box basics

Box Basics

The basics of any box packing in 5 easy steps,
what to pack and what not.

box basics packing videos

Box Basics


Highly Important: If you choose to pack on your own, it is CRUCIAL that you will watch our Packing Guide Videos below, and also read the "Packing Essentials!" list on our Packing page. Neglecting to do so may determine the difference between the success and failure of your move!

You will need:

  • Packing Tape
  • Scissors
  • Packing Paper
  • Bubble Wrap

Step 1 - Open The Box

  • Firmly secure box bottom using packing tape
  • Cut tape with scissors or use this old mover's trick
  • Remember to curl tape edge
  • Follow this step with all box sizes
    (Small box, Medium box, Large box, Dish box, Wardrobe box)

Step 2 - Not all, but some boxes need padding
(advised when packing fragile, heavy or sharp items)

  • Pad box bottom with packing paper

      Attention:
    We are now skipping the part of placing items inside the box, this part will be explained in our other videos, per each specific box.

Step 3 - Fill gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shaking

Step 4 - Condense box tightly with packing paper

  • Not condensing the box may cause it to crush during transit

Step 5 - Seal and mark the box

  • Mark room name and content on all box sides
  • Leave upper right corner for mover's inventory label

Do Not Pack

  • Fire arms
  • Ammunition

Do Not Pack - Liquids & Flammables

  • Liquid cleaning supplies
  • Propane tanks
  • Gas tanks
  • Aerosols

Do Not Pack - Heavy

  • Boxes should not be too heavy for one man to maneuver.
    Pack heavy articles such as books in smaller boxes.
    Use large boxes for lighter items like linens, clothing etc.

Watch more packing videos.

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers Los Angeles
Movers from LA to NYC
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers San Francisco
Movers from SF to NYC
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers New York
Movers from NYC to SF & LA

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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