Not everything can be safely moved in a standard box. Items like lab equipment, server racks, heavy machinery, safes, and artwork need more protection than blankets and bubble wrap can offer. That’s where custom crating comes in.
What Is Custom Crating?
Custom crating means building a sturdy wooden container around an item based on its exact size, weight, and fragility. Unlike regular boxes, a custom crate is made to fit a single item, so it won’t shift or get damaged during the move. The International Association of Movers (IAM) recommends professional crating for high-value or oddly shaped items that regular packing can’t adequately protect.
When Is Custom Crating Needed?
Custom crating is typically used for oversized, very heavy, fragile, or high-value items. Common examples include lab equipment and instruments, electronics such as servers and networking gear, safes and secure storage units, artwork, glass, and framed pieces, and heavy machinery or industrial tools.
For government and DOD facility moves, custom crating is especially important when moving sensitive or delicate equipment between buildings or to a new location.
How Does It Work?
The crates are built in advance to fit each item exactly. According to Lab Liquidators, the item “should have no freedom to move inside its box”. On moving day, crews place the item in the crate, pad it, and load it onto the truck for transport. At delivery, the item is uncrated and placed where it needs to go.
What APACA Offers
APACA Moving and Storage provides custom crating as part of its packing and corporate relocation services. Crates are built to fit each item and are available for both local and long-distance moves. This service is offered to residential customers with high-value belongings, as well as to commercial and government clients moving sensitive equipment.
For questions about custom crating or to schedule a walkthrough, contact APACA at (505) 262-1531 or submit a request through the online estimate form.
