In July 2015 I moved from Missouri to Texas, which is 13 hours driving. I packed all my machines in my car. My vikings with me and my other machine in our second car. I did not use the boxes since I packed them in the cars. All my machines arrived safely and I was able to use them right away. I have had a machine packed years ago when the military moved us. I arrived in one piece too. I suggest to do what you are comfortable with