Packing Archives - The Box Zone

admin August 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Growing up is hard, but letting go of items you love —such as collectibles, video games, comics, and more—can be even harder. Luckily, we all know it’s not necessary to get rid of your favorite stuff, and that valid passions in life go from writing to being a coin collector or a complete “nerd,” right?

All that geeky or nerdy memorabilia needs to be a part of your ecosystem if you happen to be an enthusiast of all things related to fantasy worlds. This is why cleaning your room or moving out can sometimes be a bit challenging due to the cards, posters, or collectibles you treasure but are spread everywhere. There’s no need for worry, though, everything has its place, no matter how tiny it is.

Take care of your belongings, pack them, and make sure no fatal destiny come their way. Here we tell you how to do it.

Trading cards packaging

Trading cards are one of the easiest but really messy things to keep. You could store them in bags, boxes, card sleeves or anywhere if organizing is not one of your strengths; but it’s very important that you have them in a uniform packaging method for easy mobility and preservation.

1. Make a list of all your cards

If you don’t have much time to make this list, “there’s an app for that!” (For example, Collector: Pokemon TCG) Why is it important? To identify from the less to the most valuable cards, so you’ll know what you want to leave more accessible.

2. Find the perfect type of sleeves

You need all the sleeves necessary to keep your cards safe, whether it’s a penny sleeve or a premium sleeve; you can use the latter for your beloved cards.

Warning: NEVER use ziplock bags if you really want to keep them in a good state.

3. Box them

If you’re moving out or just making space, use a storage container to give your cards the ultimate protection, you never know what can happen. This will protect them from debris, spills, bending and edge wear. If the box you choose holds your cards, even when double sleeved, and with almost zero movements, then you have a winner. You can also find a premium quality one (you know? Just in case…)

Posters

Creases are one of the worst things that can fall upon your dear posters, cards, or anything. If you want to keep them safe or can’t display them in your room or home, and throwing them out is not an option, you better learn how to take care of them.

Your poster may face the following dangers:

Moisture
Humidity
Heat
Light
Acidity
Critters

1. Use acid-free packing paper

If you’re going to keep them in a plain surface, cover them in acid-free paper inside a cardboard to avoid any harm, or just keep them in acid-free sleeves, where you can store your poster flat.

Lots of storage? Then do it this way, so you don’t have to use much space.

2. Get poster tubes

A good cardboard postal tube is always a safe option, you see them everywhere and there are different types according to your needs. If you’re shipping or moving out, this is the way to go.

Collectibles

You can always keep them in their original boxes, but if you want to preserve them or send them away, then think about that Toy Story 2 scene, when Stinky Pete, Woody, and his friends are packed for an international flight. This shows that there’s actually a thorough process to go through before packing precious collectibles.

Boxed collectibles

1. Wrap each box individually

Use acid-free packing paper, and if you’re taping, be really careful not to tape the product package. Afraid of your own clumsiness? Use painting tape (the blue one).

2. Wrap the box in bubble wrap

3. Use a larger box to pack them

4. Fill the space with crushed packing paper

Be careful of wiggle room.

5. Mark the box “FRAGILE”, for whether you are storing them in a personal space and letting others know to be mindful, or for shipping.

Fragile collectibles:

The collectible world is all about bubble wrap and crushed paper: The perfect pad.

1. Wrap them in bubble wrap by being careful not to tape the product

2. Get a box and put some crumpled paper at the bottom and on top.

Hacked: You can use a dish box with separate spaces, and fill the void with crushed paper.

3. Keep them upright to prevent them from damaging

4. Test it

After placing crumbled packing paper around each item, try shaking the box to feel them shift or not, if yes, just pad it with more paper.

5. Don’t put anything heavy on top of it and mark the box “FRAGILE.”

For more packing or shipping products, check out this.

admin July 13, 2018 Leave a Comment

Do you value the family and friend photos you’ve collected throughout the years? Do you want to know how to store important documents safe from the elements? Learn how to safely store old photographs and documents so they will last for generations to come.

But before you get started, there are essential facts you must know before handling fragile things.

