As I pack for my annual Florida excursion, I think about another kind of packing — and a set of moving boxes that have been in the attic since the dawn of time.

Some people love the lonesome sound of a train whistle at night. Others thrill to the revving of a jet engine. Perhaps we are overlooking one of the most ordinary yet evocative of mobility symbols: the moving box.

A suitcase holds only so much, but a fine set of high-quality moving boxes considerably broadens the field. Not that you would drag them along on a vacation. But if your idea of travel is getting out of Dodge for good, moving boxes are your friend.

This doesn’t explain why we’ve kept them around for decades, because we have most definitely remained in Dodge (also known as Northern Virginia). But the boxes have stored blankets, books, toys and many other items we probably don’t need. They’ve helped others move. And they’ve been at the ready for decades in case a quick getaway is required.

Have any been recycled? Absolutely not! These are high-quality moving boxes. Sturdy and solid. Meant to be reused. The ones you see here were on their way up to the attic … where I’m sure they will remain.