When moving your items to a new home, you put them at great risk – they will be hauled in and out of properties, stacked on top of one another, transported along bumpy roads, exposed to adverse weather conditions, etc. From sudden stops and over-the-road vibration to extreme temperatures and rain on moving day, there are many reasons why your cherished possessions may get damaged during the relocation process (with handling mishaps topping the list, of course). To give them a chance to survive the move intact and unscathed, you need to pack your items as safely as possible (and entrust them to experienced, trustworthy movers).
Safe packing, however, is not an easy feat – especially when it comes to fragile, sensitive items that are highly vulnerable to damage. You need quality packing materials, specialized know-how, and a lot of patience and diligence – as well as some efficient packing tricks that will facilitate your work and help ensure the safety of your belongings.
The Russian doll packing method is a good example of such a clever hack that will allow you to save plenty of space and effort when preparing your items for shipping. Double boxing is another effective packing trick – it will help you keep your belongings safe during the relocation process.
But what exactly is the double boxing method? When should you use it and why? Read on to find out and ensure that your delicate belongings arrive at your new home in one piece.
What is double boxing?
Double boxing is a safe method for packing fragile items for moving. It involves using two boxes to ensure the best possible protection to delicate articles, sensitive equipment, and other breakables during shipment.
While sturdy cardboard boxes are usually enough to keep your belongings safe during the moving process, some delicate items require better protection. A single box leaves its content easily vulnerable to damage – it provides a single layer of protection and may break or get otherwise damaged during the move. And even labels like “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” do not ensure that the boxes will be handled with care or that they won’t be dropped, toppled over, or bumped into something during the relocation process.
You need to find a more efficient way to protect your valuable breakables – and double boxing provides a good solution. The idea behind this simple, yet effective packing technique is that the outer box takes all the outside impact and the inner box holds the packed items isolated from any shocks and vibrations during the move. The second (outer) box has to be large enough to enclose the first packing carton and leave a void around it that can be filled with cushioning materials that create an additional layer of protection – so that even if the box is dropped, there are two hard covers and two cushioning layers protecting your items from the impact.
The double boxing method is recommended for packing all kinds of delicate items, whether they do or don’t have their original packaging.
Breakables such as glass items, crystal items, ceramic items, etc. that don’t have their original boxes should be packed in sturdy inner boxes of appropriate sizes and then placed in slightly larger outer boxes (with as much cushioning as possible).
Fragile items such as electronics and electrical devices should be packed in their original boxes – the manufacturer’s packaging is specifically designed for the item and provides optimum protection during shipment. Yet, the product is intended to be shipped once, so the packaging may not be built to withstand multiple shippings. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to put the original box in a second, outer box to prevent any risk of damage during the moving process.
How to double box for moving?
So, double boxing is great for protecting fragile items during a house move. But how exactly to double box your valuable breakables so they arrive safe and sound in your new home?
Step 1. Prepare the inner box:
- If using the original box of a fragile item, make sure that it is in excellent condition and all padding materials that came with it (foam inserts, foam sheets, etc.) are available and intact. In case the original package has lost its integrity, you’re advised to use a new box instead of it. If any of the original cushioning materials are lost or compromised, you need to replace them with similar ones of high quality;
- If using a new box, choose a sturdy carton that is slightly larger than the item you intend to pack in it. Use foam sheets, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper (depending on the weight of the item) to create a cushioning layer on the bottom of the box.
Step 2. Wrap each individual fragile item in packing paper and add a protective layer of bubble wrap. Secure the wrappings in place with tape.
Step 3. Place the wrapped item(s) inside the inner box, on top of the protective bottom layer. If packing several items in one container, arrange them carefully in the carton, away from one another and away from the sides and corners of the box (to allow room for cushioning on all sides of the items).
Step 4. Fill the remaining spaces in the box with padding and cushioning materials – the idea is to keep your items from moving around the container and prevent them from coming in contact with one another during transit (when multiple items are shipped in the same box). It is crucial that your belongings stay immobile inside the packing container.
Step 5. Close the box and seal it tightly with packaging tape.
Step 6. Take a second box that is several inches wider, longer, and higher than the first box. Reinforce all seams and edges with heavy-duty packing tape and line the bottom of the outer box with foam sheets, packing peanuts, or other suitable cushioning materials.
Step 7. Place the inner box in the center of the larger container, on top of the cushioning layer (there should remain 2-3 inches of empty space around all four sides of the inner box and on top of it).
Step 8. Fill the empty space between the inner and the outer boxes with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other adequate padding materials.
Step 9. Close the outer box and seal it securely – run several strips of quality packing tape all around the packing container.
Step 10. Label the box with its contents and any necessary handling instructions and mark it as FRAGILE
See also: How to pack fragile items for moving
Double boxing will go a long way towards ensuring the safety of your items (and your peace of mind) during the moving process, yet you have an even better option – professional packing. The experts will provide the best possible protection to your delicate valuables and will save you plenty of time, effort, and nerves. All you need to do is hire trustworthy packers and movers (or full-service movers) for your relocation – the pros will take care of everything else and you’ll rest assured that your cherished possessions are in good hands.
