Bankers Box at a Glance
Bankers Box is a leading U.S. office organization brand known for sturdy file storage boxes and its FastFold assembly system, designed to be tape-free and quick to set up. If you are organizing physical records, manuals, or home-office paperwork, understanding sizes, weight, and humidity control will help you build a reliable archive.
What size is a Bankers Box?
Exact dimensions depend on the model, but these are the most commonly used formats:
- Standard Stor/File (Letter/Legal convertible): Approximately 10 in (H) × 12 in (W) × 15 in (D) external. This format is the everyday choice for folders and files; internal dimensions are slightly smaller due to wall thickness.
- Legal Long Box: Approximately 10 in (H) × 15 in (W) × 24 in (D) external. Use this for longer legal-size files, end-tab folders, or bound volumes that don’t comfortably fit the standard 15 in depth.
- Cube/Home Office Décor: Around 12 in × 12 in × 12 in external. These fit popular shelving systems and are ideal for mixed contents in home offices.
Tip: Always confirm the product page for precise internal/external dimensions and weight ratings, as specifications vary across models and series.
Size of a Bankers Box vs. Capacity
The standard 10 × 12 × 15 in Stor/File box is designed to fit common letter/legal folders and can typically handle everyday archival loads. Many heavy-duty versions are rated up to about 50 lb of contents when assembled correctly and used on stable shelving. For safety and longevity, avoid overloading, concentrate heavy items near the base, and use both hand holes when lifting.
How much does a large cardboard box weigh?
Empty box weight depends on size and board construction.
- Standard Bankers Box (around 10 × 12 × 15 in, double-wall): Typically ~1.8–2.4 lb per box (including lid). Heavier-duty boards or moisture barriers can add weight.
- Large moving box (e.g., ~18 × 18 × 24 in): Single-wall often ~1.4–1.8 lb; double-wall commonly ~2.8–3.5 lb.
Factors that affect weight include board grade (single vs double wall), flute type, coatings, and any reinforced bottoms. If you need a precise shipping estimate, weigh one empty unit on a postal scale.
Desiccant uses: Protecting documents from humidity
Paper absorbs ambient moisture, which can cause waviness, ink transfer, and mold in high-humidity environments. Desiccants help stabilize microclimate inside boxes.
- What to use: Silica gel or clay-based desiccant pouches are common and safe for paper.
- How many: For a standard file box, 1–2 pouches totaling ~10–20 g is a practical starting point in moderate climates; increase in humid regions or for long-term storage.
- Maintenance: Replace or regenerate desiccants every 6–12 months, and more frequently if you notice dampness.
- Storage best practices: Keep boxes off floors on shelves or pallets, maintain airflow, avoid direct contact with exterior walls, and consider a room dehumidifier if RH routinely exceeds ~60%.
Note: Cardboard boxes are not airtight; desiccants help but are most effective when combined with good room-level humidity control.
Example: Filing product manuals (e.g., MAG A750GL PCIe5 manual)
If you maintain hardware documentation such as the MAG A750GL PCIe5 power supply manual, create a dedicated box labeled “Hardware Manuals & Warranties.”
- Use the standard Stor/File size for mixed letter/legal booklets.
- Label clearly: Brand, model, purchase date, serial number, and warranty end date. Add a QR code linking to the latest PDF if available.
- Protect: Slip each manual into a clear sleeve; add a small desiccant pouch to the box.
- Shelf placement: Store manuals in an accessible area; avoid stacking these boxes under heavy archives.
FastFold assembly: Quick setup
Most Bankers Box FastFold designs assemble in about 15 seconds without tape:
- Pop the box open and square the corners.
- Engage the interlocking bottom flaps until they click/lock.
- Load contents and place the lid; ensure hand holes are aligned and unobstructed.
Practicing the sequence once or twice helps your team standardize assembly and prevent bottom flap mislocks.
FAQs
Q: What size is a Bankers Box?
A: The most common is ~10 in × 12 in × 15 in (Stor/File). For longer legal files, use ~10 in × 15 in × 24 in. Specialty cubes are often ~12 in × 12 in × 12 in.
Q: How much does a large cardboard box weigh?
A: A typical empty large single-wall box (~18 × 18 × 24 in) is around 1.4–1.8 lb; double-wall versions are ~2.8–3.5 lb. Standard Bankers Box file boxes often fall in the ~1.8–2.4 lb range.
Q: Do I need desiccants in every box?
A: Not always. Use desiccants for sensitive documents or storage rooms that trend humid. Routine climate control plus periodic inspection is often sufficient for general records.
Q: Can I recycle Bankers Box products?
A: Most file storage boxes are widely recyclable in the U.S. after removing any plastic components. Check local guidelines and avoid contaminating boxes with non-paper materials.
Bottom line
Choose the Bankers Box size that matches your content (standard vs legal long vs cube), keep loads within the rated weight, and use desiccants strategically in damp environments. With clear labeling and FastFold assembly, you’ll build a document archive that’s efficient, durable, and easy to audit.