Moving is expensive—no surprises there. As such, it can be tempting to cut costs anywhere you can, and packing supplies are often the first place people look to reduce their moving expenses. While scrimping in this area can seem harmless and does actually work out on occasion, there are some situations where you need to say NO to free used boxes.
Used boxes may save you a few bucks, but they aren’t always the best choice for a move. In this post, we’ll explore four key problems with free boxes, including:
- Used boxes are weaker than new boxes
- Used boxes might be dirty
- Used boxes may not be the size or shape you need
- Used boxes can be physically dangerous
We’ll also dig into how you can reduce the risks if you do opt to use free boxes. Let’s get unpacking.
4 Reasons Not To Use Free Moving Boxes
1. Used boxes are weaker than new boxes
Cardboard breaks down over time, especially after being repeatedly packed and unpacked and opened and closed. Gradually, this repeated usage weakens the material and the box becomes less structurally sound. This puts them at risk of unexpected tearing—resulting in items falling out while being carried—and makes it less likely it will protect your belongings if the boxes are dropped or crushed.
Used boxes may be suitable for lighter, non-breakable items like clothing or linens (as long as the box is clean), but should be avoided for heavy items or other valuables like electronics or sentimental decor.
2. Used boxes might be dirty
Where you get used boxes matters. Some boxes travel through some pretty rough conditions and are exposed to dust, dirt, water, or inclement weather along their journey. These conditions can cause the boxes to develop mold—definitely not something you want to be bringing along with you.
If the boxes previously contained food or chemical products, they may also be contaminated with stains, smells, or bugs. These are all things that can contribute to the boxes deteriorating or getting your belongings dirty and smelly, or worse, infested with insects.
TSI TIP: Bed bugs can survive in cardboard, so exercise caution when collecting boxes from the curb or picking them up off Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
3. Used boxes may not be the size or shape you need
Picking up free boxes means you don’t get to choose the type of boxes you are getting. This usually results in a weird mix of sizes and oddly shaped boxes that were purpose-built for transporting items other than the ones you are moving. This can make packing a bit more challenging, along with loading your moving truck. It can also cause problems when it comes to packing fragile, breakable items or items that can get heavy quickly, like books.
4. Used boxes can be physically dangerous
It’s easy to overpack boxes when you have an unusual array of sizes and shapes simply so you can make use of what you’ve got. The impulse to pack as much as possible into each box when you have limited boxes to work with makes perfect sense, but it’s also an easy way to injure your back lifting a too-heavy, overpacked box.
In addition to the risk of sustaining a lifting injury or a weakened used box damaging your belongings, used boxes can cause injury to those carrying them when they fail. If your box tears and a stack of books (or something even heavier) falls out and lands on your legs and feet, it can result in cuts and bruises or even broken bones. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to wear closed-toed shoes during the moving process.
How To Reduce The Risks Of Utilizing Used Boxes
The first thing you should do before you agree to take free used boxes is to inspect them thoroughly. There should be no tears or rips in the surface and the seams should be in good condition. Look both internally and externally for dirt and dust, stains and evidence of water damage, and bugs. Bugs are the hardest to spot because they can hide in the corrugated folds, so lift the flaps and check along the seams to ensure there is nothing hiding in there, and shine a flashlight down the cut edge of the cardboard to see if you can spot anything hiding in the folds.
After determining that the boxes are sound, use high quality packing tape to reinforce the seams, corners, and bottom of the box. Take extra care not to pack these boxes with too much stuff. For easy lifting and to help reduce the risk of the boxes tearing, you do not want them to be heavier than 40 pounds.
Use your discretion when packing with used boxes. You can likely tell if a box will be able to carry the weight of your items or not, so if you aren’t sure about a particular box’s integrity, pack it with something light and hard to break, such as clothes or pillows that have been stored in a bag to protect them from water and dust.
Conclusion
Used boxes can be tempting to use because they can help you cut costs, but you should be careful before you commit to using them because:
- Used boxes are weaker than new boxes
- Used boxes might be dirty
- Used boxes may not be the size or shape you need
- Used boxes can be physically dangerous
Learn more about When To Use Free or Used Packing Supplies.
About the author: Stephanie Rosenlund is the Director of Strategic Solutions at TSI, the long distance move and shipment provider for thousands of businesses, families, and individuals every year. Stephanie knows all the tips and tricks to make your move or shipment simple and specializes in freight shipping and interstate relocations. In her free time, she loves exploring the world with her husband and two kids.
