How to Put Boxes Together

Putting together packing boxes can be quick and easy for even the most daunted individuals.

It is important to assemble boxes properly before putting them to use. There are ways to save time building boxes without putting to risk the items being stored inside. Packers should take the time to learn how to safely and efficiently put boxes together. It is also important to use the right materials when starting to put boxes together. Taking advantage of cheaper tapes can lead to damaged goods as the box falls apart.

Things You'll Need

• Boxes
• Scissors
• Packing tape

Instructions

1. Find the top flaps of the box. New boxes will generally have arrows pointing to identify the top side. If your box has no arrows, decide which end will be the top.

2. Unfold the box so that it is in the shape of a square.

3. Fold back the top flaps of the box.

4. Flip the box upside down and fold in the bottom flaps, keeping the longest on top.

5. Tape along the longest flaps with packing tape twice.

6. Flip the box to its original position and pack it. Use tape to hold down the top flaps while packing.

7. Fold the top flaps down so that the longest flaps are on top of the shorter ones.

8. Tape the top of the box the same way you did the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• Boxes can be purchased from local packaging companies or recycled from retail stores for free.

• Boxes are marked with certification stamps identifying how much the box can hold and where it was made.

• Be sure to get boxes of the appropriate size to keep items tightly packed away. This will avoid items moving during travel, which can damage them.

• Use packing tape to assemble boxes. Other kinds of tape are not designed to hold a box properly and can break when the box is picked up.

References

• Packing Kits: Preparing the Box and Accessories
• Direct Moving Boxes: Taping Up Boxes