organizing Archives - The Box Zone

admin September 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

Almost all of us have closets, drawers and other appropriate spaces for our clothing, but let’s admit it, we mostly see it covering our floors or bed. We simply forget there is a special place for everything. Our clothing changes as we grow up, but it also changes as we move from one season to another, where suddenly shorts and T-shirts are not enough fabric to keep us protected and we have to take out the old warm clothes from… where were you keeping them?

It is important to store your clothing in the right place and in the right way. And if your closet can no longer hold it, then you could give professional packing a shot, a way of storing that can keep your clothes safe from dust and other dangers when out of use for an entire year or more.

Here are some tips to keep your clothes safe no matter the season you’re in:

Keep them away from humidity

Before packing your clothes for a whole season or more, wash them and use an excellent fabric softener to preserve quality. Also, make sure your clothes are perfectly dry before putting them in the darkness of a box or a drawer, where little to no sunlight could leave clothes damp.

Humidity usually attacks during Winter due to minimum air flow within the home; thinking about that, you need to focus on letting your pieces of clothing “breathe” before storing. And how can you preserve them once dry? Cover your clothes with linen or cotton bags to prevent them from any harm.

Fold and pack, don’t roll

If you’re going to do this the professional way, then you will need all the folding and packing skills you might have.

First of all, don’t roll the clothes, because it can damage the fabric —specially if you’re keeping them for several months—You have to fold your clothing traditionally. After that, pack them in boxes and fill the gaps with kraft paper or a similar material.

Get a wardrobe box

If you have jackets, coats, or long Summer dresses you’d like to keep safe, then maybe you should go big and get the ultimate protection for your clothing.

What do we mean? Wardrobe boxes! It doesn’t matter if you’re not sending your clothing away; if you lack space in your closet, then these type of boxes are just what you need, find the perfect one for you here.

These special boxes come with a metal hanging bar where you can organize clothes. Wardrobe boxes are mainly used for shipping, but sometimes, they turn out to be the perfect option to maintain your favorite pieces in a good state through the seasons.

Donate

Want to keep just your favorite clothing? Then don’t think twice and donate all the pieces you want to get rid of, whether it is an old Winter coat or a huge collection of pants you don’t use anymore. As long as you have something extra, you can always donate and help those who need it the most.

You can ship them too! Maybe members of your family or friends can find a good use to it as well?

admin August 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Growing up is hard, but letting go of items you love —such as collectibles, video games, comics, and more—can be even harder. Luckily, we all know it’s not necessary to get rid of your favorite stuff, and that valid passions in life go from writing to being a coin collector or a complete “nerd,” right?

All that geeky or nerdy memorabilia needs to be a part of your ecosystem if you happen to be an enthusiast of all things related to fantasy worlds. This is why cleaning your room or moving out can sometimes be a bit challenging due to the cards, posters, or collectibles you treasure but are spread everywhere. There’s no need for worry, though, everything has its place, no matter how tiny it is.

Take care of your belongings, pack them, and make sure no fatal destiny come their way. Here we tell you how to do it.

Trading cards packaging

Trading cards are one of the easiest but really messy things to keep. You could store them in bags, boxes, card sleeves or anywhere if organizing is not one of your strengths; but it’s very important that you have them in a uniform packaging method for easy mobility and preservation.

1. Make a list of all your cards

If you don’t have much time to make this list, “there’s an app for that!” (For example, Collector: Pokemon TCG) Why is it important? To identify from the less to the most valuable cards, so you’ll know what you want to leave more accessible.

2. Find the perfect type of sleeves

You need all the sleeves necessary to keep your cards safe, whether it’s a penny sleeve or a premium sleeve; you can use the latter for your beloved cards.

Warning: NEVER use ziplock bags if you really want to keep them in a good state.

3. Box them

If you’re moving out or just making space, use a storage container to give your cards the ultimate protection, you never know what can happen. This will protect them from debris, spills, bending and edge wear. If the box you choose holds your cards, even when double sleeved, and with almost zero movements, then you have a winner. You can also find a premium quality one (you know? Just in case…)

Posters

Creases are one of the worst things that can fall upon your dear posters, cards, or anything. If you want to keep them safe or can’t display them in your room or home, and throwing them out is not an option, you better learn how to take care of them.

Your poster may face the following dangers:

Moisture
Humidity
Heat
Light
Acidity
Critters

1. Use acid-free packing paper

If you’re going to keep them in a plain surface, cover them in acid-free paper inside a cardboard to avoid any harm, or just keep them in acid-free sleeves, where you can store your poster flat.

Lots of storage? Then do it this way, so you don’t have to use much space.

2. Get poster tubes

A good cardboard postal tube is always a safe option, you see them everywhere and there are different types according to your needs. If you’re shipping or moving out, this is the way to go.

Collectibles

You can always keep them in their original boxes, but if you want to preserve them or send them away, then think about that Toy Story 2 scene, when Stinky Pete, Woody, and his friends are packed for an international flight. This shows that there’s actually a thorough process to go through before packing precious collectibles.

