When planning a move, organizing your packing supplies should be a high priority on your to-do list. Often, this gets left to the last minute leaving you scrambling for boxes at the local grocery store or pilfering your neighbours recycle bin for some extra newspaper. Not only is this stressful and time consuming, it is detrimental to your possessions.
Not all boxes are created equal
Making the rounds to your local stores on recycling day to collect boxes for your move may seem like a great way to save money but this can pose some serious issues for you in the long term.
Although most corrugated boxes are similar in strength, they do degrade over time. Boxes that have been exposed to any humidity may look ok but may not stand up well to stacking in your storage unit. This can cause your boxes to bend and bow and can damage the contents. They can also harbour mold or mildew causing even more damage to your items.
Although a box may look pristine, any box of unknown origin can harbour various insects and other unwanted vermin. Even if you get your boxes from a store that does not sell food, there is no guarantee that the products inside were not shipped or stored alongside food products. The least little residue on a box can leave you susceptible to insects.
Buying shipping boxes from a reputable supplier not only wards against damage to your contents but also makes moving so much easier.
Newspaper is dirty.
The ink from newspaper can and will rub off on your items. If you use newspaper, be prepared to wash everything. Newsprint paper can be bought in rolls or in sheets and leaves no ink residue.
Duct tape isn’t good for everything.
Duct tape and corrugated cardboard do not like each other. Masking tape is not a good option either. Buy a good quality packing tape that will hold your boxes together and can withstand heavier weights. This is especially important when storing your boxes. You should also consider purchasing a tape gun. They are inexpensive and are wonderful time savers. There is nothing more frustrating than fighting your tape roll every time you pack a box.
Total Storage has a wide range of packing supplies to meet your needs.