5 Impeccable Reasons for Opting Corrugated Boxes

You may not consider something as simple as corrugated boxes to have a lot of worth, but these are the most sought after packaging materials today. These are versatile enough to be used for storing anything as long as the appropriate storing conditions are created. But have you ever wondered what exactly makes these simple boxes so popular?

Here are 5 impeccable reasons why you should opt corrugated boxes for packing your stuff.

Really Affordable

Corrugated boxes are really affordable because you can get them in bulk quantity and the fact that you can get ones that are recycled, helps to save a few bucks. These boxes are easily available and you can get them whenever you want, even if there is a high demand for them. If handled carefully, these boxes can be reused, thereby helping you to save up on your expenses.

Eco-Friendly All the Way

Surely you can use boxes that are made from virgin fibres, but that would only cost you more and you would be getting packing materials that are made completely from fresh pulp. Corrugated boxes are eco-friendly and can be recycled with the boxes being made from sheets that have varying ratios of virgin to recycled fibres. Despite the varying ratios, the boxes never lose their durability or sturdiness. The only thing that they lose is a portion of their price, which is really a benefit for the customers.

No Weight Issues

Have you ever tried lifting a single corrugated box? Even a child would be able to lift it as the box itself is very light. A major benefit of the light weight of the boxes is that the overall weight (after the contents have been placed in it) does not get affected by a great margin. This is also helpful for keeping the transport costs within a feasible range. Other packing materials, such as wood, tend to add a lot of weight to the entire package. With corrugated boxes, you can be assured of “light-weighted” packaging.

Sturdy to the Core

Just by viewing a corrugated box, you would not be able to find out the reason behind its sturdiness and strength. The flutes in the corrugated material are the source of the strength and durability. Apart from structural rigidity, the design also provides cushioning to the contents. All of these features makes corrugated boxes highly suited for use as shipping boxes, especially when shipping over long distances.

Very Adaptable

Corrugated boxes are highly adaptable to the requirements and can be cut into any shape and size. The best part about these boxes is that they already come in various configurations, so you don’t have to put in a lot of efforts to procure them. Even if you specific requirements are not met, you can always get them prepared. It would be wise to order corrugated boxes with large flutes or multi-layered flutes for storing heavy items. 

8 Easy Steps to Manage Relocation Like a Pro

Relocation can be a tedious undertaking, especially with the amount of preparation and manual work involved. Have you ever wondered how professionals manage to pull of this seemingly daunting feat? Well, for a start, they don't possess any magical powers. Its all about carefully analysing the items that need to be relocated, their characteristics, and the best packaging materials that would ensure the safety of the contents. 

Check out this infographic for a simple guide to easy relocation without much hassles. And if you are still not able to manage your relocation, then you need to seek out professional relocation services. 

How to Measure Customized Boxes Correctly To Avoid Ordering the Wrong Box Size

Corrugated boxes, especially Customized Boxes, come in various sizes and orientations. While ordering a box, you need to know exactly what you are ordering and the correct format of sharing the measurements. Without these information, you could end up getting the wrong sizes. The importance of getting a perfect box size is that you get to store the contents in the best manner possible without worrying about left over space or less space.

Measurement Recording Format

All boxes are measured by Length x Width x Depth/Height. So irrespective of how you take the readings, make sure to present them in the above format so that the Packaging Material providers can prepare the required box sizes for you. Now the flaps can cause a little problem when taking measurements, so it is best to keep the flap opened and facing straight up, so that minimal interference is caused by them.

Common Box Types

Since boxes come in various orientations, it is possible for you to get confused when noting the depth / width of a tall box. You need to understand the basic box types and the ways in which they can be measured, to avoid taking wrong measurements. 

The following are some common box types and their measurement methods.

1.   Square Box

These boxes are comparatively easy to measure and are also one of the most commonly used box types. In the illustration, it is clear that all the flaps are open and facing upwards. The sides that need to be measured for length, breadth and depth are indicated in the illustration.

     2.   Flat Box

Flat boxes are really useful packaging materials as they keep the contents intact with minimal movement during transit. The sides that need to be measured for length, breadth and depth are indicated in the illustration. Make sure that the flaps are carefully kept facing upward because the slightest error in values could cause a problem later. Don’t confuse between the length and the width while measuring. It is best to stick to the illustration because that is the standard way of measuring these boxes.

