How to Choose the Ideal Cardboard Box

When looking to pack and ship an item, using a cardboard box that is the ideal shape, size, type, and material will be the key to keeping your item safe and saving on shipping costs. This will be especially important if you are shipping items commercially, as shipping items in a safe and cost-effective way will be the key to maximising your profits. Read on for a guide to help you make the correct decision.

Box Size and Shape

First and foremost, measure the length, width, and height of the item you will be shipping. Add an inch to each of these measurements to leave space for packing materials. Once you have these measurements to hand, you can start to look at the best size box for your needs.

More common box sizes will be the most cost-effective to use, rather than looking for a custom box that matches your measurements perfectly. However, if your item is a particularly unusual shape, it may be in your best interests to choose a specific box shape, such as a wide, flat box or a cylindrical box, to avoid items getting damaged on their way to the recipient.

·        8” x 6” x 4” — suitable for shipping small electronics, books, and clothes.

·        12” x 9” x 6” — suitable for kitchenware, clothing, and home decorations.

·        18” x 18” x 16” — suitable for large electronics and household goods.

It’s important to choose a size that leaves enough room for the item and the necessary packing material around it. Otherwise, the item you’re shipping could compromise the integrity of the box and get damaged during transit. On the other hand, using a box that is too large will lead to items shifting around during transit. This can cause damage to the items and is environmentally wasteful.

Box Type and Material

The type of cardboard box that best suits your needs will depend on the weight of the item you’re shipping. Cardboard boxes can be single, double, or even triple walled, depending on your specific needs. The more heavy, fragile, or high value the item is, the more walled your box should be (and the more packing materials you should use).

In terms of materials, you also have a choice between different types of cardboard. Recycled cardboard is the most eco-friendly option, and should always be chosen for shipping light, lower value items due to its environmental benefits. However, recycled cardboard is not the strongest option. For this reason, virgin cardboard boxes are the best choice for shipping heavier items, as it is highly durable and recommended for shipping high value items.

Items that are vulnerable to water damage should be shipped in coated cardboard. This special material comes in waterproof and moisture-resistant varieties and it a great choice for shipping vulnerable items which could be damaged by water during the shipping process.