Boxed collectibles

1. Wrap each box individually

Use acid-free packing paper, and if you’re taping, be really careful not to tape the product package. Afraid of your own clumsiness? Use painting tape (the blue one).

2. Wrap the box in bubble wrap

3. Use a larger box to pack them

4. Fill the space with crushed packing paper

Be careful of wiggle room.

5. Mark the box “FRAGILE”, for whether you are storing them in a personal space and letting others know to be mindful, or for shipping.

Fragile collectibles:

The collectible world is all about bubble wrap and crushed paper: The perfect pad.

1. Wrap them in bubble wrap by being careful not to tape the product

2. Get a box and put some crumpled paper at the bottom and on top.

Hacked: You can use a dish box with separate spaces, and fill the void with crushed paper.

3. Keep them upright to prevent them from damaging

4. Test it

After placing crumbled packing paper around each item, try shaking the box to feel them shift or not, if yes, just pad it with more paper.

5. Don’t put anything heavy on top of it and mark the box “FRAGILE.”

For more packing or shipping products, check out this.

admin May 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

And so after years of attending elementary, junior and senior high school, the long wait is over.

You’re finally now off to college!

But before you get all excited about the bright academic future waiting for you, take a moment to assess yourself. Are you all prepped up for the big move?

Packing your things up for college is, without a doubt, a daunting task to accomplish. Like, how can your entire life fit into bags and boxes? Well, the answer is… It can’t.

Remember, you’re not going away to another country or forever, you’ll just be miles away from home. So bringing almost all of your possessions won’t be necessary. You really only need a few things and not your entire closet.

Not sure about what to bring? Not a problem! We got you covered!

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what you should bring for the big move.

Clothing Needs

Again, it’s clothing needs, which means you only have to pack what you need. Most likely, you’ll know which of your clothes you’ll need to pack. But just in case that you’re a bit unsure, here are the basics:

Clothes/Coat hangers (to hang polos or dresses, or other formal-ish clothes)
Everyday clothes (to wear to school or in your dorm)
Underwear (duh)
Pajamas (to get comfy at night)
Formal/Professional outfits (for formal school events)
Semi-formal clothes (for social gatherings)
Seasonal garments and accessories (especially for summer and winter)
Bathing suits (in case you go to the beach or attend a pool party)
Gym bag and clothes (if you decide to get fit in college)
Costumes (for themed parties)
Shoes (that go with the clothes you’ll bring, of course)

Dorm Room Items

You should be aware that a majority, if not all, of college dorm rooms are already furnished with all you need–a desk, chair, bed, table, etc. So generally, you don’t really have to go all out in providing furniture and fixtures in your dorm room. But don’t forget to confirm first if it’s really furnished. Otherwise, you’ll end up living at a bare place. Nonetheless, make sure to pack these things:

Comforter
Mattress protector
Pillows and pillowcases
Duvet
Linens and sheets
Wastebasket

Kitchen Supplies

Check what your college dorm kitchen already has, or if there even is one. Most do have a lot of kitchen supplies, but here are some of the more useful ones:

Plates and bowls
Utensils
Mugs
Reusable food containers
Can opener
Water filter
Travel mug
Bottle opener

Bathroom Items

It’s always better to choose a dorm with a private bathroom inside your room, but if you’ll be sharing a communal one, trust us, you should never forget to bring your own things:

Toothbrush
Toothbrush holder
Towels (for face, hands, and body)
Shower shoes

Laundry Needs

Yep, you’ll be doing your laundry. Still excited to move away for college? Of course, you are. Let’s get that spirit kicking! Anyway, don’t forget to bring these things:

Drying rack
Sewing kit (you’ll never know when you’ll need it, and you’ll regret you didn’t bring one)
Quarters (always make sure to have your spare change)
Mini iron and ironing board

Toiletries and Medical supplies

While we will never know what may happen in the future, it’s best to be prepared just in case of emergencies, especially medical ones. Include these in your stuff:

Allergy medicine
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Antiseptic wipes
Multivitamins
First aid kit
Supplements
Bandages
Condoms
Birth control pills
Insect repellent
Menstrual pain medication
Retainer/mouthguard
Personal prescription medicine
Sunscreen
Nail clippers
Tampons/sanitary pads
Razor
Comb/brush
Contacts, solution, and case
Hair ties
Cosmetics
Bobby pins

Recreational Stuff

We’re quite a bit sure you’ll never forget the items listed here, but well, just in case:

Cellphone and charger
Laptop and charger
Cable organizer
Headphones
Speakers
Extension cords
External hard drive
Camera
Cable adapters
Ethernet cable, HDMI cable

Important Documents

Never leave your house without taking these documents that will surely be super important for your move to college. Organize them together in a water-proof, secure file or folder. Also, don’t forget to make photocopies of the most essential ones.

