Between planning, travel, financial concerns, and general logistics, moving can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, even if the entire process goes smoothly. The last thing anyone wants is for their belongings to be lost or damaged during transit, and only a well-assembled moving box can ensure they remain secure. The good news is, it isn’t very difficult to assemble boxes yourself. All you will need are some basic materials and this guide to teach you how to fold cardboard moving boxes properly.
Table of Contents
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start folding and taping your moving boxes, make sure you have:
- Corrugated cardboard boxes in varying sizes
- Thick, high-quality packing tape
- Scissors or a box-cutter
- Packing paper
Take an inventory of everything you need to box up beforehand to get an idea of how many and what materials you will require. Doing this will save you the trouble of having to run out to grab more supplies halfway through!
How to Fold Cardboard Moving Boxes
Most moving boxes come flat to conserve space and will need to be assembled. If you are unsure how to fold a cardboard box, don’t panic! First, lay the boxes down and identify the top and bottom. Many come with “THIS SIDE UP” printed directly on the cardboard for simplicity’s sake. Set the box upright and align the pre-folded flaps into an even, rectangular shape. If properly aligned, the box should hold shape on its own.
Once finished, seal the bottom seam with packing tape before you place anything inside it. We recommend double-taping the bottom to prevent it from falling through. Additionally, tape the middle seam on top to keep the box from coming open.
Packaging Your Items
As a general rule, you’ll want to keep everything organized – clothes with clothes, electronics with electronics, and so on. Carefully wrap your fragile items, like dishware and porcelain knick-knacks in packing paper, and store them in appropriately sized boxes. Stuff bubble wrap or packing peanuts inside with your fragile items, or even double-box them for added peace of mind.
Ensure weight is evenly distributed throughout the box so that the cardboard doesn’t warp in transit. One way to do this is to avoid leaving too much empty space. Fill as much of the box as you can with items and packing supplies. This way, it will be easier to load up the boxes into your vehicle without worrying about them coming undone or losing shape.
Taping Them Up
Once a box is packed, fold the remaining flaps. Then, snip off a long, straight line of packing tape with your scissors or box-cutter. Ensure the tape does not wrinkle as you seal the seams all the way across the top and partway down the sides for added security.
A quick hack to keep your items organized and accessible is to label them. Stick another piece of tape on top and write in black marker what that box contains. “Clothes,” “Blankets,” “Silverware,” “Toys.” If for any reason you need to unpack something early, you won’t need to take everything apart to find it.
Preparing For Transit
Place larger, heavier boxes beneath smaller, lighter ones, with fragile items and anything you may need to access early on top. Avoid placing anything too heavy atop anything too light, as this can result in boxes to caving in on themselves, which could damage or dirty your items. You can check out our handy guide on how to load your items into a moving truck to walk you through the process.
Conclusion
While moving can be a stressful and time-consuming process, mastering the basics of folding and taping boxes can make the process so much easier. All you have to do is follow these straightforward steps. Once you’ve gathered the right materials—such as reliable packing tape, scissors, and cardboard moving boxes—you are ready to begin. Simply fold the boxes into shape, reinforce them with secure tape, and start packing.
If you are still feeling overwhelmed after reading this guide or you are in a time crunch, hiring professional movers can speed the process along. UniMovers’ expert movers can help you pack and unpack your belongings, too! Refer to our guide to decide if hiring movers is right for you and your individual needs.
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FAQs
Cardboard boxes are available to purchase in bulk through many online retailers. If you’d prefer to buy in person, you can find them at almost any hardware or home goods store, from post offices, or movers directly. You can even get specialized boxes for dishware or electronics with added reinforcement, but with enough packing materials, nearly any box will do.
The two most important factors in packing tape are width and adhesive strength. You can check out our guide to packing tape here to get a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid, as well as general recommendations.
If the flaps are folded properly, the box will retain its shape if moved or lifted. However, it is still best practice to tape them with a strong packing tape to ensure it does not come apart.
J. Dailey is finishing up an English degree with a minor in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
