Make up the bottom first: fold in the two short flaps, then the two long flaps over them, and tape the bottom in an H shape, with one strip along the middle seam and one along each edge seam. Then fill the box right to the top, so the lid sits flat, and tape the top the same way.
The bottom of a box carries everything inside it, and in a stack the box also carries the ones above, so a few extra minutes on each box pays off.
Folding the box
- Open the flat box out into a square tube, with the bottom flaps facing up.
- Fold the two shorter flaps in first.
- Fold the two longer flaps down over them, so they meet in the middle.
Taping the bottom
- Run a strip of tape along the middle seam where the long flaps meet, letting it carry on a little way down each side of the box.
- Add a strip along each of the two edge seams, across the ends of the first strip. Together they make an H.
- Press the tape down firmly along its whole length so it grips.
For a heavy box, such as books or kitchenware, add more strips across the bottom before you fill it. You can also add a cross from corner to corner, then a plus sign over the top, for extra strength.
Filling it so it holds its shape
The tape keeps the box closed, but what’s inside keeps it from crushing. Fill every box to the top, padding gaps with packing paper, towels or soft things, so the lid closes flat and doesn’t sink under the box above. Put heavy things in smaller boxes so they stay easy to lift, and don’t overload any box: very heavy boxes can collapse and are hard to lift down safely.
Close the top flaps the same way as the bottom, short ones first, and tape them in an H too.
Getting the right materials
Strong double-wall boxes and a good packing tape do most of the work. Our Box Shop sells double-wall boxes in matching sizes, along with packing tape, eco paper packing tape and a tape dispenser, delivered to your door. Your own sturdy boxes are fine too.
If you still need somewhere to put them, get a price online or call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you choose a size.
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