    3.    Tall Box

Now this is the box which really creates confusion when measuring the depth and length. The tall box should not be confused with the long box and for this to happen, it is important to know which side depicts which measuring factor. The sides that need to be measured for length, breadth and depth are indicated in the illustration. Don’t mistake the depth as the length of this box.

Some Words of Advice

Always use proper measuring instruments and tools for noting readings for your desired box. If you do not have a reference box, then keep all the contents in one place and understand the basic dimensions of the box that would be required for them. But before that, make up your mind as to which box would be required for the contents. You cannot use a square box to store plates that would be transported over long distances. For this, a heavy duty shipping box or a flat box would be the best option. So make sure you get the right box with the right dimensions for the right contents.

4 Packaging Tips That Will Ensure Your Gifts Are Delivered On Time This Festive Season

The festivities are just beginning with the holiday season being so near. I am sure that you must have already started preparing the list of gifts that you would be sending out to your near and dear ones. But what if your gifts fail to reach them on time or if they are damaged during transit? You would be disappointed and it would definitely spoil your mood. By taking a few precautions and being careful about your choice of packaging materials, you can ensure that your gifts are delivered on time and without any damages during this festive season.

Select the Correct Packaging Box

Did you know that a crease (made in the box’s wall) can reduce the strength and durability of the package by 70%? These are alarming figures and you should be careful about the box that you chose. It is better to use a new corrugated box or one that has adequate strength even after being made from recycled materials, because a used box would have less strength.

If you have no other option other than reusing White Shipping Boxes, then you need to make absolutely sure that the box is in excellent condition with proper strength and durability. A good way to check this is to ensure that there are no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Don’t forget to remove old markings and labels before reusing the box because it could be sent to the wrong places due to old mailing information on it.

Lastly, you need to get the correct size because if it is too large, then you could be wasting your money on some extra space that would not be utilized. For getting the right sized boxes, you need to first sort out your things that you want to pack and then note down the rough measurements for the required box. This should do the trick.

Add Adequate Cushioning

During the festive season, you can expect people to handle the products roughly owing to the sudden increase in the number of packages being shipped and the urgent deadlines that need to be adhered. The best way to prevent any damages from being inflicted to the contents is to add proper cushioning.

The cushioning can be provided by covering the content in bubble wrap, adding paper pads or using loose fill peanuts for filling up the void. If you have delicate items for packing, then cover them individually with packing paper before putting it in the box along with the padding. This should help to keep the contents safe during transit.

Seal the Box Properly

People often make the mistake of not giving due attention to the manner in which the boxes are sealed. Merely getting the right box and adding cushioning would not help you to secure the contents. You need to use strong tapes (preferably packaging tape or nylon reinforced filament tape that are over 2 inches in width) for sealing the box.

The top needs to be secured by applying three individual strips of tape to keep everything intact. The same can be done for the bottom. However, it would be better to tape the bottom in a cross shape as it helps to strengthen the base even more.

Provide Appropriate Labels and Markings

The label should be placed prominently on the surface of the box so that it has proper visibility. Moreover, the information should be clearly presented on it to ensure that it reaches the desired destination. For international shipments, you should definitely include the contact names and telephone numbers of the recipient and the shipper. Remember to use just a single label as multiple labels can be quite confusing.

Markings are also important because they give an indication of the nature of the contents and the way in which the package needs to be handled. Just use markers for putting symbols or text on the Packing Material and your package should be ready for dispatch. 

7 Tips for Packing Electronics

Take a look around. What do you see? Electronic items, right? This is what the current age of technological marvels has provided us. We have been blessed with amazing electronic gadgets, equipment and tools that make our lives much easier than before. However, these electronic products also have a high price tag and this generates the need for storing and packing them carefully. You just cannot pack them like any other item because the delicate components and parts need careful attention in order to provide the highest levels of protection.

I am sure that you would not want your precious electronic products to be damaged during transit or storage. So follow these important tips and ensure the safety of your products in a better manner. 

