As we help you prepare to pack and move your valuables, it is essential that you have the right supplies. We recommend choosing the right boxes and packages to ensure all your items transfer safely to your new destination. 

 

Ed's Moving & Storage can provide professional-grade boxes that protect and pad your valuables en route from point A to point B. To find out what we have available for moving and storage solutions, you can contact us today!

Moving Box Types

Moving boxes come in many sizes, but just because your items can fit in certain boxes doesn’t mean you should use them, especially when it comes to your more valuable pieces. Before you start packing your stuff in any old box, check out our summary of the best types of packages for moving all sorts of items, large and small. 

Small Boxes

In the moving industry, a small box has a dimension of close to 1.5 cubic feet. Little boxes are great for moving bulk items or small but heavy objects. Examples include books, canned goods, or things made from heavy materials like thick wood or metal. 

Medium Boxes

Medium boxes measure around three cubic feet and are commonly referred to as all-purpose boxes. These are for medium-sized items that one to two people can carry. A medium box can carry children's toys, sturdy dishware, toiletries, or garage tools. Since they can carry more, you need to be aware that they can be twice as heavy as a small box. 

Large Boxes

A standard measurement for a large box is 4.5 cubic feet. They're great for packing sizable items that are not too heavy. Larger boxes can hold lots of clothing, bedding, pillows, curtains, etc. Again, adding too much weight to these boxes is not a good idea. Even if you have multiple people who can carry the load, the box may not withstand the weight. 

Dish Packs

The best way to preserve your beautiful china is to purchase dish packs. They are boxes with dividers that separate plates, saucers, stemware, or bowls to keep them from scratching, chipping, or breaking.  

Mattress Box

Mattresses are among the valuables that receive the most damage during a relocation. Homeowners often place them in compromising positions against metal or pointed objects. The solution to the problem is to put a mattress inside a mattress box. You can get mattress boxes to fit mattresses of all shapes and sizes.

Mirror Boxes

Just like a mattress, mirrors also take the brunt end of moving. No matter how many blankets or pillows you surround a mirror with, strange things can happen in the moving truck. Your best bet is to put the mirror in a padded box designed to withstand impact. Mirror boxes come in many shapes and sizes. 

Crates

We provide crating service for home and business owners in the Seattle and Tacoma, Washington areas who want to move expensive items such as antiques, chandeliers, artwork, or anything that is large and takes up a lot of space but is delicate. Ask us about our crates!

Packing Fragile & Valuable Items: Tips for Success

Whether you're moving across town or relocating internationally, it's important to pack your valuable, fragile belongings properly. Safe packing is especially important if you plan to ship items to your new abode since you'll have little control over how boxes are handled. 

 

At Ed's Moving & Storage, we know how devastating it can be to find broken valuables after a move, and that's why we're here to help you out. Learn how to safely pack some of the most common fragile household items to protect your possessions during your move.  

Gather the Appropriate Materials

First things first: Gather the materials you'll need to protect your fragile items properly. Though you can use household items (such as blankets and towels) as protective packing material, opting for designated packing materials is usually best. 

 

Because they're designed to provide impact protection and prevent your items from jostling around during transport, these materials provide a better safeguard against damage. 

 

Here's what you'll need to collect:
 

  • Scissors

  • Packing tape or other sturdy types of tape

  • Permanent markers

  • Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, newspaper, or packing paper

  • Appropriately sized, sturdy boxes

  • Pliable cardboard

 

Keep in mind that though many people opt to gather used boxes to pack their belongings, those boxes may not have the structural integrity to adequately protect your things. While you can certainly pack less fragile items in those boxes, you should always use new, sturdy boxes when packing fragile valuables.  

Packing Electronics: 7 Useful Tips

Most relocators have plenty of valuable electronics that must be protected from heat, moisture, and jostling during transport. Here are several valuable tips for packing those items:


 

  • Remove the batteries from your electronics before packing them. If the batteries overheat, they can leak potassium hydroxide, a caustic substance that can eat through your electronics. 


 

  • Eject DVDs, CDs, and other media from your electronics before packing to protect it from scratches.


 

  • Remove toner and printer cartridges from any printers you plan to pack.


 

  • Remove all cables and other items from electronics before you pack them. You should also check to make sure all screws are intact and properly tightened.


 

  • Wrap large electronics in bubble wrap and secure them with strong tape. If the device has a screen, protect it with another layer of bubble wrap or a soft cloth.


 

  • Avoid using newspaper to protect screens as it can cause scratches. 


