Packing Tips
- Protect the Contents
- Watch What You Pack
- Distribute the Weight
- Secure and Seal Your Items
- Label Your Boxes Clearly
Protect the Contents
The most common error made in packing is failing to properly protect the contents within the packing container. When this happens, shocks received on the outside of the carton can pass through to the contents, causing damage. You should consider the following suggestions when packing your boxes for shipping and storage:
- Use the original boxes to pack computers and other electronics. They are the correct size and the original packing materials, if kept, will help ensure the safety of the contents.
- Use bubble wrap, towels, blankets, newspaper, or clothes to pack fragile items such as picture frames, mugs, alarm clocks, etc.
- Make certain that items in the boxes are secure enough so that they cannot move around inside. Use clothing, towels, blankets, or crumpled newspaper to fill open spaces.
Watch What You Pack
There are some things you should not ship or store with Campus Crate because we do not insure them against loss or damage:
- Jewelry, coins, cash, and collectables.
- Items of intangible value.
- Extremely fragile items (e.g. mirrors).
- Improperly packed items, including furniture that is not adequately wrapped.
Distribute the Weight
To avoid over-stressing the boxes, we suggest that you separate your heavy items into multiple boxes. This will prevent breaking boxes and breaking backs.
Consider the following:
- Don’t put all of your books in the same box.
- Mix books with lighter items such as sweaters and bedding. This is also a good way to keep your books in good condition.
- It is also a good idea to place the heavier objects as close to the center of the box as possible to minimize the risk of breaking the box.
- Boxes, storage bins, duffel bags, suitcases, trunks, etc. weighing in excess of 40 pounds cost you extra to store; $1.00 per pound extra. Thoughtful packing will reduce the risk of damage and save you money.
Secure and Seal Your Items
Boxes:
In constructing and sealing your boxes, pay close attention to the quality of the closure. You will need three strips of tape for both the top and the bottom of the box. Do not use masking tape or string.
Carpets & Rugs:
Make sure your carpets and rugs are rolled tightly, secured with tape along three points, and covered in plastic if you want to keep them free from dust.
File Cabinets & Desks:
Be sure to tape all drawers closed, and cover the finished surfaces with plastic or cardboard to prevent minor scratches during handling. Store any loose hardware in one of your boxes.
Shelves:
Separate the shelves from the frame, and tape them together tightly. Store any loose hardware in one of your boxes.
Futons:
Cover the mattress, if possible, with plastic. Place labels on both the mattress and frame.
Refrigerators:
Unplug your fridge TWO DAYS before move out. Make sure your fridge is completely defrosted and dry at the time of pickup. Secure loose items inside of the fridge. Tape the door shut. Bundle and tape the power cord to the back of the fridge, behind the cooling coils so it is not "dangling" on the ground. PLEASE NOTE: Campus Crate reserves the right to refuse pickup of refrigerators that have not been unplugged for a minimum of two days prior to pickup. These refrigerators can potentially cause mold and mildew damage to boxed items belonging to other customers. Make sure the fridge is unplugged two days prior to the scheduled pickup to ensure our team will be able to store the item.
Trunks and Luggage:
Make sure that these items are locked or securely taped to prevent the contents from spilling during handling.
Label Your Boxes Clearly
If using boxes supplied with the Campus Crate Kit, follow the directions on the label. All other items will be labeled by our Campus Crew at pick up.
Campus Crate will not accept any unlabeled boxes or items.