Always Refer to the Provided Manual

I am sure that you too are among those who prefer to throw the instructions manual / guide in your drawer the moment you unpack the electronic product(s). These manuals clearly state the conditions that are needed for storing or packing the products. Moreover, you would be able to identify parts that have high risk of damage and require more attention. In case you lose the manual, you can always check out the manufacturer’s website and download the information from there.

Use the Original Packaging

There is nothing better than using the original packaging in which the product was shipped. This packaging has all the necessary characteristics that are needed for storing the product safely and this includes the correct Packaging material, labelling, size, cushioning and storage conditions.

Seek the Best Alternative Packaging Materials

In case you do not have the original packaging with you, then you need to seek out the best alternative that are available for the product. Apart from the material, you need to procure covering paper / newsprint for wrapping the product, scissors for cutting the paper or adhesive tapes, Bubble wraps and markers for labelling the boxes.

Label the Components

Electronic products usually come with a lot of attachments, accessories and components. These items need to be disassembled before they are packed. The worst part about handling such items is that things can get rather frustrating due to the improper sorting. Moreover, if the cables get tangled, then it could take a long time before you are able to untangle them. The best way to handle the situation is to label each component in such a way that you are able to understand which part goes where.

Identify Specific Storage Requirements

Certain electronic items such as personal computers and televisions need to be stored in climate controlled storage units. So you need to consult with the manufacturer or a qualified technician to understand the exact storage requirements for your device. The packaging and the cushioning should only be decided after the requirements are clear to you. This would help to ensure the safety of the products during transportation / storage.

Store Expensive Equipment in Unmarked Boxes For Safety

Labelling and marking the packages is a good practice, but not necessarily one that could protect the boxes from the evil intensions of thieves. Marked boxes that clearly indicate the worth of the goods stored inside them are primary targets of thieves who are always on the prowl for the perfect opportunity during which they would be able to get away with these valuable items. The best way to deviate attention from these products would be to pack small expensive items in unmarked boxes and ensure that nothing fancy is done with the packaging. This should reduce the applicable risk to some extent.

Ensure a Dust-Free Storage Environment

Dust is the biggest enemy for electronic items as it can damage the delicate components. The best way to minimize the presence of dust inside the devices is to wrap electronics in linen or clean paper and then completely seal off the boxes by taping them. You can also use sheets or moving pads to add another layer of protection for the sensitive components. This should help you to maintain minimal levels of dust inside the packaging.

Simple Cheats to Organize and Pack Your Stuff for Convenient Storage

It is easy to make a mess and ignore it. But when it comes to packing our stuff and organizing it in a storage unit, we are made aware of the volume of mess that we have created. With unsorted items lying here and there, the task at hand seems more daunting than it actually is. You need to learn the ways in which all of your stuff may be packed properly and made to fit in the available space without much hassle. 

Proper Packing Makes a Big Difference

What is proper packing? The first thing that you need to understand is that not every item can be packed in a common Packaging Material. A lot depends on the specific nature of the item that is being packed. Fragile items need to be individually wrapped in wrapping paper or bubble wrap to protect them from collisions with other products that are packed along with it. But make sure that these packages are labelled as “FRAGILE” to provide appropriate indication about the nature of the contents.

Boxes are the universally preferred packing material wherein you can store just about anything in it and the box can be secured by taping it properly. Plastic bags should be avoided as much as possible as it causes an increase in humidity levels in the interior and this can cause mildew which may in turn damage the product.

You also need to focus on the weight distribution in the packages as the weight should be spread evenly. Keep a check on the weight of the entire package to see that the weight does not exceed the maximum capacity of the package. In the case of items like books, it would be better to keep them flat and to pack them in smaller boxes as they tend to be pretty heavy. Keeping the size of the package small would be beneficial in moving them around.

Importance of Arranging the Packed Items Systematically

Packing your things is just one aspect. You also need to ensure proper arranging of the packed items before storing them or shipping the products. The first thing that needs to be done is the determination of the frequency of access to the stored products. In the case of packages that are sent to foreign locations with strict or multiple customs clearance, it is important to keep the packaging lose enough to allow them to open it and check the contents without damaging the entire package.

