Built to Exact Size
Crates measured and built for your specific item. Not oversized boxes with padding to fill space.
Specialty Item Moving
Custom Crating Services
Purpose-built wooden crates for fine art, antiques, and irreplaceable items. Built to exact dimensions, padded with archival materials, sealed for transport.
Proudly the Official Moving Partner of the Ventura Vikings
Together, we will create a championship team!
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What Custom Crating Provides
When Wrapping Alone Isn't Enough
Some items need more than blankets and wrap. A sculpture with delicate protrusions. An oversized painting. A vintage electronics collection. A large mirror or glass panel. A concert-quality instrument. For these items, custom crating provides rigid protection that adapts to the item\’s exact shape.
Our custom crates are built in-house from wood, sized to your item\’s dimensions, padded with archival materials or foam depending on need, and sealed for transport. Can be one-time (crate stays with item at destination) or reusable (crate returned after move). Common for high-value transport across California or shipping to other destinations.
Other Specialty Item Moving Options
Not quite what you need? See our other specialty item moving services.
Art & Antique Moving
Paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, and heirloom pieces moved with museum-grade materials.
Learn more →
Fragile Electronics Transport
Vintage electronics, audiophile equipment, computer collections - moved with foam bracing and anti-static packaging.
Learn more →
Heavy & Bulky Items
Marble tables, large sculptures, unusual pieces - specialized rigging for oversized specialty items.
Learn more →Serving You From Two California Offices
Both offices dispatch crews - pick the one closest to you.
Main Office
Thousand Oaks
400 Autumnwood St, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Dispatched from our Thousand Oaks main office. Serving Ventura and greater LA.
Book from Thousand Oaks → Second OfficeGoleta
7334 Hollister Ave., Suite M-7, Goleta, CA 93117
Dispatched from our Goleta second office. Serving Santa Barbara County.
Book from Goleta →Four Reasons for Custom Crates
Rigid protection for irreplaceable items.
Archival Padding
Interior padding with foam, packing paper, or archival materials selected per item type.
Sealed and Labeled
Sealed for transport. Labeled clearly with contents, fragility, orientation. Ready for shipping if needed.
One-Time or Reusable
One-time crates stay with item. Reusable crates for return trips or ongoing use. Your choice.
Your Custom Crating in 4 Steps
Measured, built, packed, sealed.
Item measurement
Photos and precise dimensions of item. Any protrusions, delicate areas, or orientation requirements noted.
Crate design and build
Wooden crate designed and built to size with appropriate strength for item weight and value.
Pad and pack
Interior padded with archival materials selected per item type. Item secured inside with proper orientation.
Seal and label
Crate sealed. Labeled with contents, fragility, orientation arrows. Ready for transport or shipping.
Real Specialty Item Moving Reviews
Recent testimonials from specialty item moving clients across Southern California.
Heavy Item Move - 600 lb Custom Bar Delivered Safely (Doors Removed to Fit)
When Brian needed a heavy item move for his 600 lb custom bar, our team stepped in to handle the challenge. We carefull…
Cities We Serve
Southern California - Ventura, LA, Santa Barbara counties.
We dispatch from our Thousand Oaks and Goleta offices across 30+ cities in Southern California. Call (818) 770-2727 for cities not listed.
Instagram Moves
Follow @ready_to_go_movers for behind-the-scenes shots, happy customers, and California adventures.
Need a Custom Crate?
Get Your Custom Crating Quote
Built to exact size, archival padding, sealed for transport. In-house crate building.
Custom Crating FAQ
The most common questions about custom crating.
How much does custom crating cost?
Depends on crate size, materials needed, and complexity. Small item crates $200-400, medium $400-800, large or complex $800-2000+. Every quote based on your specific item.
How long does building a custom crate take?
Simple crates 1-2 days from booking to ready. Complex custom crates 3-5 days. Rush possible for urgent needs.
Can I ship a crated item somewhere myself?
Yes - once crated, item is shipping-ready. You can arrange freight shipping, or we can handle transport within California as part of the service.
What kinds of items typically need custom crating?
Fine art (paintings, sculptures), antiques, large mirrors, glass panels, vintage electronics, musical instruments, medical equipment, precision machinery. Anything irreplaceable or awkwardly shaped.