Who knew that common cardboard boxes are called “tea chest boxes”? In this article, we'll look at this moving box type and when you should use it. We'll also discuss why it’s called like so, why it is what it is, available sizes, tips, and more. Read on.
What’s a Tea Chest Box?
The term "tea chest" originated from a wooden box of the same name used for shipping and storing tea during the colonial era. Over time, as materials and shipping practices became modern, its namesake transitioned to refer to various large storage containers, including cardboard boxes. [Source]
Today, tea chest boxes are the most recognizable when it comes to brown carton boxes. The assembly process of a tea chest box is the most straightforward – simply seal the bottom and top flaps with packing tape. They’re conveniently supplied flat packed, facilitating easy storage when not in use.
What are the Dimensions of a Tea Chest Box?
The common dimension for a cardboard tea chest box is 43 cm x 41 cm x 60 cm (LxWxH) and it may vary depending on which supplier you’re buying them from.
At Easyhome, we have these boxes in sizes 18 x 18 x 15 inches, 22 x 16 x 15 inches, or three cubic feet. Our standard moving boxes can hold up to 20–40 pounds of weight, depending on how many items might come up to that volume or fill the boxes.
How Do I Use a Tea Chest Box?
Tea chest boxes are simple.
They’re simply large cardboard boxes that are strong and sturdy and retain their shape when it is correctly packed. A large cardboard tea chest storage box is widely used in the removals and storage industry and is ideal for packing both smaller and larger items.
Trivia: Most establishments, like groceries, use them because they’re cheap and easy to outsource. Stores recycle their boxes that came from the original packaging of other products to package customer orders. It’s an effective solution for businesses as they help manage and lessen in-store waste by repurposing them and turning them into carriers for bought items.
Here’s a 5-step tutorial on how to use and close a tea chest box:
Step 1. Open up the box and place it in a 3D shape
Step 2. Put your items inside, then add cushioning
Step 3. Fold all the flaps inward.
Step 4. Seal the box with tape across the line of the opening
Step 5. Fold 4 additional flaps outward the box on the other side
Final Thoughts
Tea chest boxes are the common brown boxes used for storing items for shipping or moving houses. You can find these anywhere: brown boxes with four flaps on both ends sealed with tape. What’s so special about them is they serve various purposes and do a great job of keeping the things inside stabilized and protected.
In the context of moving houses, tea chests are the most handy especially if you’re one to own a lot of things. A single large tea chest box can hold up to 40 lbs of items, making it an ideal choice to make packing faster and less wasteful.
Consider using recycled boxes as much as possible, and try to repurpose boxes to reduce waste and impact on the environment.
If you’re looking for reasonably priced quality moving boxes and packing supplies in bulk, consider checking out Easyhome bundles. You can browse through our products here.
We offer nationwide shipping, order anytime, and 1-2 days fast door-to-door delivery.
