wrapping items and being the buffer between items to stop them moving.

What about Box Dividers?

For an added layer of protection for your breakables such as dinnerware and glassware, use dividers inside your moving boxes. If you have some old boxes you don’t trust to be sturdy enough to carry your belongings, cut them into rectangular strips to use as dividers. When items are wrapped and placed between dividers, they won’t be able to move and break!

Labeling

Securely seal each box with your strong packing tape. With a permanent marker write the room on the box, to advise where to put each box at your new destination. Also list what’s contained inside the box. Writing on the side of the box assists you to locate specific items when boxes are stacked on top of each other. Also boldly write ‘Fragile’ or ‘Heavy’ on all sides and the top of boxes that require it.

Time to Move!

If you've taken on the task of packing all your items without any professional help, congratulations – you've done the hard part! You’re probably exhausted so save yourself some time and potential injury and let a removal expert complete your move. Save your energy for setting up your new space!