How much weight can a cardboard box hold on top?

When it comes to actually using a cardboard box, there are many factors that you need to think about:

Cardboard boxes are available in many different types, sizes and shapes. They are versatile boxes that can be used for house moving, storage or shipping, and they are used by the public as well as businesses across the country. They are the most popular type of box because they are low cost and more environmentally friendly too. Cardboard is often made from recycled paper and is fully recyclable too, and if it is strong enough, then it can be used again and again for different purposes.

What are the main types of boxes?

• Firstly, to understand what weight you can put into a box, you need to know the different types of boxes available, because some are stronger than others.
  
  
• Single walled large moving boxes are the weakest boxes, and they are the cheapest too. They are fine for moving lighter objects and objects which do not require protection, such as clothing if you are moving house.
  
  
• Double walled boxes are the strongest, and they are the most durable. They can hold a much heavier weight inside of them without breaking, plus they will protect whatever you put into them, better as well. They are ideal for stacking on top of one another in a removal lorry, so they are the winners and most versatile boxes.
  
  

What weight can you put into a strong double walled cardboard box?

• Double walled boxes can hold up to thirty kilograms inside of them. This means that you can put an object or objects inside of them weighing up to thirty kilograms and you can be sure that the box will not break apart and the box will protect that item too. If you put a weight of more than thirty kilograms inside of it, then you’ll need to be extra careful when moving that box and you risk the box breaking and damaging your item.
  
  
• Anything less than thirty kilograms can also be put into this box safely, and the box will ensure that it is protected well.
  
  

What weight can be put into a single walled cardboard box?

• Single walled house removal boxes can only hold a maximum of eight kilograms inside of them. This is because they are much more flimsy and they won’t offer much protection to any object that you put into them no matter what the weight. An eight kilogram object or objects can be placed into them without the box breaking under the weight, so they are fine for moving clothing while moving house as an example.
  
  

What is the absolute maximum weight you can put into a cardboard box?

• Ultimately, you could put any weight into a box as long as the object fits in the box. If your object weighs more than the recommended limits above, then you take the risk of the box breaking or the object getting damaged because the box won’t provide much protection. You can put a very heavy object inside of the box so long as it fits and you carry that box from underneath with the utmost of care, and don’t worry too much about protection.
  
  

Other factors to consider:

• When you buy moving house boxes, some double walled boxes are stronger than others, due to the thickness of the cardboard sheets that are used to make that box. It is therefore important that you contact the manufacturer that you buy the box from to ensure that you know the exact weight that the box can hold. Thirty kilograms is the average weight that a double walled box should hold.
  
  
• Always use protective packaging to protect the objects that you put into a box, if you want to ensure that they are fully protected. Do not rely on the box itself to fully protect your object, although it will certainly help.
  
  
• If you are storing a heavy box, make sure you don’t place that box too high up because of the risk of it falling onto somebody. Do not put a heavy box in the rafters in the garage, for example, because the risk of it falling on somebody is quite dangerous. Place a heavy box on the floor in the garage instead, or in a cupboard or under a bed.
  
  
• Heavy boxes will cost a lot to send through the post with a courier, because their charges are usually based on the weight. Splitting up objects into many different smaller boxes can potentially make your delivery a bit cheaper.
  
  
• Heavy boxes are more difficult to carry when moving house, so it might make your move take a bit longer than planned.

If you’ve ever moved before, you’ve been there — looking at how many boxes you do or don’t have and wondering to yourself how much weight a cardboard box can hold. Cardboard box standards dictate how much weight a specific box can handle, so it depends on the box. But a standard 200# box measures 1.5 cubic feet and is built to hold up to 65 pounds, and the next level up (275#) can hold up to 95 pounds. For context, these numbers climb to 1300#, so just imagine the packing possibilities!

But remember, these numbers are just that — numbers. Any box’s strength can be compromised by a whole host of things like weather, time, damage to the box’s integrity or misuse. After all, they’re just corrugated cardboard. But the number one cause of breakage or damage during a move? Improper packing. That’s why it’s best to follow a few simple rules for packing to ensure your move goes smoothly and your possessions make it to their final destination in one easy-to-unpack piece.

The Basic Dos and Don’ts of Packing Cardboard Boxes

• Always buy more packing materials than you think you’ll need. If you purchase from Atlas and their agents, you can always easily return what you don’t end up using.
• Ensure that box bottoms are folded and closed properly and that they are secured firmly with strong packing tape.
• When packing a box, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This keeps the box stable and helps to protect the more fragile items above.
• Use plenty of filling materials, especially with fragile items. When in doubt, use more!
• Even if a cardboard box says it can hold up to 60, 70, 80 or more pounds, it’s a best practice to keep the weight limit at 50 pounds or less. This makes boxes easier to maneuver and less likely to burst at their seams.

What Type of Cardboard Box do I Need?

You’ll want to make sure you choose the right box for the right item. At Atlas, we carry a wide variety of cardboard boxes crafted to carry everything you’ll need to pack, including:

• 1.5 Cube Box – Small
  • Books, magazines, photo albums, tools or other heavy items.
• 3 Cube Box – Medium
  • Small lampshades, small kitchen appliances, kitchenware, shoes and small breakables.
• 4.5 Cube Box – Large
  • Medium lampshades and small or medium kitchen appliances.
• 6 Cube Box – Extra Large
  • Large lampshades and other items too large to fit into 4.5 cube boxes.

We also carry many more specialty boxes for other common items like flatscreen TVs, mirrors, dishes and even mattresses!

But what if you don’t feel like packing? That’s where we come in. In addition to moving, Atlas and our agents also provide professional packing services to make sure that not only will your belongings arrive at your new home, but they’ll be packed properly for transit. Get in touch with at Atlas agent today in your area to learn how we can help make your move as seamless as possible.