Packing Tips

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 Collegeboxes 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 weighing in excess of 70 pounds cost you extra to store. 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. We suggest the use of 2-3 inch wide pressure sensitive plastic tape. You will need three strips of tape for both the top and the bottom of the box. Do not use masking tape or string.  A roll of packing tape is included with our supply kit.  Additional boxes, tape, and moving supplies can be purchased from U-Haul online at uhaul.com, choose to pickup at local U-Haul store or have everything shipped right to you.

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.  Purchase mattress and other furniture covers from U-Haul online at uhaul.com, choose to pickup at local U-Haul store or have everything shipped right to you.

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: CB 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

Collegeboxes uses two types of labels. Our storage label is self-adhesive and must be affixed to all your storage items, including your furniture (We provide storage labels free of charge through our online inventory management system). Our shipping labels are also created online through our website.

The following information must be recorded on the storage labels:

  • Your Customer ID number
  • Your full name
  • The item identifier corresponding with the contract form.

Once completed, affix the label on the top-left face of the box. In addition to the label, write your name and customer ID number with a heavy marker on at least one side and the top. For items other than boxes, make sure the label is secure and visible.

Our online shipping label program will automatically ask you to enter the necessary information. Once completed, affix the label on the top-left face of the box.

If you are unable to create your FEDEX shipping labels we WILL NOT pickup your shipping boxes. FEDEX labels with your address and FEDEX bar code must be affixed to each shipping box to avoid lost items.  We recommend printing all shipping labels the night before your scheduled pickup to ensure that they are able to be picked up by our team.  Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for unlabeled boxes.

If you are using your own boxes, be sure any old addresses and markings are crossed out.

"Bubble Wrap® is a registered trademark of Sealed Air Corporation (US)"

How to Pack and Ship Like a Pro

We understand. You want to get your shipment safely to its destination in the same condition it was sent. You can do your part by reviewing our tips on how to pack and following our detailed packaging guidelines.

 

Get the Complete Shipping Guides

From general guidelines for packing day-to-day shipments to specific guidelines for shipping computers and electronics, the guide you need is just a click away

 
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