Are Heavy-Duty Boxes Really Necessary?
If you're trying to pack up a lot of items like books, DVDs, and other items best suited for smaller boxes, you usually have a choice between getting regular boxes and heavy-duty boxes. The heavy-duty boxes are thicker and harder to bend, and they tend to cost more than regular boxes of the same size. So are they even necessary for most moves, or are they just a way for you to give away your money? Here's a look at why you might want to use heavy-duty boxes and when you really should use them.
Stacking (Boxes on) the Deck
The main advantage of using heavy-duty boxes is that they can withstand having more weight resting on top of them. The boxes are generally double-walled; a cross-section looks like two regular boxes stuck together. This extra width provides stability so that if you put several boxes in a stack, the sides on the lower boxes will be less likely to sag and crumple. That gives the items inside better protection against being crushed.
The other advantage is that you can place heavier items in the boxes without too much worry that the corner of one of the items will burst through the side or bottom of the box. Note that it's still possible for items inside to poke into the wall of the box -- they will just be less likely to poke all the way through because the walls are thicker.
When to Use Them
If you're just putting some regular paperback books into a small box, for example, a regular box could be fine. And if you're filling a few boxes with very light items and stacking the boxes, regular boxes may still work well because there won't be a lot of cumulative weight pressing down on the bottom boxes. But if you're planning to stack a bunch of boxes filled with heavy items on top of each other, you need the heavy-duty boxes.
Also, if the boxes are going in a vehicle where they will be knocked around, heavy-duty boxes are better. Items are less likely to be crushed if the boxes slide into each other.
Remember the Tape
Because heavy-duty boxes are thicker, they're also harder to fold, even along the crease lines for the flaps. You'll have to use more tape to keep the flaps secured. It also helps to use strapping or duct tape as a final layer to really keep the box together.
For more information, contact a moving company in your area.
