Tips & tricks: preparing moving boxes correctly in Vienna

Proper preparation keeps your items safe for longer in storage 

One of the golden rules of moving is that everything should stay inside the boxes until they reach their final destination. That's why you should focus on quality when buying them. Invest in the best boxes you can find. Old or used boxes don't offer the same protection for your belongings, whether you're storing them or just packing them in the back of the removal van. 

Avoid the following mistakes when choosing boxes: 

· Too few boxes 

· Cheap boxes, poor quality

· Damaged and used boxes 

· Wrong sizes

Pay attention to quality when choosing adhesive tape, too. Cheap tape, or tape designed for other uses, won't stick as long to cardboard and won't offer the strength needed to seal the box properly. Alternatively, choose pricier self-locking boxes that don't need taping.  

What to look out for when sourcing moving boxes in Vienna? 

 A good moving box is sturdy and easy to carry thanks to practical handles. Pay special attention to a strong base – we recommend double-wall cardboard boxes. Double-wall boxes are ideal for securely packing heavy and fragile items. Although they are slightly more expensive, the extra money is well spent. It's also worth asking around: removal companies often rent out good moving boxes at fair prices.  

However, most of us are tempted to buy cheap boxes from the local DIY store. Be careful here, as cheap moving boxes are often only made from single-wall cardboard.  

This means they withstand less weight, the handles are thinner and more prone to tearing. They can also dig into your hands and are more likely to break during transit. 

We also advise against using banana boxes. While sturdy, they can't be closed because they're open at the top. This makes them harder to stack and means they offer poor protection, especially for valuable items. 

Our storage unit tip – If you choose boxes that need to be taped up, invest in a tape dispenser. It's particularly worth it if you have a lot of boxes to seal. The advantage of a dispenser is that the tape sits tight against the box, creating a sturdy seal. This is especially important for the bottom of the box.

Sealed ends also prevent unwanted creepy-crawlies from getting inside.

Our final self storage tip: Don't overfill your boxes. Especially if the top bulges or you can't close the box completely, it creates an unstable surface, making the boxes harder to stack and store.