--- title: "packing materials: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "Packing materials are the items used to protect goods for a move or for storage, such as boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap, blankets and straps." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/packing-materials publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Moving and self-storage # packing materials Packing materials are the items used to protect goods for a move or for storage, such as boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap, blankets and straps. Customers may buy them from the provider, from a store, or use their own. Some movers and storage companies sell or supply them. ## Why it matters Good packing keeps goods safe in a container and helps you use all the space. Heavy boxes go low, light boxes go high, and fragile items need padding. FMCSA advises that if you pack your own boxes to save money and a box is damaged, it may be harder to prove a claim against a mover. This is about movers, and portable storage terms differ, so read the agreement. A common mistake is to use weak boxes that crush when stacked. Another is to pack hazardous items, which providers and carriers often ban. Ask your provider which items are not allowed. [Read: What not to store in a portable storage container](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/what-not-to-store-in-portable-storage) Definition source: [fmcsa.dot.gov](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/consumer-protection/protect-your-move/are-you-moving/liability-protection) ## Related terms [### loading time Loading time is the period a customer has to fill a portable storage container once it is delivered. Providers set it in the rental agreement. Some include a set number of days, and some describe it as however long the customer needs. After it ends, pickup or extra daily fees may apply.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/loading-time)[### moving container A moving container is a portable storage container used to move a household. PODS describes portable storage containers as large, secure, usually weather-resistant boxes that can be moved from place to place. The customer loads the container, and the company carries it to a storage center or a new home.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/moving-container)[### local move A local move is a move within the same area, usually the same city or region. With portable storage, the provider delivers a container, the customer loads it, and the provider takes it to the new address or to a storage center. The customer does not need a rental truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/local-move)[### long distance move A long distance move is a move to a distant city or another state. With portable storage, the customer loads a container at home, the provider moves it by third-party carrier to the new area, and a local team delivers it for unloading. The customer does not drive a truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/long-distance-move)[### contents coverage Contents coverage is protection for the items stored inside a container. PODS explains two kinds of protection: contents protection covers the container and your contents against accidents, burglary and vandalism in listed settings, and container-only protection covers just the container. Terms and exclusions vary by company.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contents-coverage)[### portable storage container A portable storage container is a container made for rent or sale as movable storage. NPSA describes portable storage containers as ISO shipping containers retired from international shipping and offered on the domestic market. In practice the term also covers other portable units.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-storage-container) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)