Not all belongings can be safely moved with just boxes and packing paper to protect them. For delicate, valuable, or irreplaceable items, crating provides the strongest protection during transport or storage. Crating goes above and beyond traditional packing—offering a sturdy wooden shell and custom interior padding to protect your most important pieces. Here are common examples of when and why you should consider crating services for your next move.
1. Irreplaceable Items
If you have priceless belongings such as an original painting, family heirloom, or collectible that you cannot replace, then a custom crate offers the ultimate peace of mind. The solid wood exterior shields against impact, while the cushioned interior absorbs vibration and movement. When something is one-of-a-kind, it deserves the highest level of protection.
2. High-Value or Expensive Pieces
For expensive or luxury items, crating is a smart investment. The cost of a crate is minimal compared to the value it protects. Some moving companies even require crating for items over a certain dollar amount—often five figures or more—to ensure they’re properly protected. Before your move, confirm that your mover is insured, and check whether your valuable items must be crated to be covered by insurance.
3. Fragile or Unusually Shaped Items
Secure Fit:
Some belongings need to be packed tightly so they remain still and don’t budge in transit. So, packing them in cardboard boxes doesn’t provide sufficient protection. Cardboard, while cost-effective, flexes or gives way when force is applied. A custom crate, however, provides a sturdy case for a snug fit that keeps delicate items static throughout the move.
Specific Orientation:
Certain pieces—like chandeliers or elaborate art—must be suspended from the top or hung from the back. For any complex piece with weak points on the bottom or all over, the best way to move it is in a crate. Custom crating allows for exact placement and structural support, keeping your items safe from every angle.
4. Crating for a Long-Distance Move
When moving across the country, your items endure thousands of vibrations and bumps. Over time, this can weaken traditional packing materials. A wooden crate with dense foam cushioning can handle the extra distance, preventing damage even after days of travel. For valuable or sentimental pieces, crating is often the best choice for long-haul moves.
5. Storage Protection
If your items will be in storage for an extended period, a crate provides added safety and durability. Even in climate-controlled environments, cardboard is vulnerable to pests and can lose its structural stability over time, especially when loaded incorrectly. A wooden crate prevents any structural issues, protects against critters, and holds up during multiple stages of handling—loading, unloading, and reloading.
Professional Crating Services at Top Notch Moving
Crating your belongings for a move can be extremely beneficial—but only if it’s done right. Work with experienced crate builders and confirm your belongings remain insured. Some movers only cover items they pack themselves.
At Top Notch Moving, we offer custom crates that we measure, design, and build for your specific piece. Whether you’re moving across town, across the country, or into storage, we’ll ensure your possessions arrive in perfect condition. If you’re unsure whether you need a crate, contact Top Notch Moving—our team will help you decide the best option for your move.