Similarly, when you are planning on storing your stuff, then you need to

1. Store the largest items against the side walls and this should be worked forward.
2. Place any large furniture in a vertical position to optimize space utilization. All furniture that are capable of being stacked up should be stacked in a proper manner to ensure better storage of the  items.
3. Keep fragile items inside wardrobes or on Strong Boxes to prevent them from crashing.
4. Group the boxes together and place them as per their weight and dimensions. This should help you  to distribute the weight properly without causing one area of the storage unit to get overloaded.

Always Plan Beforehand

Don’t wait till the last minute to pack things and store them because you might not have the right materials or the tools to pack properly. Moreover, you would not be able to decide which products should be placed in which package. This generally happens when you are not aware of the quantity and type of things that need to be packed. So make sure you sort out the items and then make a list of the requirements so that everything may be placed at the right place and in the right quantity.

Having Trouble Packing Fragile Items? Here are 7 Tips to Help You Out

Irrespective of whether you are planning on relocating your residence, or you are shifting your office to a new location, there would always be some fragile items that will give you a tough time during packing. You can never be too careful with these items because if they break, then it takes a lot of effort to repair it. In certain situations, it becomes impossible to repair it and the only possible resolution is to get a new one. So if it is an expensive vase or a delicate frame, then you would be in a lot of trouble.

Don’t let fragile items scare the hell out of you. Here are 7 tips that will help you to ensure their safety and proper packaging.

Always Prepare the Moving Boxes Correctly

This is the most crucial stage in the packing process. It is obvious that you would be going for the regular Moving Boxes or boxes made from corrugated packaging material. You need to focus on the packaging when you are dealing with heavy items or fragile products. The best way to go about doing it is to make sure that the base is secure as this is the area that is bound to collapse if it is not taped off properly. Make sure that you tape the bottom of the box in an “X” pattern. This should give it better strength. Additionally, you may put crumpled paper in the bottom to provide more cushion. 

Upgrade the Moving Boxes If Required

Like mentioned above, with delicate and fragile items you can never be too careful. It would be wise to do away with the old Packaging Materials and boxes. Instead, get high quality boxes that are not only durable but provide adequate protection from external impacts and forces, and this is really beneficial during transportation. This also helps to reduce the risks that the products are subjected to during transit.

Only Use Good Packing Paper

Generally, we make use of old newspapers or other things to provide cushioning to the fragile products. Newspaper is the most commonly used packing paper and it is good. However, if you wrap it around anything, the ink tends to get rubbed on to it. This can be really off putting if you have an expensive or delicate fragile item. It is also rather cumbersome to remove the ink that has rubbed off from the newsprint. The best approach is to use an unprinted paper as it gives the same quality but has the benefit of having no print at all. This may be slightly expensive as compared to newspaper, but if you are on a low budget then you may use both in combination to achieve the desired result.

Fill in the Gaps

The first rule of packing fragile items is that they should not move while being transported. So make sure that you fill in the gaps with adequate padding and other cushioning materials that the things are packed tightly. People usually think of using packing peanuts and this would be a good option if it wasn’t so expensive and if it did not create a mess every time the package was opened. You can use old paper or other simple materials also.

Wrap Each Item With Care

In the case of bowls, glasses or other small delicate items, it would be better if they were to be wrapped individually and then placed together because they tend to rub against each other. For glasses and other items with a hollowed centre, you need to crumple paper into a ball and then stuff it into the gap. This needs to be followed by wrapping the item with paper or other wrapping material. However, in the case of plates, it is better to stack them up and then wrap the entire “tower “of plates. It is much easier to handle it this way.

Listen to the Package

This is the best way to check whether you have packed the things properly. If there is any mistake or faults with the padding, then you would be able to hear a clink or a thud upon shaking the package. So add more cushioning till the time the contents are so intact that they don’t move and you don’t hear anything.

Go With the “Top-Light and Bottom-Heavy” Approach

Irrespective of the type of fragile material or the quantity, you should always place the heavy items at the bottom while leaving the light ones for the top. Even with proper packaging, if you place heavy items on top, then the contents in the bottom are at a risk of being crushed under the weight.