How to Pack Your Boxes for Successful Shipping and Storage

Packing a box is easy, but packing a box correctly could mean the difference between a safe trip, damaged goods, and extra costs.

Improper packing—such as insufficient cushioning, using a weak or damaged box, incorrect sealing, or an unreadable label—can lead to item damage, box collapse, lost contents, and delivery delays.

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How to Pack a Box: UPS and FedEx Standards

1. Choose the Right Box

Use a rigid, double-walled corrugated box. Shipping or Heavy Duty Moving. Preferably “New”. Ensure it’s in good condition and free from old labels. Use a box that allows 2–3 inches of cushioning on all sides. There are links below for several retailers to purchase good quality, heavy-duty shipping boxes.

2. Wrap and Cushion Items

Wrap items individually and fill gaps with cushioning materials. Use bubble wrap or crumpled paper to protect contents. Secure items with appropriate materials to prevent shifting.

3. Seal the Box Properly

Apply strong tape along all seams using the “H” method. Use only packing tape to seal the box securely. Ensure all flaps are sealed with at least three strips of tape. See Video below for instruction on how to do this.

4. Label the Package Clearly

Place the label provided with your Ship2Storage order on the largest surface. Ensure the label is affixed securely and is legible. For extra peace-of--mind, Include a copy of the label inside the box.

If you can “sit” on your box when you are done and it doesn’t CRUSH, You have done great job.

A “Moving Box” and a “Shipping Box” are NOT the same thing!

A Moving Box is designed for short-term transport by hand or truck during relocations, while a Shipping Box is built to withstand automated handling and longer-distance transit through carriers like UPS or FedEx.

Please use a shipping box, or a “heavy-duty” moving box, there is a difference.

DO NOT USE U-HAUL MOVING BOXES

We’ve had several customers use these boxes, assuming they were shipping boxes—but they’re not. The boxes arrived in very poor condition and had to be re-boxed. U-Haul sells “moving boxes” that don’t hold up well during UPS/FedEx shipping.

How to Pack Videos

Links To Good Quality, Heavy-Duty Shipping Boxes