Packing Boxes
Everything you need to know to ensure that your boxed items stay safe and undamaged upon your return.
This article contains the following sections
How to Measure your boxes for shipping
* Dorm Room Movers does not provide packing services.
Can I store or ship my own boxes?
We understand there are situations where our supply kit may not arrive on time or self supplying your own is more convenient.
ECT and burst rate
Keep in mind that the higher Exterior Crust Test (ECT) and burst rate (see examples below) for the boxes you are purchasing, the better the chances are of the boxes holding up to loading, unloading and stacking them while in storage.
Can't I just put everything in trash bags?
While we understand in some situations packing stuff into trash bags may be the only option available, it is not recommended. They can easily rip and cause items to be lost or damaged.
Suggested containers
- Plastic totes
- Cardboard boxes
- Suitcases
- Trunks
- Footlockers
- Garment bags
If you choose to pack your items in plastic bags, per our terms of service, any claim for lost or damaged items will be denied.
Shipping box requirements
You may purchase shipping boxes wherever they are sold. Please note that moving boxes are generally not adequate for shipping needs.
Each box will have a stamp by the manufacturer on the bottom of the box.
Note: Freight pricing will vary for shipping depending on the dimensions and weight of each box used.
UPS Package Guidelines
You can help to ensure that your package arrives safely and on time with these packaging guidelines and procedures developed from UPS research.
- Use a rigid box with flaps intact
- Remove any labels, hazardous material indicators,and other previous shipment marking on the box that are no longer applicable.
- Wrap all items separately
- Use adequate cushioning material
- Use clear, strong tape specially designed for shipping.
- When building and sealing your boxes, you should use three strips of the provided tape for both the top and the bottom of the box.
- Do not use string or paper over-wrap. Use tape only.
- Each box requires a unique address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information, created from our website.
- Place a duplicate address label inside the package (cut from the printed label).
- Visit this link for more information: https://www.ups.com/packaging/?loc=en_US
How much weight can a Dorm Room Movers box hold?
Our signature boxes are 44 ECT singe wall corrugated shipping container with a 44 lb per inch crush test strength and are rated to hold up to 45 lbs.
- Boxes with weight exceeding 45 lbs and will incur additional UPS overage fees and will be billed within 30 days of shipment.
How to correctly measure a self supplied box for shipping.
Box Measurements and Weight
When generating a shipping label for your self supplied box, it specifically requires accurate measurements and weight in order to ensure further charges are applied due to the box being greater in size or weight than is stated by the corresponding shipping label.
Measure each side of each box
- Determine box Length, Width, and Height.
- Round up to the nearest inch when taking measurements.
- UPS will charge you for it otherwise.
- Save those numbers and enter into the DRM shipping label generator on your account
Box Size and Weight Limitations
- Boxes can be no greater than 165 inches in length and girth combined.
- To accurately determine length and girth, use the formula: Length + 2x Width + 2x Height
- The actual weight is the package weight rounded up to the next whole pound.
- Use a scale to determine the weight of the package. Round any fraction of a pound to the next whole pound.
- Maximum weight is 70lb, but additional UPS overage fees will be applied to boxes over 40lb.
For International Shipping
Use below form to get a quote and download a blank inventory sheet. Make sure to submit the form to let us know you are shipping out of the USA.
Make a copy of the blank inventory sheet and create a list for each box as you pack and include each item's value. Send us a digital copy and print one to place inside each box.
This is required by Customs and each box will be otherwise returned at your cost if the inventory list and valuation do not pass inspection.