How to make handles on moving boxes

Moving boxes are an integral part of the moving process. Large and small, specialized and universal, they can meet all and any packing needs – and they not only hold one’s belongings, but also keep them safe and sound during the move. What’s more, they’re easy to use (so they provide a convenient and efficient way to pack items for moving) and easy to stack (so they help save space in the moving truck). Moving boxes, however, are not easy to carry – at all.

Once you have packed up your home, you will likely have a few dozens (or even a couple hundred) boxes for moving. Unless you have hired professional movers to do the job for you, you will have to take all these boxes out of your home and load them on the moving truck – and then unload them and take them into your new home after the move. Since there is no comfortable and secure way to grip boxes, it will take a lot of time and effort – and will create a risk of damages and injuries (if you accidentally drop a box, it may cause damage to the items in the carton, damage to your property, or personal injuries).

In order to avoid such unfortunate scenarios, you need to have a secure grip on the boxes – and you need to find a way to speed up the process (not only to save time on your move, but also to avoid getting too tired and losing concentration which would increase the risk of accidents).

Making handles on the cartons will help you achieve both goals – you will be able to hold the boxes securely and they will become easier to carry.

The only question that remains, then, is how to make handles on moving boxes. Read on to find out:

How to cut handles in boxes

The simplest and most efficient way to make handles for cardboard boxes is to cut small openings in two opposite sides of the carton – so you can put your hands in the holes. You will have a secure grip and will be able to easily lift and carry the box.

Cutting handles in cardboard boxes is quite a straightforward task:

• Measure the width of your four fingers (excluding the thumb) at the knuckles;
• Measure two inches from the top rim of the box;
• Use a box cutter, a utility knife, or a pair of scissors to cut a “V” into either two opposite sides of the box, about two inches below the top rim (the top side of the “V” should be about half an inch wider than the width of your four fingers). Fold the flaps in;
• Alternatively, you can cut small rectangular openings in both sides of the box – take a pencil and draw rectangles on either two opposite sides of the carton, about two inches below the top rim (the horizontal side of the rectangle should be about half an inch longer than the width of your four fingers and the vertical side should be about an inch long). Cut the rectangles away.

When ready, you will have convenient handles for your moving box.

Bonus tip: Cutting a “V” is the better choice as it creates a horizontal fold – this way, there is no cardboard edge to cut into your hands and the box is more comfortable to hold.

How to make a handle for a box with tape

There is no doubt that sealing moving boxes with tape is the best way to keep them secure during a move. Surprisingly enough, tape also provides one of the best ways to make handles for your boxes.

Here is how to make a tape handle for a box:

1. Get strong, flexible tape – thick tape with high tensile strength that will stretch out when pulled but won’t break easily (such as duct tape, shipping tape, or filament tape);
2. Attach one end of the tape to the middle of the longer side of the box (the tape should go halfway down the side of the box);
3. Make a loop with the tape over the top of the box, punching it together so it doesn’t stick to the carton;
4. Let the tape extend about halfway over the opposite side of the box and press it firmly to the cardboard surface, so it adheres well;
5. For extra security, you can make several tape loops and squish them together to increase the strength of the handle;
6. Run a piece of tape across either end of the tape handle to secure it in place. Alternatively, you can secure the handle with a loop of tape going horizontally around the entire box (over the ends of the tape handle).

The tape handle will hold quite well and will allow you to lift and carry the box with ease.

For heavier boxes, though, you’re advised to make a stronger handle:

• Pass three or four loops of tape all the way under the box and back up the other side, at about one third of the length of the carton. (The parts of the loops that go over the top of the box should be punched together.);
• Do the same at about one third of the length of the box from the opposite end of the carton – so that there are two parallel loops of crushed tape at equal distances from the ends of the box;
• Connect the two parallel loops with several loops of tape and twist them into a handle.

The resulting tape handle will be able to withstand the weight of your heaviest boxes without breaking.

Bonus tip: For square boxes, it may be better to make the tape loops in the middles of each two opposite sides of the carton, so the loops cross in the center of the top of the box, creating a robust handle.

How to make a handle for a box with rope

Ropes provide another efficient way to make handles for a moving box:

• Cover a small area in the middle of the longer side of the box, about an inch and a half below the top rim, with duct tape (to reinforce the cardboard);
• Do the same on the inside of the box wall;
• Use the pointy end of your scissors to punch a hole in the middle of the tape-covered area;
• Push a piece of strong rope through the hole and tie it off (on the inside of the box);
• Make a hole in the opposite side of the box in the same way;
• Push the other end of the piece of rope through the second hole and tie it off.

The tape handle is ready – and it can easily handle any weight.

Instead of making a rope handle, however, you can tie down the box with rope – and then simply lift and carry the carton by the rope.

Bonus tip: Whatever type of handles you choose to make for your moving boxes, be sure to wear gloves when lifting and carrying the cartons so the handles don’t cut into your hands.

Knowing how to make handles on moving boxes will help you make your move safer and easier. If you decide that you’re not up to the task though (or simply don’t have enough time to deal with it), you can always buy ready-made handles for moving boxes – self-adhesive handles, webbing strap handles, plastic handles with back-up plates and washers, etc. – or simply purchase boxes with handles. Either way, good luck with your move!