Storage Boxes

The right office storage box comes down to what you're storing and how long it needs to last, not just what fits today. If you're unsure which option suits your records, Carr McLean's team can help you match the box to the material

Matching the Box to What You're Storing

Office records, photographs, maps, and historical documents don't behave the same way in storage, so they shouldn't be boxed the same way either.

• Business records and financial files: CARMAC® Standard Record Storage Boxes and CARMAC® Acrylic Coated Record Storage Boxes keep this kind of paperwork organized on shelving without paying for preservation-grade materials you don't need.

• Historical documents and special collections: the CARMAC® One-Piece Archival Storage Boxes are acid- and lignin-free, sit at an 8.0 to 9.0 pH, and include a calcium carbonate buffer, so the preservation claim actually holds up.

• Maps and drawings: the Hollinger Flat Storage Boxes are built for large-format material that won't fit a standard box.

• Items that vary in thickness: the Full Telescoping Storage Boxes adjust in depth instead of forcing one fixed size.

• Photographs: the Deluxe Photo Storage Box gives them a dedicated home, rather than a general document box that was never built for them.

Does the Material Actually Matter?

Yes, and it changes more than the price tag. Corrugated cardboard, like the Bankers Box Enviro Stor Banker Box, works well for records that sit on a shelf and don't get handled often. It's a sensible, lower-cost choice for inactive files and routine administrative storage.

Once boxes start moving around a lot, cardboard starts to show its limits. Coroplast Record Storage Boxes are made from a corrugated plastic that's washable and holds up to repeated handling in a way cardboard can't. The Collapsible Crate File Boxes take that further: built from polypropylene with a 100-pound weight capacity, they snap together in seconds and include filing rods that convert the crate into a hanging file box, so you're not stuck choosing between a moving crate and a working file system.

Before You Order

A few things are worth checking before you choose an office storage box:

• Document size, since letter- and legal-size records need different dimensions than photographs, maps, or newspapers.

• How often the files get retrieved, since that changes whether ease of access matters more than compact storage.

• Whether boxes will be stacked or shipped between locations, since construction quality stops being optional once that's the case.

• Capacity alone is the mistake most people make. It's rarely the only thing that matters.

Moving and Transporting Records

Records rarely stay put forever. Office moves, off-site storage transfers, and shared departments all put boxes through more handling than a shelf ever would. The Collapsible Crate File Boxes are built for exactly that, with a snap-together design that keeps files secure and organized during a move. For records staying in corrugated storage but needing more durability than standard cardboard, Coroplast Record Storage Boxes offer a washable, heat-resistant alternative that still ships flat and assembles quickly.

Browse Carr McLean's full range of office storage boxes to compare sizes and materials for office records, archival collections, and photographs, and place your order online anywhere in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do storage boxes come in custom sizes?

Custom sizing is available for organizations with non-standard needs, such as oversized maps or collections that fall outside letter and legal dimensions. Check directly with Carr McLean if your materials don't fit standard sizing.

How long do corrugated storage boxes last before they need replacing?

Corrugated boxes like the Bankers Box Enviro Stor are built for shorter-term use and may need replacing sooner in humid conditions or under heavier loads. For records you're keeping untouched for years, a more durable option like Coroplast or a preservation-grade box makes more sense from the start.

Are archival boxes acid-free by default?

Not always, so it's worth confirming for the specific box you're considering. The CARMAC One-Piece Archival Storage Boxes are acid- and lignin-free with a pH of 8.0 to 9.0, which makes them a reliable choice when preservation quality matters, particularly for photographs and manuscripts.

What's the difference between a record storage box and an archival storage box?

A record storage box keeps everyday paperwork organized without paying for preservation-grade materials. An archival storage box, like the CARMAC One-Piece, is built for long-term protection with acid- and lignin-free construction, making it the better choice for photographs and historical documents.