Things to consider before storing old photographs and necessary documents:

For old photos:

Wood products, like paper and cardboard, impair pictures and should only be used if labeled “acid-free.“
Put your photos in a place where you are also comfortable: not too hot, cold, wet or dry.
Keep photos out of basements, attics, and garages where they’ll be subject to extreme temperature fluctuations and excessive humidity. Store photos in cabinets, closets, or under the bed. Your living quarters are good storage areas since they’re more likely to be climate controlled.
But don’t store or put your photos near a heating or cooling vent.

For papers and documents:

Pick a climate-controlled unit. Remember: 75 degrees or colder and low humidity are the best conditions for photo storage.
Don’t place them on the ground in a storage unit, even if they are packaged up in boxes or containers. Consider using poly bags, zip lock bags, and poly tubing bags in case of flooding or any natural disaster.
Enclose all documents completely, whether in boxes, containers, or frames.

Now that you know the do’s and don’ts when it comes to filing your photographs and documents properly we can now start storing!

Here are some ways on how you can safely save your old photos and important documents!

File Box

You can use this method to keep all of your documents. If you have several of these boxes, use them and put on a label. These are labeled so you can track down what you need and the type of documents. Here are some examples:

Taxes
Owners Manuals
House
Small Appliances
Large Appliances
Medical
Dental
Vehicles
Insurance

File Cabinet

If you don’t have a file box, you could easily find a file cabinet as an alternative. It is still best to have them organized by name or category so you can see what you need at a glance. Don’t forget to use stiff, flat materials and containers to encourage your photos to stay flat. Jamming pictures into a box that is too little in width or length will damage and dogear them before they’ve even made it to storage. Make sure it has the right fit with your containers and your prints.

Don’t overstuff photos in one box

Shoving too many pictures in one box can have the same effect as using a box that’s too small. On the other note, leaving too much space in a box can cause items to shift in transport. If you have extra room, fill it with non-acidic tissue paper.

Use non-acidic dividers.

Ever had to peel photos apart from another? Although it might feel meticulous, placing another type of divider between pictures can save them over time, especially if your photos come in contact with water or overheat. When it comes to dividers, the stiffer, the better to keep items flat and in place.

Go paperless

If you want to go paperless, you can use the scanner on your printer. Then, create a file folder on your computer for these items and organize them to your liking. For example, create a folder or drive called “Home Items.” Under that, make additional folders called Electronics, Appliances, etc. You can now organize your warranties for your electronics or other important papers.

Rolls

Your important documents can be stored into a sturdy tube, so it is less likely to be crushed. Select a container that is at least two inches longer than the width of the broadest sheet. You can use an archival quality paper tube that is buffered with low-lignin content. In one tube, five sheets may be rolled and just roll all five onto the tube at the same time, not one after the other.

Sleeves or Envelopes

Polyester L-sleeves are a big help if you have brittle, damaged or heavily used documents and they have the added benefit of making text and images visible, so you don’t have to take them out of the sleeves just to see them, reducing the risk of tears if you handle them.

When it comes to sleeves, use the ones that are larger than the original size of your document. Any part of the first extending outside of the envelope is likely to be destroyed.

Call the experts in packing and shipping.

We know that packing things that are important to you should be handled with care. You don’t have to worry about that anymore! Hire professionals to keep your memories and vital documents safe from harm.

admin May 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

And so after years of attending elementary, junior and senior high school, the long wait is over.

You’re finally now off to college!

But before you get all excited about the bright academic future waiting for you, take a moment to assess yourself. Are you all prepped up for the big move?

Packing your things up for college is, without a doubt, a daunting task to accomplish. Like, how can your entire life fit into bags and boxes? Well, the answer is… It can’t.

Remember, you’re not going away to another country or forever, you’ll just be miles away from home. So bringing almost all of your possessions won’t be necessary. You really only need a few things and not your entire closet.

Not sure about what to bring? Not a problem! We got you covered!

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what you should bring for the big move.

