When you’re moving valuable, fragile, or unusually shaped items, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use custom crating. In some situations, crating is absolutely required to protect your belongings and comply with insurance or carrier rules; in others, it’s simply recommended as a smart extra layer of protection. Knowing the difference can save you money, prevent damage, and give you confidence that your items will arrive safely.
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This guide will walk you through exactly when crating is required versus when it’s recommended, what types of items benefit most from crating, how costs compare to standard packing, and how to decide what’s right for your move. Whether you’re shipping a piano across the country or moving a few fragile heirlooms across town, understanding crating will help you make informed, budget-wise choices.
What Is Crating and Why Does It Matter?
Crating is the process of building a rigid wooden box—often custom-sized—and securing an item inside with protective materials such as foam, braces, and cushioning. Unlike cardboard boxes, wooden crates are designed to handle:
- Heavy weight
- Stacking in trucks or containers
- Mechanical handling like forklifts and pallet jacks
- Long-distance or international shipping stress
Done correctly, crating creates a “mini environment” for the item, protecting it from:
- Crushing or puncture damage
- Vibration and shock
- Shifting during transit
- Moisture (with certain crate designs and wraps)
This is why crating becomes mandatory for some shipments and strongly recommended for others. It’s not just an upsell; for the right items, it’s the difference between safe delivery and expensive damage.
When Crating Is Required: Non‑Negotiable Situations
There are clear scenarios where crating isn’t optional—it’s required by movers, shippers, or insurers. In these cases, attempting to move without crating may void coverage, violate carrier policies, or be refused entirely.
1. Extremely Fragile or Irreplaceable Items
Some items are so delicate or unique that standard boxing and padding simply aren’t sufficient. Crating is typically required when an item is:
- Very fragile (thin glass, intricate stone, delicate carvings)
- Irreplaceable (family heirlooms, original artwork, antiques)
- Extremely high value (fine art, luxury fixtures, rare collectibles)
Common examples where crating is often required:
- Original artwork and sculptures
- Antique mirrors and vintage frames
- Delicate chandeliers and custom light fixtures
- High-end marble or granite tabletops
- Rare musical instruments or display pieces
Many moving insurance policies and fine-art shippers will only cover these types of items if they are professionally crated, because the risk of damage is otherwise too high.
2. High‑Value Items Exceeding Standard Coverage
Most movers include a basic level of valuation coverage, but this is often based on weight (for example, $0.60 per pound). That means a 20-pound painting worth $5,000 could only be covered for $12 without additional protection.
When you purchase additional valuation or third-party insurance for high-value items, the insurer may require:
- Professional packing and crating
- A detailed inventory and condition report
- Photographs before shipment
If your item’s value is high relative to its weight, or if its replacement cost is substantial, crating almost always becomes a requirement, not simply a suggestion.
3. Oversized or Unusually Shaped Items
Some items don’t fit well in standard boxes or can’t be safely pad-wrapped. Their size, shape, or weight makes them difficult to secure in a truck without a sturdy frame around them.
Crating is often required for:
- Large glass or stone tabletops
- Custom countertops and oversized slabs
- Architectural elements (mantels, columns, doors with glass)
- Trade show exhibits and display panels
- Industrial machinery components with delicate parts
When something can’t be anchored properly with straps and pads alone, movers or freight carriers will insist on crating to prevent it from shifting or tipping during transportation.
4. International and Long‑Distance Shipping Requirements
International shipments, especially those going by ocean freight, often have stricter packing standards than local moves. Items may be handled multiple times, stored in ports, and subjected to humidity and long transit times.
Crating is frequently required when:
- Shipping via freight, air cargo, or ocean container
- Sending goods to countries with specific packing regulations
- Using carriers that mandate crating for “non-boxable” items
Additionally, many countries require ISPM‑15 compliant wood (heat-treated and stamped) for wooden crates to prevent pests from spreading. Professional movers and crating companies will factor this into their crate design for international moves.
5. Commercial, Industrial, and B2B Shipments
Businesses shipping equipment, prototypes, or high-value components frequently face contractual or regulatory requirements for crating. For example:
- Precision tools and machinery
- Medical and laboratory equipment
- Electronics racks and server hardware
- Museum exhibits and trade show materials
In these situations, the receiving party (a client, lab, museum, or retailer) may specify that goods must arrive crated to be accepted and inspected. Skipping crating could result in rejected deliveries and added costs.
When Crating Is Strongly Recommended, But Not Required
There’s a large middle ground where crating is optional in theory but recommended in practice. It may not be mandated by a policy, but it’s the wise choice if you want to lower risk and avoid stressful surprises.
1. Items With High Emotional Value
Not everything of great value shows up on an appraisal. If something is emotionally priceless—such as a family heirloom—protecting it may matter more than the cost of professional crating.
Consider crating for:
- Inherited furniture with carved or fragile details
- Wedding gifts like ornate glassware or art pieces
- Handmade items (statues, pottery, custom woodwork)
- Old framed family photos with fragile glass
While movers might allow these items to be pad-wrapped or boxed, the emotional cost of damage is high. Crating can provide peace of mind.
