We’re willing to bet that one of the first thoughts that most people have when they realize they need moving boxes is: “better start collecting some cardboard boxes from the LCBO”. And it’s a great idea for lots of reasons.
1. LCBO boxes are strong
The are designed to keep half a dozen heavyish bottles from breaking, so liquor bottle boxes are sturdy. They have also usually gone through less handling than the food boxes you get from the grocery store, so they’re stronger that way too.
2. They’re ready to go
You don’t have to fold an LCBO box into place.
3. They’re free
Yup, you can load up on as many boxes as you need, and come back for more, all for no charge.
4. They’re sectioned
Many LCBO boxes still have the cardboard insert that helps separate and protect the bottles they once carried. That helps you separate and protect the things you pack in the box too, like a set of glasses or curios.
The moving box is the basic tool of any residential or office move. Look at it this way, without boxes, you’d have no way to separate things for different rooms, you wouldn’t be able to protect fragile items and all your stuff would end up in a big pile in the moving truck.
But its importance to your more means you should pay more attention to moving boxes and what you put inside of each one. The difference between randomly packing a bunch of random boxes, and properly packing a bunch of proper boxes, can be the difference between a disastrous move and one that runs as smoothly as possible.
Considering all that randomness, here are some random tips and tricks to avoid a moving box disaster.
1. Limit how many different sizes of boxes you use
This is where getting your boxes exclusively from the LCBO can cause problems. It seems like no two liquor companies use the same-sized boxes. The problems happen when you start to stack them, either before the move, on the truck or after the move. Different-sized boxes don’t stack as well as more uniformly-sized boxes. And when they are stacked, the stack isn’t as strong as with uniform boxes. Try to end up with no more than a few different-sized boxes, small, medium and large, for your move, and stack each-sized box with others of the same size.
2. Use smaller clothing or fabric items to protect fragile items
Instead of putting your cloth napkins all together in a box, use each one the wrap a wine glass or ceramic figurine.
3. Pack heavier items on the bottom of the box, lighter on top
This helps keep individual boxes, and the stacks they create, more stable. It also makes handling the box more predictable for movers and it will probably decrease any damage to the box or its contents if the box is dropped.
4. Think about buying ‘custom’ boxes
Unless you happen to have the box they came in, it’s difficult to find boxes for larger, more fragile items, like your artwork, mirrors and flat-screen TVs. But your moving and storage company probably has mirror boxes, flat screen TV boxes and even wardrobe boxes with a bar to make it easier to move your clothes.
5. Label every box, twice
You won’t believe how frustrating an unlabeled box is when you’re moving and unpacking. Here are some tips for better labelling of your boxes.
6. Heavier Items in smaller boxes, lighter items in larger boxes
It only makes sense. If you pack lots of power tools into a large box, not only will it be difficult to lift, but you increase the stress on the box and the chance that it will collapse during the move.
7. Pack every box as full as possible, without over-packing
The perfectly packed moving box would be packed to the brim, while allowing its flaps to close completely flat. Packing to the brim helps support the weight of boxes stacked on top. Closing the box flat helps to keep stacked boxes straight and sturdy.
If you’re looking for strong, versatile moving boxes, custom boxes for mirrors, TVs and clothes, or any other moving supplies, be sure to check out the Packing Supplies page on the Bradford Moving & Storage website.