Clothing Needs

Again, it’s clothing needs, which means you only have to pack what you need. Most likely, you’ll know which of your clothes you’ll need to pack. But just in case that you’re a bit unsure, here are the basics:

Clothes/Coat hangers (to hang polos or dresses, or other formal-ish clothes)
Everyday clothes (to wear to school or in your dorm)
Underwear (duh)
Pajamas (to get comfy at night)
Formal/Professional outfits (for formal school events)
Semi-formal clothes (for social gatherings)
Seasonal garments and accessories (especially for summer and winter)
Bathing suits (in case you go to the beach or attend a pool party)
Gym bag and clothes (if you decide to get fit in college)
Costumes (for themed parties)
Shoes (that go with the clothes you’ll bring, of course)

Dorm Room Items

You should be aware that a majority, if not all, of college dorm rooms are already furnished with all you need–a desk, chair, bed, table, etc. So generally, you don’t really have to go all out in providing furniture and fixtures in your dorm room. But don’t forget to confirm first if it’s really furnished. Otherwise, you’ll end up living at a bare place. Nonetheless, make sure to pack these things:

Comforter
Mattress protector
Pillows and pillowcases
Duvet
Linens and sheets
Wastebasket

Kitchen Supplies

Check what your college dorm kitchen already has, or if there even is one. Most do have a lot of kitchen supplies, but here are some of the more useful ones:

Plates and bowls
Utensils
Mugs
Reusable food containers
Can opener
Water filter
Travel mug
Bottle opener

Bathroom Items

It’s always better to choose a dorm with a private bathroom inside your room, but if you’ll be sharing a communal one, trust us, you should never forget to bring your own things:

Toothbrush
Toothbrush holder
Towels (for face, hands, and body)
Shower shoes

Laundry Needs

Yep, you’ll be doing your laundry. Still excited to move away for college? Of course, you are. Let’s get that spirit kicking! Anyway, don’t forget to bring these things:

Drying rack
Sewing kit (you’ll never know when you’ll need it, and you’ll regret you didn’t bring one)
Quarters (always make sure to have your spare change)
Mini iron and ironing board

Toiletries and Medical supplies

While we will never know what may happen in the future, it’s best to be prepared just in case of emergencies, especially medical ones. Include these in your stuff:

Allergy medicine
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Antiseptic wipes
Multivitamins
First aid kit
Supplements
Bandages
Condoms
Birth control pills
Insect repellent
Menstrual pain medication
Retainer/mouthguard
Personal prescription medicine
Sunscreen
Nail clippers
Tampons/sanitary pads
Razor
Comb/brush
Contacts, solution, and case
Hair ties
Cosmetics
Bobby pins

Recreational Stuff

We’re quite a bit sure you’ll never forget the items listed here, but well, just in case:

Cellphone and charger
Laptop and charger
Cable organizer
Headphones
Speakers
Extension cords
External hard drive
Camera
Cable adapters
Ethernet cable, HDMI cable

Important Documents

Never leave your house without taking these documents that will surely be super important for your move to college. Organize them together in a water-proof, secure file or folder. Also, don’t forget to make photocopies of the most essential ones.

Copy of birth certificate
Student ID
Financial aid documents
Bank documents
Credit/debit card
Copy of Social Security card
Passport
Driver’s license
Health/dental insurance cards

You wouldn’t want to have to call your parents from them to bring these to you. Although, of course, they can always mail you what you forget. Make sure to tell your parents to ask the shipping company of what and what not to mail to you.

Every company will have different rules, so it’s best if they get a great college moving company to bring you the stuff you weren’t able to bring with you overnight.

Academic Essentials

There’s a huge possibility that you’ll be buying most of your academic needs after you move. But here are some of the things you should have first:

Textbooks
Highlighters
Pens and pencils
Index cards
Sticky tape
Sticky notes
Stapler and staples
Planner
Paper clips

Miscellaneous Stuff

These are some things that you may want to bring if you have the extra space, but not totally required to do so:

Safety pins
Umbrella
Handheld vacuum
Photos of family/friends
Wall mirror/full-length mirror
Throw blankets/cushions for decoration
Toolkit
Fairy lights for decoration
Beach towel
Books, magazines, and novels
Sports equipment
Fake plants for decoration
Bulletin board/dry-erase board

Going away to college is a mix of various emotions, as well as the things you need to do before the first day. Things to do like packing your essential stuff. The key is to list them all down (the items above, specifically), and check it twice, since you don’t want to forget one, whether you’re moving nearby to another city or heading overseas.

