Moving archive boxes and paper records
Paper is dense. A box that looks small can be too heavy to lift safely, and a mislabelled box can lose a file for months. Planning the packing is the whole job.
Keep boxes liftable
Fill standard archive boxes to a weight one person can carry without strain. Avoid overfilling, and keep the lid closed with tape so it cannot open under a stack.
- Weight a single person can lift
- Lids taped shut
- Stack height kept sensible
Label in code, not content
Use box numbers and a separate index so anyone who sees a box cannot read what it holds. Keep the index with you, not in the van.
Sensitive records
Data protection rules still apply to paper. Tell the driver which boxes are confidential, and arrange handover to a named person at the destination.
Match the van
Archive boxes stack neatly. Count them and note the box size so the van and the number of trips can be estimated.
Frequently asked questions
Can the driver store the boxes?
Storage is not described here. Arrange it separately.
How many boxes fit in a van?
It depends on the van and the box size. Give the count and size when requesting a quote.
Related guides
- Moving inventory sheetList your belongings room by room in an editable table, note fragile items and download the inventory as a CSV for your quote request.
- Moving belongings in and out of storageMoving into or out of a storage unit? Plan the timing, unit access hours, loading order and what to measure so the van trip goes smoothly.
- Moving office equipment with a man and vanMoving monitors, desks or printers by van? Plan labelling, padding, data backups and building access so equipment arrives ready to use.
Ready to plan your job?
Go straight to the quote form. A quote request does not reserve a driver.