If you have hired a mover to pack your items or transport it, they may recommend that certain fragile items be crated, rather than packed in a box. Many people are not familiar with what crating is and why it is used, so don’t be embarrassed if this is the first you’re hearing about it!

Getting answers to the questions you have about this process will help you to better understand its importance if a mover suggests you crate something, so Ace Moving & Warehousing is here with our top frequently asked questions about crating services. 

What Are Crating Services for Moving?

Crating is the process of building a wooden box, or a crate, around a fragile item. This helps to minimize the amount of moving and shifting the item does. 

This technique is most frequently used for items that are too large for even large boxes, for items that are oddly-shaped and need a custom box created, or for items that are extremely fragile and need more protection than a standard cardboard box can provide. 

How Is Crating Done? 

The majority of crates are made from wood, such as plywood. Your moving company (or a sub-contractor who offers crating services) will build a wooden box, or crate, around the item that is being crated. They may use wooden dowels or boards to prevent the item from shifting inside of the crate or to hold the item securely in place. 

For example, if you have a glass or crystal chandelier, a mover will likely suggest it be crated. They will build a wooden box to the size of the chandelier. Foam or other materials to help cushion the chandelier are placed inside the crate. The chandelier is then placed inside and transported.

Why Is Crating Important When You’re Moving?

Crating is one of the best ways to protect fragile items, antique items, or items that may not otherwise fit inside of a standard-sized moving box. Movers will suggest items you should crate based on their experience moving those items in the past or the item's value. However, you have the final say in whether an item should be crated or not. 

If it is suggested you crate an item and you decline to do so, you may be asked to sign a waiver holding the movers harmless if something happens to the item during transport. As such, it is important that you heed the mover's advice in order to ensure your item arrives at your new home in the same condition it left in.

What Type of Items Are Put in Crates?

Oftentimes, it is the odd-shaped, valuable items that are put in crates. This may be electronics, artwork, antiques, light fixtures or musical equipment. If you attempt to look for a custom box for an odd-shaped item and you cannot find one readily available, there is a good chance that crating is probably the best option.

Several types of items may be at high risk of damage or even complete breakage when packed in standard cardboard moving boxes. 

These things include but aren’t limited to:

  • Sensitive electronic equipment
  • High-value collectibles
  • Antique items 
  • Works of art (sculptures, paintings, etc.)
  • Mirrors
  • Wine collections or even just a few high-dollar bottles
  • Valuable sporting equipment
  • Valuable furniture
  • Expensive decor (items made of glass, high-value stone, ceramic, or other easily breakable materials)

If you’re transporting any of these items, you should seriously consider crating them or, at the very least, consulting with a moving company that can advise you on how they should be packed. 

When Is Crating Needed?

Ultimately, it will be up to a moving company to determine when and if crating will be needed. They will examine the item that is being moved and determine what type of resources they have for moving the item. 

If a moving blanket or a box will protect the item in question, those items will likely be used. However, if the item is fragile, valuable, and/or the moving company feels it needs more protection than a blanket or box can provide, a crate will likely be recommended. 

If you’re planning to invest in full packing and moving services, you can count on the pros to let you know the safest way to pack and transport each item you own. 

3 Benefits of Custom Crating Services

You know custom crates can provide your valuables with high-level protection, but is crating actually a worthwhile investment? 

Check out these benefits, so you can make a well-informed decision when choosing the best packing solution for your needs. 

1. Custom Crates Work for Virtually Any Valuable Item

When it comes to packing fragile items for a move, most people pick up tons of moving boxes and do their best to make it work. But unfortunately, cardboard moving boxes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and packing tape can’t protect a huge assortment of things. Wooden crates, however, can.

The pros can build a custom crate to suit virtually any size or shape of item you need to protect during your relocation. From full crates and open-slat crates to specialty motorcycle crates and even heavy-duty cardboard crates, your movers can build them all.  

2. Moving Crates Are Fully Reusable

The crates your movers build are 100% reusable, so you can hang onto them after your move and use them in the future should you choose to relocate again. Store them in your basement or attic where they’ll be out of the way, and they’ll be ready to go if and when you move to a new house. 

If you’re looking to reduce the environmental footprint left behind by your move, opting for custom crates is one way to do that. And if you need more ideas on making your move more green, check out our top tips for conducting an eco-friendly relocation.   

3. Crates Provide Excellent Value for the Price

Custom crating comes with a decent-sized price tag, but the service is more than worth its cost, especially if you’re moving high-dollar items. 

Of course, if you’re planning to hire a moving company to handle the bulk of your relocation, you’ll automatically get low-level moving coverage as part of the package. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your coverage, so it provides full reimbursement in the event any of your items suffer damage or get lost in transit. 

But while moving insurance can reimburse you for the monetary value of your belongings, it can’t replace items with substantial personal value. Custom crates give those items the highest likelihood of making it through your move undamaged, which makes them well worth the investment. 

Get Custom Crating Services in the Twin Cities Metro

Crating is a technique that can be used to help ensure the items you are moving are not damaged during a move. Unfortunately, most people are not familiar with this technique. If you are preparing to move and have had a mover recommend crating to you, you may have many questions. Ace Moving & Warehousing is here to help with all the answers!

Are you planning a move from the Rochester area? Are you planning to take fragile and/or valuable items like art or collectibles on your upcoming move? Whether you’re making a local or long-distance relocation, packing those items properly is crucial if you want to protect them from damage. And depending on the types of items you’re bringing, custom crates may be the best way to safeguard your things. 

Will you be taking anything that could use high-level protection? Then get in touch with our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing to learn more about our custom crating services! We also offer a wide variety of other moving services, including full packing services, appliance moving, custom move planning, and climate-controlled storage solutions to help make your relocation as simple and streamlined as possible. 

Ready to learn more about what we can do for you? Need a quote for custom crating? Then give us a call at 507-288-3341 or request a quick quote online, and we’ll get in touch to discuss your needs.