 

  • Cushion the top and bottom of boxes packed with electronics. Insert bubble wrap around the outside and between items to prevent jostling and damage.

 

Because electronics are sensitive to heat, if you have a lengthy move ahead of you, try to pack your most valuable electronics in your vehicle so you can control the ambient temperature. The back of a moving truck can get hot in a hurry, and if you load your valuables in there, chances are you won't be able to access them throughout the drive to your new home. 

 

Not sure you feel comfortable packing expensive electronics? You can always opt for full packing services from your moving company! At Ed's Moving & Storage, we train our team extensively in proper packing techniques so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your belongings are well protected. 

How to Pack Plates

To pack plates safely for transport, start by reinforcing the bottom of each medium-sized box with packing tape. Don't be shy about using too much! More is better (just in case) when transporting fragile items. After applying the tape, test the strength of the bottom of the box by pushing on it with your hand. When the box is good and sturdy, move on with the following steps:


 

  • Wad up several sheets of packing paper or newspaper (you can use bubble wrap, too), which you'll use to line the top and bottom of the boxes. 


 

  • After lining the bottom of the box, wrap each plate in its sheet of packing paper. Fold the corners of each sheet of paper until the plate is completely covered. 


 

  • Grab another plate, wrap it up, and stack it on top of the plate you just wrapped. You can also insert pliable cardboard between the plates for additional protection. 


 

  • Insert both plates vertically into the box. Never pack plates flat; they're more likely to break if the box jostles or encounters impact. 


 

  • Continue wrapping and inserting plates into the box until it's tightly packed. If there's any remaining room, insert more wadded-up paper or bubble wrap to prevent jostling.


 

  • Cushion the top of the box with more crumpled packing paper, fold the flaps down over the top, and seal the box with more packing tape. 

How to Pack Glassware

Because glassware is oddly shaped, it's a bit trickier to pack than plates or electronics. However, with a bit of patience and a bunch of packing supplies, you can transport your fragile glass items safely to your new home. Here's how to pack glassware properly:


 

  • Measure and Cut Pliable Cardboard: Place a piece of glassware on a sheet of pliable, strong cardboard. Double the object's size and leave about 2-3 inches around the perimeter to roll up the object inside the cardboard. Mark the appropriate size with a marker and cut the cardboard to size. If you're using pre-cut pieces of cardboard, you can skip this step and use two pre-cut pieces instead.


 

  • Apply Bubble Wrap: Unroll a piece of bubble wrap, cut it to size, and place it bubble-side down against the glass object. Wrap the object up and secure the bubble wrap with tape.


 

  • Wrap in Cardboard: With the bubble wrap in place, place the glass object at one end of your pre-cut piece of cardboard. Roll the object tightly inside the cardboard and secure the whole thing with packing tape. Make sure you tape the ends to prevent the object from slipping out!


 

  • Snugly Pack Medium-Sized Boxes with Wrapped Glassware: If there's any space between the objects or around the sides, you can fill it with wadded-up packing paper or more bubble wrap.


 

  • Secure the Boxes: Close up the boxes with packing tape, label them "FRAGILE," and inform your professional movers to exercise extra caution with those boxes. 

 

If you're wary about packing expensive dishes or valuable china, professional movers and packers can help make the process easier. Get in touch with our team at Ed's Moving & Storage to discuss your packing options today!

How to Pack Jewelry

In a best-case scenario, your jewelry should be transported and stored inside their boxes. However, if you no longer have them, take advantage of items like drinking straws or empty paper rolls to transport bracelets and necklaces, small plastic organizers, and even sunglass cases for earrings and rings.

How to Pack Artwork

It's always recommended to transport expensive framed art in specially designed boxes, particularly if they have glass on the front. Applying masking tape in the shape of an X along the glass surface can help stabilize glass shards if there's an accident, and use plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper inside the box for extra cushion.

Lastly! Don't Forget to Organize

While this might be obvious, it's worth mentioning, especially when it comes to your valuables. Always have an inventory because it will save you time if something gets damaged in the move. For high-profile items, take photographs or video footage and keep documents like certificates of authenticity, receipts, and warranty cards together for insurance purposes.

Ed's Moving & Storage Offers Custom Packages

No matter what you need to move, we have the right box or package to transport it. Our Moving Company can help you with every part of your move, from providing you with a moving truck to helping you hire a team of movers who can do the work for you. Call us today and ask us about all of our moving services. 

 

To schedule a moving date, contact Ed's Moving & Storage at (253) 581-2446, or you can message us online. We are professional movers who serve home and business owners in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.