How to Fold a Bankers Box

What You’ll Need

A Bankers Box (the flat, folded cardboard unit with attached lid)
A flat, clear surface (floor or table)
Optional: a tape measure if you want to check the final dimensions

Step-by-Step

Lay the box flat. Place the collapsed Bankers Box on your work surface with the printed side facing up. The box should look like a flat rectangle with crease lines. Make sure the side with the attached lid is on top.
Locate the bottom flaps. Turn the box so the end without the attached lid is facing you. That end has two large flaps (the bottom) and two smaller side flaps. The attached lid will be at the opposite end.
Fold the bottom side flaps inward. Take the two smaller side flaps (the ones on the left and right) and fold them inward along the crease. They should lie flat against the inside of the box, forming a sort of shelf.
Fold the bottom large flaps inward. Now take the two larger flaps (top and bottom) and fold them inward, one over the other. They should overlap slightly and sit snugly inside the box. You’ll hear a soft click as they lock into place.
Stand the box up. Grasp the box by the sides and lift it upright. The bottom should now be closed. Give the bottom a gentle press from the outside to ensure the flaps are fully seated.
Fold the top flaps inward. At the open top, fold the two smaller side flaps inward, then fold the two larger flaps inward. The attached lid will fold over the top and tuck into the front slit. That’s it – your box is ready to use.

Common Mistakes

Folding the wrong end first: Beginners often start with the end that has the attached lid. That end is the top – you want to close the bottom first.
Forcing the flaps: If the flaps don’t fold easily, you’re probably trying to fold against the crease. Always fold along the pre-scored lines.
Skipping the side flaps: The two smaller side flaps must be folded before the large flaps. If you skip them, the bottom won’t be flat and the box will bulge.
Not pressing the bottom: After standing the box up, if you don’t press the bottom from the outside, the flaps may pop open when you load heavy files.

Tips

Work on a hard, flat surface – carpet makes it harder to get crisp folds.
If the box feels stiff, gently flex the crease lines back and forth before folding.
When storing folded boxes, keep them flat and stack them vertically to save space.
Always fold the bottom before you start filling the box – it’s nearly impossible to do it once the box is full.
If you plan to move the box, use the attached lid and tuck it securely – no tape needed.

Troubleshooting

The bottom won’t stay closed

This usually means the side flaps aren’t fully folded inward. Open the box, refold the side flaps, and then fold the large flaps over them. Press the bottom from the outside to seat everything.

The flaps are stuck or won’t fold

Check that you’re folding in the right direction. The printed side should be on the outside. If the cardboard is stiff, run your finger along the crease to loosen it before folding.

The box looks lopsided

One of the flaps may be tucked under another instead of over. Unfold the bottom, realign the flaps so they overlap evenly, and refold.

The lid won’t tuck in

Make sure you’ve folded the top flaps inward first. The lid should fold over and slide into the front slit. If it’s tight, wiggle it gently – it will loosen with use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need tape to assemble a Bankers Box?

No. The flaps are designed to interlock, and the lid tucks into a slit. Tape is optional if you want extra security, but it’s not required.

Can I reuse a Bankers Box after it’s been folded?

Yes. To break it down, unfold the top flaps, then push the bottom flaps open from the inside. Flatten the box and store it. It can be refolded multiple times.

Which end is the bottom?

The end without the attached lid is the bottom. The attached lid is always at the top.

How much weight can a Bankers Box hold?

That depends on the specific model, but most standard Bankers Boxes are designed to hold letter-size files. Check the label on your box for the maximum weight rating.

Can I fold a Bankers Box with one person?

Yes, it’s designed for one person. The whole process takes about two minutes.

What if I lose the instructions?

You don’t need them – just follow the crease lines. The flaps only fit one way, so if it doesn’t fold easily, you’re likely doing it wrong.

Sources: Fellowes. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.