If you have lots of packaging boxes in storage, it's essential that you maintain the right conditions to keep them from deterioration. These boxes form part of your stock and the money that’s held in your business; letting them deteriorate or be damaged will impact your overall business profitability. In this article, we take a look at several tips for storing packaging boxes and avoiding damage or deterioration.
The best place to store packaging boxes is in a clean and dry location. Any dirt that gets onto the boxes may make them unsuitable for use and could result in them being thrown away. Damp is also a big problem for packaging boxes, especially cardboard. If cardboard boxes become damp, their structure will be damaged, and they will no longer be suitable for use. Always assess your storage area for dampness and dirt; if there is a chance of the area being susceptible to dampness, you should find somewhere else to store your packaging boxes. A good clean and tidy of the area will help to keep the packaging clean and free from dirt or dust; this should be done on a regular basis to prevent dust from building up.
The ground is more susceptible to moisture seepage and pests; plus, if people are regularly driving or walking past boxes on the ground, they could be accidentally damaged by vehicles or individuals. Always keep boxes off the ground, a pallet is a good way to do this, and it will also help if you have lots of boxes that need to be moved to another location at once. If you are moving boxes stored on a pallet, make sure they are sufficiently strapped to the pallet to prevent them from falling off and getting damaged in transit.
To save space and keep your packaging boxes in better condition, they should be stored flat-packed where possible. This will give you more room to stack several boxes on top of each other and will prevent them from being squashed or misshapen. If your packaging boxes can’t be stored flat packed, then you should store the biggest and heaviest boxes on the bottom, working up to the lighter, more delicate boxes. This will prevent the bigger boxes from crushing the smaller ones, and it will make it easier when you need to find a box of a certain size.
In storage rooms or warehouses, there are often lots of boxes and goods that are stored in different locations. If these aren’t labelled correctly, it can make the job of finding what you need more challenging. In addition, boxes may need to be moved or taken out of the packaging to assess if they are the correct item that’s needed. The more things are moved, the more chance there is of them being damaged. Proper labelling will prevent this and keep the boxes in the best condition possible.
When boxes are stored in very hot, cold or high-humidity environments, they’re more likely to deteriorate and suffer damage. Where possible, you should control the environment by keeping a consistent temperature and ensuring good ventilation where the packaging boxes are stored. If there are any extreme temperatures or if there's a change in humidity, the boxes should be examined for any damage and moved to a location where the temperature can be carefully controlled.
If the packaging is checked regularly and a report is made on the condition of the items, any damage made can be limited quickly. For example, if pests have started to destroy the top or bottom of the packaging boxes, intervention can take place to eliminate the pests and save the rest of the items. Always check items on a regular basis to ensure there are no issues that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, proper storage and maintenance of packaging boxes are crucial for preserving their quality and protecting your business's profitability. By implementing these storage tips and maintaining a proactive approach to box preservation, you can safeguard your packaging boxes, protect your stock, and optimise your overall business profitability.