And if you need help with the boxes and shipping, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals! All that’s left to think about is, are you ready for the first day of freshman year?

Good luck!

admin April 20, 2018 Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day is only a few weeks away and you’re probably in malls searching for the perfect gift for your mother. Sometimes thinking about what to give to the person who gave you life is challenging. Also, you may live far from her, but still want to make her feel special.

So, if you’re still trying to figure out what to send your mom, it would be a good idea to find out what and what not to send through shipping to her in the mail. Having it delivered to her doorstep is easy as pie, but there are the things that you can’t send through a postal service.

Here is some advice on what you can send through postal service:

Gifts you can’t send through the mail:

Liquor & Wine

If your mom’s into wine, sending her a nice bottle may pop into your head, but think again. Only selected retailers carrying proper permits and papers can ship beer and wine to individuals. That means you can should order it directly from a vineyard (who is equipped and licensed to handle the delivery) and have it delivered to your mom’s house.

Perishable Foods

If your gift requires refrigeration to stay fresh, then the United Postal Services won’t ship it. And don’t try to pack it with dry ice—that’s not allowed either. Although, if you’re really interested about including food in your gift, you can send her non-perishable food.

Plants

We know that sending flowers to your mother is your best bet to make her feel loved and special., but you’re better off leaving it to the professionals. Any organic plant that can spoil, smell or otherwise damage other packages won’t be accepted. Keep note that foreign plants may produce a threat to the existing habitat.

Perfume

Perfumes are probably one of the first things that pop into your mind when you think of what to give your mother. However, perfumes that include alcohol are considered as flammable, and you can’t ship anything flammable—at least not by air. Ground transportation is allowed to ship perfumes that contain alcohol, so keep this in mind if you want to send one.

Gifts that you can send through mail:

Skin care

All mothers of all ages deserve a mini-pampering treat. You can buy them their favorite skin care products, and deliver the special pampering treat that they deserve.

Jewelry

If your mom is into jewelry, then you are in the best of luck because you can send them through the mail! Your mom will surely love a dainty necklace or the “world’s best mom” bangle that you’ve been eyeing.

A Book from your Mom’s Favorite Author

Reading a book can calm your nerves and make you stress-free so ship your mom a book from her favorite author! She’ll know you pay attention and care about what she likes and it will be an easy option for you. She’ll surely thank the heavens for giving her you.

Personalized Travel Mug

Don’t let your Mom walk around with that free thermos from some convention or work. Give her a thermo that is equipped with modern vacuum insulation for her piping hot lattes and personalized to her style!

Family Tree Print

If you’ve exhausted the apparent gifts (flowers, candles, chocolates), branch out with a framed custom family tree. You can even add a quote—a favorite tradition, family motto, or poem—along the bottom to personalize the print further.

To help you with some packing ideas, here are tricks on how to pack your gifts for shipping:

1. Don’t stall.

If you tend to procrastinate about sending your gifts on their merry way, you may find yourself spending more money on expensive—and in many cases, utterly avoidable—next-day-air service for shipments to other parts of the country.

2. Choose the right box.

If you forgot the online route and needed to ship gifts yourself, be sure to package them in robust and corrugated cardboard boxes. Check the bottom of the box for a weight limit. Don’t wrap the outer package in any paper; it could tear off, and your gift could be lost or delayed. (U.S. Postal Service, UPS, DHL and some FedEx boxes are free.)

3. Use the right packing materials.

Invest in some packing peanuts and bubble cushioning, especially if you’re sending anything fragile. Leave enough space between items in the box, and wrap individual pieces with double cushioning if necessary.

4. Ship perishables correctly.

In some shipping companies, you can send baked goods, meats, cheeses, and fruits on a Monday, Tuesday or even Wednesday via next-day delivery. If you are going to send them on a Thursday or Friday, you may want to make sure that your foods can extreme heat or cold temperatures for up to four days. This may require the use of frozen gel packs.

