How to store cardboard boxes for packaging

Managing your packaging inventory efficiently is essential for any business that wants to reduce waste, minimise damage, and maintain fast fulfilment. One key part of this is knowing how to store cardboard boxes for packaging properly. At DS Smith ePack, we offer smart, space-saving packaging solutions that are designed with storage efficiency in mind so your business stays organised and ready to deliver.

Understanding how to store cardboard boxes the right way has a direct impact on your customer experience. Damaged, crushed, or warped packaging can lead to poor presentation and compromised product protection, something that can easily be avoided with proper storage.

Not only does correct storage maintain packaging quality, but it also reduces costs. Replacing damaged boxes adds up quickly, and in a fast-moving fulfilment operation, wasted time can mean missed delivery windows.

Luckily, DS Smith ePack's durable range of flat-packed boxes, such as single wall and double wall cardboard boxes, make efficient storage easier than ever.

When it comes to storing carton boxes, location is everything. Always store your packaging materials in cool, dry environments to prevent moisture damage and maintain structural integrity.

Avoid placing boxes directly on the floor. Fold them and use pallets or shelving units to protect from damp and pests. Keep the storage area clean and well-ventilated to avoid mildew or unpleasant odours affecting your packaging.

Another useful tip: rotate your inventory regularly. Using older boxes first (FIFO method – First In, First Out) helps avoid storing materials past their optimal condition.

Efficiency doesn’t stop at just storing materials, it’s also about how you organise them. Grouping by size, SKU, or usage frequency ensures your team can retrieve boxes quickly during busy periods.

Label everything clearly and consistently to save time and prevent confusion. This becomes even more important when managing multiple types of packaging, such as postal boxes, which might be used for specific products or customer types.

If you're working in a small warehouse or stockroom, modular storage units and stackable shelving can help maximise vertical space.

An additional way to save space and simplify your packaging inventory is by using adjustable cardboard boxes. These versatile boxes are designed to optimise storage by allowing you to adjust the height to fit different product sizes. Instead of stocking multiple box types, you can rely on a single model that adapts to your needs — reducing clutter, streamlining logistics, and making the most of your storage area.

Many businesses make simple mistakes when learning how to store packing materials — and it can cost them in the long run. One of the most frequent issues is exposing packaging to moisture or direct sunlight, which weakens the cardboard over time.

Another mistake is poor stacking. Heavy loads placed on top of lightweight boxes can lead to crushed corners and unusable packaging. Always stack boxes of similar strength and size, and avoid creating unstable towers.

During peak fulfilment periods, it’s easy to leave packaging materials unprotected or disorganised. Take the time to return unused boxes and materials to their proper place to maintain order.

It’s not just about cardboard, either. Knowing how to store paper bubble wrap properly — ideally in rolls, off the ground, and in a dust-free space — ensures it stays clean and cushioning.

At DS Smith ePack, we design our packaging to make your storage easier. All our boxes arrive flat-packed, so you only assemble them as needed, freeing up valuable space.

Our use of high-quality corrugated boards ensures long-term resistance to crushing and warping, even when stored for extended periods. Whether you need single wall, double wall, or postal boxes, every solution is built for durability and efficient storage.

We also offer custom sizing, so you never have to stock packaging that takes up more space than necessary. By investing in the right packaging from the start, you're investing in a more organised, efficient fulfilment process.

In conclusion, knowing how to store cardboard boxes, paper bubble wrap, and other packaging materials is more than a logistical choice: it’s a strategic one. With DS Smith ePack, you can streamline your packaging process, reduce waste, and deliver an exceptional unboxing experience every time.