Innovative Furniture Packaging for Small Move Shipping

A small move estimate is based on packaging requirements, weight and size of final shipment, value, destination (domestic or international), and timing. For the most accurate estimate, be prepared with detailed information:

• Packaging requirements: How many pieces of furniture? How many fragile items (china, glassware, artwork)? How many non-fragile items?
• Weight: What is the approximate weight of each item? Smaller items can be weighed on a bathroom scale. Larger items can be estimated from catalogs of similar items.
• Size: What are the measurements (length, width, height) of the larger items? How many boxes are pre-packed and what are their sizes?
• Value: What is the total value of the shipment? Are there any high-value items like artwork, silver, or antiques?
• Destination: What is the destination – city, state, country, and postal code? Is it a residence or a business? Are there multiple destinations?
• Timing: When does the shipment need to arrive?

Pak provides free small move estimates – by phone, in person, or online.

China Cups Packed for Small Move Shipping

Fragile China Packed for Small Move Shipping

Packing fragile items for small move freight carriers, as well as for UPS, FedEx, and DHL, is different from packing for moving companies. Moving companies typically pick up household items at one location and drive them to the destination without any unloading or reloading along the way. The recommended packing for moving fragile items is well documented by various moving companies like United Van Lines and Two Men And A Truck. This method incorporates sturdy corrugated boxes, packing tape, and lots of packing paper. Items are individually wrapped in the paper and cushioned tightly in the box with additional wadded up paper.

Standards for packing fragile items for small move shipping are set by the carriers and by declared value insurance companies. The shipped boxes are loaded and unloaded multiple times and may be stacked at the carrier facilities.

The packaging standards include a minimum of two inches of cushioning – bubble wrap and packing peanuts or Styrofoam, not paper – around all of the fragile item’s dimensions. For example, a fragile glass bowl measuring 8”x 8”x8” would require, at a minimum, a 12”x12”x12” box. If the item is valued under $200 and is easily replaced, that box with appropriate cushioning is sufficient. If the item is valued over $200 or is one of a kind and/or sentimental and not replaceable, it would be double-boxed in a 12”x12”x12” inner box and a 16”x16”x16” outer box, each with two inches of appropriate cushioning.

In the unlikely event of a damage claim with a shipping carrier, the outer box is examined for visible damage. If there is no damage to the outside of the box, the carrier representatives will examine the inner packaging to ensure standards have been met.

Pak Mail packs all small move fragile items securely for safe delivery.

Small Move Boxes on Pallets

Small Move Estate Distribution

Packing for small move shipping requires a little more preparation than packing for UPS, FedEx, and DHL small package shipping. First, the items are inventoried and separated into categories – furniture, linens, clothing, jewelry, china, glassware, tools, non-fragile, fragile, size, value (especially higher value items). Then the appropriate packing methods are chosen based on how the small move is being shipped.

• Blanket wrap shipping requires the least amount of packaging. Furniture is wrapped in protective moving blankets and all fragile, high-value, and delicate items are packed according to carrier and insurance standards. High-value and extremely delicate pieces – artwork or grandfather clocks, for example – are often crated.
• Air freight, LTL truck, and ocean freight shipping require that all items be packed in boxes based on fragility and value. The boxes are then arranged on a pallet(s), shrink wrapped, and tied to the pallet(s) with metal banding. High-value and extremely delicate pieces are packed in Styrofoam-lined wooden crates.
• International shipments that are not crated are containerized with a corrugated tray on a pallet and a corrugated wrap and lid. The container is then banded to the pallet.
• All wood used in pallets and crates for international shipping must be heat treated and stamped with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15) mark, also known as the “bug stamp” or “wheat stamp.”
• Insurance coverage is only provided for appropriately packaged shipments. Customer-packed boxes are not covered unless inspection prior to shipping indicates proper packaging.

Pak Mail makes custom boxes, pallets, containers, and crates for any size or shape small move shipment.

Business Office Small Move to Hawaii – Ocean Freight

A small move can be shipped in a variety of ways. The shipping method is based on the size of the shipment, distance to destination, delivery timing, value, and budget. All methods require the carrier to set an appointment with the recipient for delivery.

• Air freight is the fastest method and is used for domestic and international small moves when delivery timing is critical. High-value shipments are often sent by air freight.
• Ocean freight is the slowest international option and is most cost effective going from our store to the destination port (door-to-port). The recipient makes separate arrangements for delivery from the port to the final destination.
• Ocean freight is also an option for small move shipping to Hawaii. Small move shipments are transported by LTL truck to US west coast ports and then by ocean freight to the final destination. Since Hawaii is a domestic destination, the shipment can be delivered to a residence or business (door-to-door).
• LTL truck shipping for small moves within the continental US and some parts of Canada is based on 1- to 2-day guaranteed (fastest) and standard 3- to 7-day delivery.
• Small move shipments to Alaska are conveyed by LTL truck to Seattle, WA, and then by ocean freight or barge to the final destination. Since Alaska is a domestic destination, the shipment can be delivered to a residence or business (door-to-door).
• Blanket wrap shipping is ideal and economical for a larger small move (multiple pieces of furniture or extremely delicate furniture or artwork), that is under 2000 pounds. This is the slowest small move shipping method; delivery typically takes 30 to 60 days.

Pak Mail makes small move shipping easy and affordable.

Small Move of Furniture

Moving possessions from one place to another is a common life experience for many. It might be an executive’s promotion and the moving of an entire household cross country. Hiring a large moving company to move an entire 3- to 4-bedroom household may be the most cost-effective method; it would meet most moving company’s minimum weight requirements, usually 2000 pounds.

It could be a small move – a first job after college or a student deciding to take a year off from studies and move back home. Maybe it’s a career or life change involving all the trappings of a small apartment or business office, or the passing of a loved one necessitating an estate distribution. Perhaps the move entails selling all the furniture and moving only the sentimental collections. It could even be an out-of-state purchase of antique furniture from an auction house.

Whatever the situation, there’s a solution.

• Doing it yourself may seem like the most budget friendly option. During a self-move, you are responsible for not only the cost of the rental moving truck, but for gas, tolls, lodging, food and libations for friends, other expenses – and time.
• Shipping a small move (under 2000 pounds) is easy on the wallet, and can be tailored to the individual or family’s schedule.

At Pak Mail, small move shipping is one of our specialties. We conveniently pick up items from a business, home, or storage and safely transport them back to the store for secure packing and shipping.