5. Know how to send high-dollar items.

When you’re going to ship expensive jewelry, choose a next-day delivery option in a box no smaller than 7-by-4-by-2 inches. Ensure your items through your insurance company, since most shipping companies put limits on the claim amounts. Remember, don’t attach anything outside of the box that would reveal the item’s value.

6. Give your package a gentle shake.

Before sealing your package, give it a gentle shake. If you hear anything moving inside, add extra padding—newspaper or shredded documents will do the trick.

7. Use the “H” method when you are sealing your package.

To fully reinforce the seal of your package, you can use the “H” method. Tape along all the seams—it will look like an H on both top and bottom of your box. And always remember to use quality packing tape!

Trust an expert packing and shipping company.

We know that you’re tired of hopping from one mall to the other, so packing and shipping it to your mother can be tiresome as well. Fear not! You can have your gift sent out and not worry about it. Hire a shipping company to deliver your gift on a special day for your special mom. Rest assured that they’ll deliver it right on time safe and secure.

admin February 12, 2018 Leave a Comment

Ever since the invention of Chocolate – aka “the best thing that’s ever happened to mankind” – humans have come to appreciate the essence of packing and shipping it. It was packed securely to make sure that it reaches the mouths of chocolate-thirsty consumers from one country to another…Alright, that’s not what happened, but you get the picture. Sort of.

Kidding aside, unlike shoes, bags, clothes, and other items you’re used to shipping or getting online, shipping food requires more care when it comes to packaging and delivery. So if you’re considering sending a loved one some edibles, or maybe you’re a new company who’s still getting in the ropes of delivering food, let us help you.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to pack and ship food and other perishables

Food is fantastic and all, but there’s one inevitable thing they all do, and that is it spoils. Furthermore, how fast a particular type of food spoils depends on its environmental conditions. Because of this reason, packing and shipping companies try to figure out what to do to make sure food/perishable deliveries reach their destinations as fresh as possible. With that being said, let us give you some packing tips first.

Packing Different Types of Food

There are different types of food that we have packed over the years that we have been in business. In our experience, we have found that they can be categorized into four types:

Frozen food
Cold food
Cooked food
Dry food

All of these four have their own shelf life, so you should know how to properly pack them to make sure it can withstand the surrounding conditions of shipping so here are some tips you need to know to pack each type properly.

Frozen food

This perishable is the most challenging type to pack because there are a lot of things that you need to consider. For starters, it will have to stay frozen because it can quickly spoil once it thaws. Aside from that, here are the things you need to know about packing frozen goods:

You need to have insulated packing materials that can help the item stay frozen for a long time.
It is imperative that the packaging is airtight because air is a contributing factor in the thawing process, which is what you’re trying to slow down.
It would be best if you put dry ice or ice packs inside the packaging. The reason is apparent, of course, but be cautious because dry ice can burn your skin.

There are also some things you have to work out with your shipping company. Not all shipping companies accept frozen deliveries, and they all have different rules for packages that contain dry ice. To avoid inconveniences, look for a shipping company that you can work with before you pack.

Here’s a little 1vs1 guide to help you decide whether to use dry ice or ice packs:

Cold Food

As you might expect, cold food is a little less challenging to pack than frozen goods. You still have to make sure that the packaging is well insulated, though, and make sure it’s sealed inside a plastic bag. Here are some of the conditions you need to know to keep it fresh up to its receiving point:

The food should not warm up to more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Use ice packs or gel packs to sustain a cold temperature inside the package.
The food should either be sealed in a plastic bag or vacuum sealed for preservation.
Use a corrugated cardboard box lined with foam (or other insulating materials), then with ice packs.
After packing, mark the box as “Perishable – Keep Refrigerated.” Make sure it’s clear and visible so that the receiver will know that they will have to open the package immediately.

Just like frozen goods, shipping companies have different rules and regulations in accepting cold packages. Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted packing and shipping company about whatever questions you have.