Copy of birth certificate
Student ID
Financial aid documents
Bank documents
Credit/debit card
Copy of Social Security card
Passport
Driver’s license
Health/dental insurance cards

You wouldn’t want to have to call your parents from them to bring these to you. Although, of course, they can always mail you what you forget. Make sure to tell your parents to ask the shipping company of what and what not to mail to you.

Every company will have different rules, so it’s best if they get a great college moving company to bring you the stuff you weren’t able to bring with you overnight.

Academic Essentials

There’s a huge possibility that you’ll be buying most of your academic needs after you move. But here are some of the things you should have first:

Textbooks
Highlighters
Pens and pencils
Index cards
Sticky tape
Sticky notes
Stapler and staples
Planner
Paper clips

Miscellaneous Stuff

These are some things that you may want to bring if you have the extra space, but not totally required to do so:

Safety pins
Umbrella
Handheld vacuum
Photos of family/friends
Wall mirror/full-length mirror
Throw blankets/cushions for decoration
Toolkit
Fairy lights for decoration
Beach towel
Books, magazines, and novels
Sports equipment
Fake plants for decoration
Bulletin board/dry-erase board

Going away to college is a mix of various emotions, as well as the things you need to do before the first day. Things to do like packing your essential stuff. The key is to list them all down (the items above, specifically), and check it twice, since you don’t want to forget one, whether you’re moving nearby to another city or heading overseas.

And if you need help with the boxes and shipping, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals! All that’s left to think about is, are you ready for the first day of freshman year?

Good luck!

admin August 28, 2017 Leave a Comment

Do you have a loved one that has passed on to the other side? Have they left their homes and possessions to you but you don’t know what to do with it? If you do, then consider an estate sale as a way to dispose and liquidate the deceased’s belongings.

What’s an estate sale?

An estate sale is like auctioning some, if not all, of a deceased loved one’s property. You may not want the sudden bulk of things or furniture, or you may not have the space to keep them.

Some inheritors even turn to an estate sale because they can’t agree on who-gets-what. Liquidated value is easier to divide that tangible stuff, don’t you think?

So how do you do it?

There are some things you need to think about, like organizing the things you want to sell. A disorganized estate sale will only give you a headache. Especially when buyers or customers come in and ask you where is which. It’s like walking into an antique store or a thrift shop where everything is all over the place. You don’t want that. So stay organized.

Now you can’t have an organized one if you don’t have the proper packing supplies, right?

So here are some of the supplies that you will need to prepare for your estate sale:

Boxes

Boxes may be the first thing that popped into your head when you thought about packing supplies, huh? And you are correct. These are where you place books, toys, and other stuff. But don’t just get one size for everything. Your boxes should also have different sizes.

You can use larger boxes for clothes, bed sheets, or other fabrics. Their size can vary from 28”x24”x20” and above, whatever you think will be enough. Use smaller or thin and shallow boxes for smaller items like cups or tools.

Make your selling easier by using boxes. You can put a sign that says everything is $5 or whatever price fits for what’s in the box. More convenient than individual labels.

Adhesive Labels or Stickers

Using price labels will prevent your customers from asking you about an item’s price. You can use this for less valuable stuff like kitchen utensils or items that can be priced individually. Use it on furniture that won’t get damaged by the adhesive like leather sofas or plastic items.

You may even print price stickers from home if you don’t want to buy an adhesive price label gun. Either way, you won’t have to use paper and tape that need more effort to stick to an item.

Tip: Don’t put a price label on things that are not for sale. Some people remove the price to get a lower price or free stuff. Yes, unfortunately, people like this exist. Keep them away by following this tip. It works. Trust me.

Markers

You can use markers to write information on your boxes or items. If you really prefer paper and tape, write prices or discounts on the boxes. This helps you by keeping interested customers from asking you, “how much?” on minor items like used clothes or books. You can also this for marking an adhesive label or sticker to mean that an item’s already sold.

Organizing hack: Organize your estate sale by writing sections like “Kitchen”, “Living Room”, or “Bedroom.” This will help customers know where to look.

Ziplocks or sealable bags and zip ties

You can use sealable bags for lightweight and non-fragile items like Lego’s or toy sets that don’t have boxes. You can also put broken electronic devices in these bags. And yes, some people buy broken electronics for parts that can be salvaged and used for other devices.

Use zip ties for cables or wires, kitchen utensils, and tools. Put a price on the sealable bag or zip ties to show that the items are sold as a whole.

Bubble Wrap and Styrofoam

No, you won’t be using this bubble wrap for your popping urges. You will use this for the more fragile stuff like cups or porcelain figurines.

You can use Styrofoam for organizing a set of cups or other fragile items in a box. You can also use foam peanuts to prevent fragile items from breaking inside the box.

Tip: You can cover fragile stuff with newspaper to protect them if you’re environment-conscious. Use more newspaper to make it thick because it isn’t as efficient as Styrofoam.

So these are some of the packing supplies that you need for an organized estate sale. Some of the other things you may consider having are security guards, extra employees, calculators, and/or security cameras. These will prevent thieving customers. And you don’t have to handle everything on your own so hire professional packing services to help you with everything. Good luck!

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