Advice needed on packing hats for a move and possible storage for a short term

[Lando]

In short, moving soon, and though I've started selling hats off, I still and will still have a lot of hats that I am taking with me when I move. So, I need some advice on how best to pack a lot of hats for a move. It's going to be impossible to pack each hat in its own hatbox, so I'm looking for any ideas for packing hats the most in the least amount of space. Love my hats, but I've got a lot of other stuff to worry about, so I'm looking for the most economical and efficient way. They may have to sit in storage for a week or two and then will be unloaded and spread out once again.

So, any ideas?

I know you guys have got lots of hats. And I know that some of you must have moved a couples times.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Lotsahats]

I seem to recall that Alan wrote about stacking hats with foam collars; iirc, a firm foam ring around the ribbon of a hat can allow you to place another hat over it, sitting on the foam ring. Perhaps you can wrap the bottom hat in non-acidic paper or possibly a plastic bag before putting the foam ring around it to prevent any oil from the top hat's sweatband from transferring to the felt.

A

 

[tropicalbob]

Good advice. My mom used to say that three moves equaled one fire. We moved a number of times in just a few years, and what I found was that some things you just have to look out for yourself, even if you hire professionals. Anything fragile or small and valuable you should keep with you. You won't notice some things destroyed or missing until days later.

 

[casechopper]

With the value/weight ratio of hats I'd either personally transport them or mail them ahead. You can stack hats and pack. The main risk is dirt transfer and deformation. You can avoid dirt by bagging. I'd recommend getting some kitchen trashbags (make sure they aren't scented or have any kind of powder in them). Bag each hat loosely and then stack. Stack larger fitting hats highest in the stack with smallest fitting at the bottom. Don't push them together tightly just pack them loosely. Make sure that the boxes with the hats are marked so that they don't end up at the bottom of a pile of heavy boxes.

 

[Jedwbpm]

Lando if you can make it up the the shop I'll give you a couple of boxes that hats are shipped to us in. They can hold about 6 hats in a box

Jeff

 

[hatsRme]

Lando if you can make it up the the shop I'll give you a couple of boxes that hats are shipped to us in. They can hold about 6 hats in a box

Jeff

Now THERE's an offer! Not to mention that you might find something you NEED (Borsa, Stetsonian, etc. come to mind)... Trip "maximization," Lando!

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Good morning Lando. I suggest picking up some of the taller packing boxes. The boxes are available at the large hardware discount stores. Create inserts. I ruined an initial insert sizing it, but the project did not take very long.

Over the recent winter holiday I went on a couple week ski trip to the Canadian Rockies. I shipped three hats to wear during down moments and the obligatory day off shopping trip with family. I took a smaller shipping box that was taller than wide. I took some cardboard stock sheets, provided free from the retailer, out of their cardboard recycling bin. I cut circles in them for the hat crowns. A palm sander took care of the cardboard edges. A hat, with an "Alan" foam ring, stood on the brim of the hat below it. The box was marked fragile - do not crush please! I was able to pack the three in a smaller package and the light weight made USPS very happy. The Canadian Postal Service and USPS delivered the box clean (not even very soiled) without damage.

The cardboard squares I tried to mimic the spacers I have seen in vintage hat boxes. The squares are bigger than the box and I slit them like the vtg. spacers. It worked like a charm. They did not move around or fall to the hat below. Each hat was wrapped in a dry cleaner bag. The goal of the spacer was to protect the brim and the brim origination (crown and brim edge) from getting misshapen.

Moving can be fun if you put away your valuables safely and have peace of mind.

Best, Eric -

 

[Lando]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I'll put some together based on a few of your ideas. Sadly, I will not be able to make it up, Jeff. No time, and I am not to be trusted near a hat store. Trying to slim down and pack up right now, which is always when a new hat seems like a good idea right lol.