There are a few things to consider when deciding to use plastic moving containers or cardboard boxes. The climate you’re moving in, your budget and where you’re storing your items. While cardboard boxes are more versatile, plastic bins are better for durability. Plastic containers can be difficult and heavy to carry if your move involves stairs. However, they do stack well on moving dollies and better shield your belongings from external elements. Plastic containers are more costly than cardboard boxes, but will last you much longer. Some moving and storage companies rent plastic boxes as an alternative to buying them yourself. Cardboard boxes on the other hand are more efficient to stack and transport. Not to mention they are much cheaper too. All cardboard boxes come easily accessible and in many shapes and sizes making them highly versatile. Once you’re done using them for your move, you can easily reuse them for other purposes like DIY crafts, compost material, floor protection, the list goes on. For more information on which packing material is best suited for you, refer to our Learning Centre for our article on ‘Packing Supplies: Cardboard Boxes vs Plastic Bins’.
Very carefully! First, determine how big of a mirror carton you’ll need. Mirror cartons are moving boxes that are specifically made for mirrors, artwork, pictures etc. Measure the size of your picture to determine what size mirror carton you’ll need. Opt for a mirror carton that is a little larger than your picture frame. Wrap packing paper around the entire picture for the first layer of protection, then bubble wrap to finish it off. Once you’ve placed your protected picture into the mirror carton, fill the remaining space with crushed up packing paper to ensure that the picture does not move around within the mirror carton during transportation. For more information on how to pack pictures refer to our Learning Centre article ‘How To Pack Artwork’.
Start by creating a layer of protection in your moving box using crushed up packing paper. For pots, pans and glassware wrap them in two layers of packing paper like you would wrap a present. For more fragile and glass items wrap them with bubble wrap first and then packing paper last. Be sure to pack the more fragile items at the top of the moving box, leaving the heavier items for the bottom. To finish off, create another protection layer at the top of your moving box. Crushed up packing paper is an ideal protection method to minimize movement of items within the box during transportation. For more information on how to pack kitchen appliances refer to our Learning Centre article ‘How To Pack Your Kitchen Appliances’.
First, it's best to create an inventory of all your items that need to be moved. Once you have created this list, group the items that will need the same packing supplies together. For example, how many furniture items need furniture covers etc. Now, think about what type of packing supplies you'll need for the different items you own. Books and heavier items should be packed into smaller moving boxes, while artwork and mirrors should be packed into telescopic picture cartons. We always advise our customers to use larger boxes where possible. Also think about what items need what type of protection. Artwork and mirrors need bubble wrap, while kitchen supplies may suffice with regular packing paper. Go through all your fragile items and list what type of protection materials they’ll need. If you need help determining this you can refer to our Learning Centre for articles on how to protect your different belongings. Lastly, once you have an estimate of how many boxes you’ll need, you can determine how much tape and how many labels you’ll have to purchase. Your local moving and storage company should have all these supplies. Some places may even be able to help you determine how much tape is needed for the amount of boxes you’ll need. Start this process as early as you can and start small to begin with. This will help you get a handle on what packing supplies are needed. By doing this first, you’ll avoid rushing or over buying packing materials later.
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