Don't let good boxes go bad

There are several reasons why shipping boxes may lose some of their original strength before you use them to package orders. They may have been damaged during shipment, or they may have absorbed moisture while stored in an area with poor ventilation or high humidity. When cardboard becomes damp, it can soften and lose its shape. Fortunately, proper storage and regular maintenance can help keep your shipping boxes strong until they are needed to fulfill orders.

First, choose a clean, dry area to store your box inventory. Cardboard naturally absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and nearby surfaces. When a box becomes damp, it may lose its shape and structural strength. Avoid storing boxes near potential sources of water, such as leaking faucets, damaged roofs, or puddles. Keep your inventory away from areas where rain or snow could reach it.

Never store cardboard boxes directly on the floor. Spills can spread underneath stacked boxes, and floors may retain moisture after cleaning. Instead, use pallets, racks, or raised shelves to keep your shipping boxes elevated above the ground. This simple precaution helps reduce the risk of moisture damage and makes your inventory easier to inspect.

Whenever possible, store unused shipping boxes flat. Flat storage helps conserve warehouse space and keeps the box panels straighter. Avoid leaning tall stacks against walls, as the weight of the boxes can create uneven pressure on lower layers. This pressure may cause bending and creasing, making the boxes more difficult to assemble and seal when needed.

Keep all box stacks organized and evenly balanced. Never place larger boxes on top of smaller ones when the larger boxes extend beyond the supporting stack. Uneven weight distribution can crush corners and create severe creases. Place the heaviest bundles at the bottom and progressively lighter bundles above them to maintain stable stacks and reduce the risk of damage.

Use clearly visible labels to identify box sizes in each designated storage area. Employees should be able to locate the packaging they need without opening multiple bundles or searching through different stacks. Keep frequently requested box sizes closest to the packing station. Store less frequently used sizes farther away while ensuring they remain accessible.

Follow a first-in, first-out inventory system by using the oldest boxes first. When new shipments arrive, place them behind the existing stock so older bundles are used before newer ones. This prevents older inventory from remaining unused for extended periods. If it is difficult to remember when each shipment arrived, label every bundle with its receiving date.

Inspect your box inventory for signs of rodents or mice. These pests may use cardboard as nesting material or hiding places. Look for small holes, tears, debris trails, and chewing marks. Remove damaged packaging from usable inventory and address any underlying pest problems promptly to prevent further damage and contamination.

Conduct periodic inspections of your shipping box inventory, ideally every six to eight weeks. Run your hands along the box walls, examine the corners, and look for dust accumulation, water spots, bending, or creases. Check whether any stacks are experiencing excessive pressure and rearrange them when necessary. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems early, allowing you to protect your packaging supplies and maintain a reliable inventory for future orders.