Moving can be intimidating, especially when it comes to ensuring your fragile items make it to your new home in one piece. With the proper packing techniques and materials, you can protect your delicate belongings from damage during transit. Here are five essential tips to help you pack fragile items for a household move.
1. Gather the Right Packing Materials
Using the appropriate packing materials is the first step to ensuring your fragile items are well-protected. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sturdy Boxes: Opt for double-walled boxes for extra protection.
- Packing Paper: Use unprinted packing paper to wrap delicate items.
- Bubble Wrap: Ideal for cushioning breakables and providing additional protection.
- Packing Peanuts: Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting.
- Dish Packs: Specially designed boxes with dividers for packing glassware and dishes.
- Tape and Labels: Secure boxes with strong packing tape and label them clearly.
2. Use Proper Packing Techniques
How you pack your fragile items can make all the difference in keeping them safe. Follow these techniques:
- Wrap Each Item Individually: Use packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap each item separately. This prevents items from rubbing against each other and reduces the risk of breakage.
- Layer the Bottom of the Box: Line the bottom of the moving carton with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to add a cushioning layer before placing items inside.
- Pack Heavy Items First: Place heavier things at the bottom and lighter, more fragile ones on top. This helps to prevent the heavier items from crushing the lighter ones.
3. Pack Dishes and Glassware Carefully
Glassware and dishes are among the most delicate things you must pack. Here’s how to handle them:
- Use Dish Packs: If you have a lot of dishes and glassware, consider using dish packs with dividers. These are specially designed to keep each item separate and secure. Check with your mover for these specialty cartons.
- Wrap Plates Individually: Place a sheet of packing paper on a flat surface, set a plate in the center, and fold the corners of the paper over the plate. Repeat this process by stacking plates with a layer of packing paper between each one.
- Pack Glasses and Stemware Upright: Wrap glasses and stemware in bubble wrap or packing paper, and cushion the stems well. Pack them upright in the box to prevent pressure on the stems.
4. Fill Empty Spaces
Empty spaces in boxes can cause items to shift during transit, leading to potential damage. Prevent this by filling gaps:
- Use Packing Peanuts: Pour packing peanuts around and between items to fill empty spaces and provide cushioning.
- Crushed Paper: Crumple packing paper and stuff it into gaps. This is especially useful for smaller spaces where packing peanuts might not fit.
- Soft Items: For added protection, you can use soft items like towels or clothing to fill gaps and provide extra padding.
5. Label and Handle with Care
Ensure your fragile items receive the care they need by properly labeling and handling them.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Mark boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” on all sides. Use large, bold letters to ensure the labels are easily visible.
- Indicate Upright Position: If the box contains items that need to stay upright, mark it with “THIS SIDE UP” and draw arrows pointing to the top.
- Communicate with Movers: Whether using professional movers or enlisting friends to help, make sure they know which boxes contain fragile items and need special care.
6. Consider Professional Packing Services
If you’re pressed for time or prefer the assurance of professional care, consider having the mover pack your fragile items. Often, the cost is more reasonable than many people assume.
Taking Care With Your Move
Packing fragile items for a household move requires extra attention and suitable materials, but with these tips, you can help ensure your delicate belongings arrive at your new home safely. Gathering the proper packing supplies, using effective packing techniques, and clearly labeling your boxes will minimize the risk of damage and make your move less stressful.
Let us help handle all your belongings. We can pack your fragile items efficiently and move you in no time. Contact us today.