Since it’s February, you might be considering on sending a significant someone a box of chocolates. It makes sense if you think chocolate as a part of this category because really, no one wants melted chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Well, unless you’re into it, that is.

Cooked food

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, you might be tired of sending out the traditional gifts and want to go the extra mile and cook for a loved one far from you. Yes, there is a way for you to do it – just make sure you make these considerations:

Ensure that the food has cooled-down before you cover it up for packaging to prevent moisture within the container.
Air can contribute to food spoilage, so consider using airtight containers or other secure food bins.
Since the food is already cooked, you have no other choice but to opt for 1-day shipping services.
Every package goes through a lot during delivery, so you should also use a sturdy box with good cushioning to ensure that the package is safe from getting tossed and turned.
Place a sticker or write the words “Perishable item” on the box so that the carrier will know that your package requires specific handling.

Whether you’re sending cooked food for Valentine’s Day, or if it’s for your business or personal stuff, you must always consult the carriers first. As if we haven’t stressed it enough, shipping companies have different regulations when it comes to shipping food. So you should always ask for the terms of some companies then decide which of them can suit your needs.

Dry Food

Okay, here comes the easy part. Dry food is the easiest of the bunch as you don’t need to have special packing materials to ship them. No ice packs or dry ice, and no thick insulating materials. You can ship dry food in a cardboard box lined with foam peanuts or bubble wrap so it stays in place.

“Dry food” includes food that isn’t wet (of course), doesn’t produce moisture, and has a long shelf life. Some examples of dry food include vegetables, cheese, dried fish, etc. Although they may not spoil as quickly as the others mentioned before, you should still write “Perishable Item” on the box.

Now that you know the different categories of food concerning shipment and how to pack them, you can now proceed to ship. But before that here’s a quick recap:

The type of food your shipping will have different packing needs, be sure to follow the rules or requirements of your shipping company to prevent inconvenience.
The sooner your package reaches the recipient, the better. So it’s best to go for fast shipping or maybe 1-day shipping services.
If you don’t want to spend a little extra for fast shipping, then you should know the right day to ship. Consult your shipping company about their delivery schedule and ask for the best day to send perishables.
Let your recipient know that you’re sending them food, and when should they expect it to come.

Alright! All set? You’re now an expert in packing food, so the next question is, which shipping company should you trust?

How to choose a shipping company for food deliveries

We don’t want you to go and Google “Best Shipping Company in *insert area*” only to get bombarded with thousands of choices. Let us help you narrow down your list and here are three things that can help you decide:

1. Speed

We already told you that it would be best to go for a one-day shipping service. Your package is sensitive to environment and time because it can go bad real quick – so faster is better. If you could find a shipping company that can guarantee you quality service with flexible rates, then that’s the one for you.

2. Reliability

Of course, you need a shipping service that you can rely on. The best way to measure their performance is to read customer reviews. A reliable shipping company stays true to the time expectation they give you.

3. Experience

What better way to know how good a shipping company is than to know how long have they been in the business. A company with expertise in its industry knows what to do when things go wrong because they have most likely experienced nuisances before. Furthermore, a company that has been running for a long time knows the real value of customer service, which is, of course, what you want.

If you want a packing and shipping company that has all of these, then you’re already on the right page. The Box Zone offers overnight shipping, has a 4.5-star Yelp rating, and they have been in the business for 20 years. Rest assured, you can trust them with both packing and shipping your food packages!

admin January 11, 2018 Leave a Comment

Have you ever had any experience with hiring a professional packing and shipping company before? Maybe you had your gifts shipped for your relative on the other side of the country? Or perhaps a piece of valuable antique that needed to be secured to arrive safely somewhere?

If so, then you must know by now how important it is to make sure that your items have safe and secure packing for it to reach its destination in one piece.

But are you still a little confused with when to use a box or a crate? When can you do it yourself or when will you need customized packing? Should your glassware be crated or a simple box will do? Have you ever had something freighted?

What are the items that require custom crating and a freight service?

