Using the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

When people try to cut corners on their moves, they often do so with the moving boxes: they collect them from behind grocery stores, ask liquor stores for unused boxes, or take them from the company supply room.
While they might seem like good boxes, they might not be appropriate for your move.
Many consumers incorrectly assume that any type of box and supplies will work for their move. In fact, moving boxes are specifically manufactured for household moving and the packing supplies used by professional moving companies provide the best protection for your items.
Also, professional movers use standard-sized boxes designed specifically for loading and transporting items onto a moving truck with effective use of truck space. Experienced movers can determine the type and number of boxes that will be needed to complete your move. They can also figure out how to best pack these boxes in the truck. If you use nonstandard box sizes, the movers will have to do their best to try to make things fit properly, but it won't be as efficient if you use boxes that have industry standard sizes .
Moving boxes are manufactured using single- or double-wall corrugated cardboard. The thicker the wall of the box, the higher the Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating the moving box will have. The higher the ECT rating (shown on the flap of the box), the stronger the construction and the more items the box will be able to safely hold. The higher the ECT rating, the more expensive the box will be due to the greater density of materials used to produce the box.
Professional movers normally use moving boxes that have a minimum rating of 32 ECT (or capable of passing a 200 pound test). These ratings are industry standards and give you the assurance that boxes holding your household items are strong enough to survive the move. Boxes that have an ECT of less than 32 are not designed for moving and should be avoided.
One other quick packing tip -- if you pack your own boxes, you might not be covered by your insurance in case the contents of the box are damaged. Be sure to ask your moving company.