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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.