Before you move and start packing, think about where you are getting your cardboard boxes?  The supermarket?  The liquor store?  Office supply stores?  Are they new or used?

Insects or insect eggs may reside within used boxes. Corrugated cardboard moving boxes are a favorite home for cockroaches, spiders, mites and even bed bugs.  Even one bed bug could result in a total infestation of your new home or place of business. Rodent droppings could reside in the box, which may be extremely harmful to you and your family’s or co-workers’ health.

Do you know who used those boxes before you? What was packed into those boxes?Chemicals that could come in contact with your belongings?  Dirty shoes or floor mats?  Did they smoke? Did they have shedding pets?

Smart movers get boxes new or from places that do not come in contact with food, chemicals or dirt. Always check boxes (new and used) for any signs of bugs or insect eggs.  To be on the safe side, use an ant and roach spray to mist the boxes (but don’t do this for any boxes that will contain foodstuffs, personal care items or clothing).

And talk to your moving company.  Don’t let them use previously used mattress or wardrobe boxes.

If you get pests inside your new home from used moving boxes, the cost of getting rid of those pests will far outweigh the cost of new moving supplies.