Let’s get to the point. If you have a high-value item or a very fragile and expensive piece, crating is the way to go. An item doesn’t necessarily have to be big to be crated. If you need to ship any of the following, then you should consider custom-crating as your packing method, and a freight service for shipping:

1. Artwork

Of course, not all art pieces are valuable. Regardless of their price, though, it’s essential to have fragile art pieces like sculptures to be custom-crated. Custom crating provides maximum protection for statues because of the accurate measurements required to fit your sculptures perfectly.

The same goes for some paintings, ceramics, and other art pieces. Although, you do have the freedom to choose between a box and a crate for some types of artwork.

If you have a box that can provide sufficient protection for your art pieces, then it’s perfectly fine to use that. Otherwise, if you have a delicate piece of art and you want to make sure it’s shipped with optimal security, then crating is the way to go.

2. Expensive items made of glass or other brittle material

You may already know that you can’t fit your chandelier in a box and ship it in a van. And even if you can, you can never be sure that it will not shatter into a million pieces before it even reaches its destination.

Suffice to say, if it’s something a simple box can’t handle, then it will most likely need a custom-built crate. Shipping glassware requires probably more care than any other item because of its brittleness. Custom crates ensure that your glass or other breakable materials don’t move around and get damaged during shipping.

Additionally, a freight service will also know how to care for your glass items properly. Unlike parcel shipping, the majority of the things they deliver aren’t fragile, so it’s easy to mistake a box of breakables from other items. Expert freight service companies handle your stuff with more caution, as they know that most of their deliveries are fragile.

3. Antiques

If there’s one thing that antiques have in common, they are, well, old. If you happen to have one in your home and you plan to ship it, the best way to go would be crating. Although there’s nothing wrong with using a box if it fits. But if your antique is at least 150 pounds or heavier, then you should probably consider crating it.

Especially if your item has delicate parts, like a hundred-year-old miniature ship, or if it’s made of glass. The quality and the current state of an antique affect its total value, and the condition of your antique is more critical than its rarity. So if it gets damaged in the process of packing and shipping, your antique isn’t the only one that’s going to get scratched – so is its price.

4. High-value collectors’ items

Mistaking antiques from collectibles is common. If it’s 100 years or older, it’s an antique. Otherwise, you have yourself a collectible. A collectible can range from any item that you inherited or purchased – be it a piece of furniture or an old motorcycle. But, again, if you’re planning to have it shipped, if it’s heavier than 150 pounds, then you might want to consider custom crating.

High-value collectors’ items could also include decades-old wine bottles. It’s fairly common for wine bottles to be crated instead of being boxed because of its price. And if you’re a wine connoisseur, you know that it’s imperative that you receive or deliver your bottles with utmost care. Hence, custom crating.

But to be entirely sure whether you will have to have custom crating services or otherwise, it’s best to call an expert crating company to tell you.

Here are some of the things you can expect from an expert crating service like The Box Zone:

1. You can request for in-house assessment

With The Box Zone, they would be more than willing to give you in-house or on-site assessment for your items. They will help you determine whether or not your high-value item needs to be crated, and recommend the best way to pack anything you need to ship.

A proper examination of some items just can’t be settled over the phone or email.

2. You can request crating quotes

Since you’re going for custom crating services, it’s also advisable that you ask for a quote first before anything else. It’s understandable that you might still be comparing prices, but with The Box Zone, they can give you the best price for your custom crating. With their 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that every penny you spend is worth it.

3. Accurate measurements

Once you’ve chosen The Box Zone for your custom crating and freight service, they will first carefully measure the dimensions of your valuable items. Having accurate measurements is a crucial part of protecting your items. It will have to be immobilized entirely inside the crate to make sure no damage comes to your valuables.

The Box Zone cares for every item they pack and ship, regardless of its value. There’s no packing and shipping job they’re not ready to handle.

Cody M.

1/9/2023

Love this location! The associates are super nice and helpful, a bit more than the ones at the Santa Ana location. Seems like they have a bit more of a...

Valerie W.

3/22/2023

This place was everything I needed it to be. I flew into town to empty a storage unit full of stuff my parents left me. I needed not just things for...

Michael B.

3/25/2023

well-stocked, knowledgeable, staff, in and out in just a few minutes. Not many big box supply places in Orange County.