2. Medium‑Value Fragile Furniture and Decor
Some items aren’t museum pieces, but they’re still expensive and fragile enough that breaking them would really hurt the budget.
You may want to crate items like:
- Designer glass coffee tables or consoles
- Mid-century modern furniture with thin legs or glass accents
- Premium mirrors and framed artwork (especially oversized)
- Stone-top nightstands or dressers
In many of these cases, movers might allow alternative methods (double-boxing, heavy padding, or custom cardboard builds), but crating significantly reduces the risk of impact or pressure damage.
3. Local Moves With Difficult Handling Conditions
Even short-distance moves can be risky if access conditions are tough. Crating becomes recommended if your movers must navigate:
- Narrow stairwells and tight turns
- Elevators with size limits
- Rough terrain, steep driveways, or long carries
- Shared freight elevators and busy loading docks
If an item might be bumped, twisted, or set down repeatedly in awkward positions, a crate can serve as a protective shell, absorbing some of the handling stress instead of your belongings taking the hit.
4. Long‑Term Storage Before or After the Move
If your items will be stored for months—especially in shared warehouse environments—crating is often recommended to guard against:
- Stacking pressure from other goods
- Accidental bumps from forklifts or pallet jacks
- Dust, minor moisture, or temperature fluctuations
For example, a valuable glass display case or a marble reception desk going into storage for six months is far safer in a crate than simply wrapped in blankets.
5. When You Want Maximum Peace of Mind
Sometimes, the decision comes down to your personal risk tolerance. If you’re already stressed about a move and know you’ll worry about specific items from pickup to delivery, crating can be a worthwhile investment—even if it’s not strictly required.
When in doubt, ask the movers for a risk assessment: “If we don’t crate this, what’s the realistic chance of damage?” A reputable company will give you an honest, experience-based answer.
Items That Commonly Need Crating: A Quick Reference Table
The table below summarizes how common household and commercial items typically fall on the “required vs recommended” spectrum for crating. Exact requirements can vary by mover, insurer, and route, but this gives you a useful benchmark.
| Item Type | Example Items | Crating Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Art & Sculptures | Original paintings, statues, gallery pieces | Usually Required | Often mandated by insurers and galleries, especially for long-distance or international moves. |
| Large Glass & Mirrors | Oversized mirrors, glass tabletops, glass doors | Required or Strongly Recommended | Standard mirrors may be boxed with special cartons; very large or heavy glass often must be crated. |
| Stone & Marble | Countertops, tables, stone art | Usually Required | Heavy and brittle—high risk of cracking without rigid support. |
| High-End Electronics | Servers, lab devices, audio systems | Recommended to Required | Requirement rises with value, sensitivity, and shipping distance. |
| Antiques & Heirlooms | Antique furniture, fragile collectibles | Strongly Recommended | Often not legally required, but replacement may be impossible. |
| Pianos & Large Instruments | Grand pianos, harps, organs | Depends on Route | Local moves may use specialized equipment; long-distance or overseas often require crating. |
| Commercial Equipment | Machinery, medical devices, trade show exhibits | Often Required | Specified in contracts, warranties, or shipping guidelines. |
| Standard Household Items | Typical furniture, regular decor | Not Required | Usually protected with pads, shrink wrap, and boxes. |
How Movers Decide: Key Factors That Drive Crating Decisions
Professional movers use a combination of experience, industry standards, and your specific situation to decide whether to recommend or require crating. Here are the core factors they evaluate.
1. Fragility and Construction
Movers look at:
- Material (glass, stone, thin metal, delicate wood)
- Build quality (sturdy vs. delicate joints or legs)
- Vulnerability points (corners, edges, attachments)
Two items that look similar in photos may be treated very differently once inspected. A low-cost mirror in a sturdy plastic frame, for example, may travel safely in a mirror carton, while an antique beveled mirror in an ornate wood frame might require a custom crate.
2. Size, Shape, and Weight
Bulky or unusually shaped items are harder to pad and secure. Movers ask:
- Can this item be safely carried by two people?
- Will it fit through doors and hallways without forcing angles?
- Can it be strapped securely in the truck without crushing or bending?
If the answer to these questions is “not easily” or “not without risk,” crating becomes the safer strategy.
3. Distance and Mode of Transport
Short, single-truck moves have fewer handoffs and transitions. Cross-country or international shipments often involve:
- Multiple load/unload points
- Different carriers or subcontractors
- Extended time in transit or storage
Every time an item is touched, moved, or reloaded, risk increases. That’s why crating is far more common for long-distance moves even when it might be optional for a similar local move.
4. Value and Insurance Requirements
When you declare higher values or purchase additional coverage, insurers will often require crating to minimize risk. Movers may also insist on crating for any single item above a certain value threshold.
In practice, this means:
- Items over a set dollar amount may need crating for full coverage.
- Without crating, coverage may be limited or excluded entirely.
