Packing FAQs

Shipping Place & More™: Send us your questions about packing

Over the last 20 years, we have heard all kinds of questions from customers. We thought we would share a few of the more commonly asked questions with you. What questions do you have about packing your boxes for shipment, mailing, storage, or moving. Call us at 845-483-7447 !

What packing materials do you use?

As a dedicated shipping store, we carry and rely on top quality packing supplies. For starters, we have all the boxes you can imagine: 70 different sizes of cardboard boxes! Here are some other packing materials at our store:

What packing tips do you have for storage at home?

Some frequently asked questions relate to packing for storage . Here are some packing tips for people putting packed boxes into storage at home or in a storage unit. First step: stop by our store and pick up the right boxes, from small boxes to large, along with packing supplies such as packing paper, bubble wrap and packing peanuts for proper padding and plenty of packing tape to seal boxes. Organize boxes based on size.

Start packing by grouping loose items and belongings that go together, such as important papers or art supplies. Stay organized by consistently labelling each box with correct rooms or categories. If you emptied your grown-up children's dresser drawers, label the boxes with that specific information. If your are storing seasonal items, mark the appropriate season.

Some other packing tips: If you have any original box for fragile items such as china, by all means, use those boxes. We don't recommend the storage of boxes of clothing in a basement, but if you must temporarily, consider putting them in plastic bags inside their boxes to protect against dampness. Smaller boxes may fit inside trash bags for protection against dampness. You can even pack items like craft supplies in sandwich bags and then group them in smaller boxes.

Why can't I ship my package wrapped in brown packing paper?

Based on their years of experience with billions of shipments, shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service only accept boxes and packages (such as padded or bubble envelopes or Tyvek pouches) that will make the journey safely. Paper wrapped boxes don't qualify.

We have had drivers refuse to take packages wrapped in paper. If the paper gets caught on something, it is only a few seconds before another package hits. This can occur again and again in transit. Ultimately, the paper will be ripped off the package and the package and the paper with the mailing address will never meet again. We can file a claim, but there are no guarantees. Let's avoid the problem before it occurs: don't wrap your boxes in paper.

What kind of packing tape do you recommend?

That answer depends on the job. We aren't a fan of duct tape or other types of tape that peel off easily. When we start packing, we like to seal boxes with heavy-duty clear packing tape. We absolutely depend on our boxes to be securely taped shut and if needed, we can use reinforced tape on boxes for longer wear.

What does "double boxed" mean?

Double boxing is when your item is packed into a box and this box is put into a larger box to allow for empty spaces around the first box. Double boxing drastically reduces the chances of your items being damaged during shipment. The larger outer box is usually a minimum of two inches larger than the inner box on all six sides: top, bottom and four sides. The outer box can have more than two inches of padding but the "textbook" definition of double boxing is at least two inches larger than the inner box. Occasionally a moving company will pack loose items in a box within a box for extra protection in the moving truck.

How do you pack fragile items?

Fragile items must be very carefully wrapped with the right packing supplies. We start packing with generous amounts of packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts for extra protection and proper padding. Often, "double boxing" is used for fragile items or high declared value items. Then we finish packing by making sure your belongings are not moving around in the box. We do not take chances when we pack delicate and fragile goods for moving companies, storage, and especially for shipping. Why am I charged for shipping my laptop computer in a laptop box?

Many years ago, we received letters from the carriers and our insurance company telling us that if a laptop is not packed and shipped in a laptop box, then the laptop is not insurable. We have been using laptop boxes ever since. As of the time of this writing, we have had no claims on laptops being damaged during shipment when they were packed in our sturdy laptop boxes.

Are there any items you do not pack for shipping?

As a general rule, we do not pack cleaning supplies, cleaning products, aerosol cans, major appliances, bed frames, hazardous materials, excessively bulky items, heavier items and some perishable items. We are not a moving company, but we can coordinate with professional movers when necessary. Our packing services do not include packing up a whole household for a moving truck to deliver to a new house. We leave that kind of packing for a moving crew with an appliance dolly.

On occasion, homeowners have specifically asked us to come to their homes in advance of moving day to pack electronics, valuable items, fragile items, or similar belongings. However, when the professional movers arrive on moving day with their moving supplies and moving trucks, we depart.