Some General Tips for Packing Shipping and Moving Boxes

There are a few important things to know when it’s time to pack a box.  You need to have the right size box, the right kind of cushioning material for inside of it, the right kind of tape to seal it with, a destination address, and a shipping method in mind.  Packing for a move is that much more complicated, but more or less adhering to those main points. I make candy boxes for my family every Valentine’s Day and then I send them out via parcel post.  But I don’t just send them out- there’s a method to the process to make sure that everything arrives at its final destination the way it was intended to.  

Once again, this is the same concept for handling a move, but the task is much more enormous and the risk exceedingly more so.  Because, let’s be honest, it’s not that big of a deal if a couple candy boxes get messed up in transit (it’s the thought that counts).  It’s a whole different ball game if all of your worldly possessions arrive at your new home in a state of disarray. 

  

So here are some general packing tips that you can scale down to a simple shipping experience or multiply for the monumental task of moving:

Choosing the Right Supplies

When shipping, you want to use shipping boxes.  Sure, the old coffee maker box might be the right size but it’s covered in pictures and print and it’s not acceptable for shipping in.  A shipping box is going to be sturdy enough and plain enough so that there’s no confusion about what is going where.

When moving, you want to use moving boxes.  They are strong enough so that the edges and corners won’t cave in, and this is important.

Properly Pack Your Items

Use bubble wrap, newspaper, packaging peanuts… If you’re moving your belongings you obviously want to keep them and so it would behoove you to protect them from all of the bumps and dings they will experience in transit.

Carefully Seal the Boxes

When you are done packing your boxes, give them a little shake.  Nothing crazy, you’re just listening for anything to shift about.  IF you hear something, your items are not properly protected.  When you can’t hear anything sliding around in there, you are ready to seal the box.  You packaging tape to cover all of the seams.  Don’t use masking tape, and don’t use duct tape.

Finally, make sure you have insurance on whatever you dealing with, even if it’s just a bunch of candy boxes going to family, or if it’s your entire home in boxes.