- Proof of professional crating can simplify claims if something goes wrong.
5. Access and Handling Conditions
Challenging access (stairs, narrow halls, limited parking) increases the risk of bumps, drops, or longer carries. Movers may recommend crating certain items simply because the path from home to truck is risky, even if the road itself is short and smooth.
Crating vs. Standard Packing: Cost, Risk, and Value
Crating is more expensive than standard packing—but it’s often much cheaper than replacing a damaged item. Understanding the trade-offs will help you decide where to invest.
Typical Cost Differences
Costs vary widely by region, size, and complexity, but here’s a general comparison:
| Protection Method | Typical Use | Approximate Cost Range* | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanket/Pads Only | Standard furniture | Usually included in move | Basic protection from scratches and minor bumps. |
| Boxes & Specialty Cartons | Dishes, lamps, mirrors, TVs | $5–$50 per item (materials + labor) | Good protection for many household items. |
| Custom Crating | High-value, fragile, oversized items | $150–$1,000+ per crate | Highest protection, structural support, and impact resistance. |
*These ranges are illustrative and can vary by market, size, and complexity.
How to Decide If Crating Is Worth It
Ask yourself:
- What is the item’s replacement cost? If crating costs $300 and the item is worth $3,000–$10,000, the math usually favors crating.
- Is it irreplaceable? Sentimental or unique items may justify crating even when purely financial logic doesn’t.
- What is the realistic risk of damage? Your mover can give a professional estimate based on experience.
- What does your policy say? For high-value items, check if insurance requires crating.
Practical Examples: Required vs Recommended in Real Moves
To make this more concrete, here are some example scenarios showing how crating decisions often play out.
Example 1: Local Move With a Marble Dining Table
- Item: 8-foot marble tabletop, custom base
- Distance: 10 miles, same city
- Value: $4,500
Movers may require crating for the marble top because of its weight and fragility. Even on a short move, a sudden stop or small drop could crack the stone. The base may only need padding and straps, but the stone slab usually must be crated.
Example 2: Cross‑Country Move With a Standard Flat-Screen TV
- Item: 65-inch TV
- Distance: 2,500 miles
- Value: $600–$1,000
Movers might recommend using an original box or a professional TV carton with foam inserts, but a full wooden crate is typically not required. A crate might be offered if the TV is extremely high-end or traveling with freight instead of household goods.
Example 3: International Shipment of Original Artwork
- Item: Three original paintings, one glass sculpture
- Distance: Overseas, multiple carriers
- Value: $25,000 total
Here, crating is almost always required. Insurers, galleries, and carriers will insist on professional crating with ISPM‑15 compliant wood, internal bracing, and careful documentation.
Example 4: Family Heirloom China Cabinet on a Local Move
- Item: Antique glass-front china cabinet
- Distance: 5 miles
- Value: High emotional, moderate financial
Movers may recommend crating, but not require it. An alternative could be:
- Remove and pack shelves/glass separately
- Pad and shrink wrap the cabinet
- Strap it carefully in the truck
If you’re worried about sentimental value, you might still choose crating for extra peace of mind.
DIY Crating vs Professional Crating
Some people consider building their own crates to save money. While it’s possible, there are important trade-offs to weigh.
Pros of DIY Crating
- Potentially lower upfront cost in materials
- Full control over timing and design
- Can be a good option for lower-value items when done carefully
Cons of DIY Crating
- Requires tools, skills, and accurate measurements
- May not meet mover or insurance requirements
- Risk of building a crate that’s too weak or improperly padded
- No professional warranty or accountability if something goes wrong
For expensive, fragile, or insured items, professional crating is usually the safer choice. Movers and crating specialists know how to:
- Select the right wood and hardware
- Engineer proper internal support and cushioning
- Label and design crates for efficient loading and unloading
How to Talk to Your Mover About Crating
Open communication with your moving company is essential. When getting quotes, be sure to:
- Identify high-risk items early. Send photos and descriptions of anything fragile, oversized, or high-value.
- Ask what’s required vs what’s optional. Clarify which items must be crated for them to move or insure.
- Request itemized pricing. Get separate line items for each crate so you can see the cost clearly.
- Confirm insurance implications. Ask how crating affects coverage and what documentation is provided.
A trustworthy mover will explain where you can safely save and where cutting corners could be risky. If you’re planning a move and want experienced guidance on crating and specialty packing, reach out to United Local Movers for a detailed, no-pressure consultation and quote.
Checklist: Deciding If an Item Should Be Crated
Use this simple checklist for each special item you’re moving:
- Is it made of glass, stone, thin metal, or other brittle materials?
- Is it large, heavy, or oddly shaped?
- Would it be difficult or impossible to replace?
- Is its value high relative to its weight?
- Is it traveling a long distance or internationally?
- Will it go into storage before or after the move?
- Do insurance or carrier rules mention crating?
- Would damage be emotionally or financially devastating?
If you answer “yes” to several of these questions, professional crating is likely a smart choice—and may even be required.
