Cardboard is cheap and easy to get hold of. You can usually get as many boxes as you want for free from stores unloading inventory or even family and friends. It’s easy to ship items in cardboard and the material is quite versatile for moving as well. When it comes to storing on the long-term, cardboard seems like the winner but there are a few things you should consider before you snap up those boxes.
First and foremost, when cardboard gets wet it warps and falls apart. The water also leaks through the cardboard, into the box, and saturates the contents. This may not be a big deal if you are storing pool toys but for your valuables, pictures or personal items, this can be devastating. Of course, you could line your cardboard boxes with plastic garbage bags or liners but the issue still remains that your box is now falling apart and your bag busting out, potentially spilling everything to the floor. How do you protect your stuff from flood water or when a fire sprinkler system goes off in a facility?
Store everything you care about in plastic storage bins. This way, if any water gets into your unit or container, your items are protected. The plastic repels the water and the likelihood of mold or bacteria forming (as it would on wet cardboard) is highly unlikely. Plastic bins cost more – you can get a generic, no frills bin for about $5) and you are less likely to get them for free. They also aren’t as compact as a square box so you may need to configure your space a bit better. In the end, the extra cost and organizing is worth NOT having your items destroyed by water.
Extra Tip: If you have a basement that always floods, consider getting wood pallets and placing your storage bins on top of them to avoid sitting in standing water.
Our Dumpster Tip of the Week is Courtesy of the Mokena Dumpster Rental Service! Thanks, Gang!
