15 percent of movers are seeking a better home and lifestyle. Others move because of family reasons, professional changes, or education reasons.
Though people move for many reasons, there is one thing that doesn’t change: Moving is a challenge.
Moving is tough enough without having to worry about breaking family heirlooms and cherished treasures. When you decide to move, save yourself a future headache and pack fragile items like a pro.
Properly Packing Fragile Items
To pack your items correctly, you’re going to need the necessary tools:
- High-quality boxes in several sizes
- Packing paper
- Tissue paper
- Bubble wrap
- Pliable cardboard to place in between items
- Scissors
- Strong packing tape
Lay out your items on an empty table so you can see and organize the things that you’re packing.
A few commonly fragile items that people worry about are plates, glasses, frames, and awkwardly shaped lamp shades. Don’t fret! We’re here to give you some insider packing tips!
Plates
Dish pack boxes are ideal for moving plates, dishes, and glassware because they are particularly sturdy. Made from corrugated cardboard, they have a double wall of protection.
Wrap plates in bubble wrap and pack with crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the dish pack box as well as the top to avoid damage. Be careful not to overpack the box!
Glasses
Wrap each glass individually with packing paper and place tissue paper inside. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem first with tissue paper. Place crumpled packing paper at the bottom of your box and place glasses side by side on top of the crumpled paper, leaving space around them for more paper. Place the crumpled paper on top as well to keep the contents gently compressed.
For added protection, opt for boxes explicitly created for glassware. These boxes include cardboard dividers to keep each glass snug and secure. Wrap each glass with packing paper and place each one in a divided section of the box. Then fill the individual cells with packing paper so that the contents are held in place.
Lamps
You may think lamp shades are fine on their own, but packing shades in boxes is a better option!
Remove the shade from your lamp and wrap the shade with several pieces of tissue paper, a large towel or pillowcase.
Place the shade in a box at least two inches larger than the shade. Line the box with clean paper. Place crumpled paper under the shade as well as on top of the shade to create a protective layer.
The lamp base should be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a separate box. Cushion it with crumpled paper.
Picture Frames
Wrap picture frames with packing paper or bubble wrap. Place the wrapped frame in a box with crumpled paper on the bottom between each frame, as well as on top of the frames. If you have a very large frame, secure it with a moving blanket and plastic wrap and move it separately.
Moving Fragile Items
You’re packed up and ready to go, but have you prepared for moving day? Perfectly packed items don’t mean much if they’re going to be treated similarly to light boxes of towels and linens.
As you pack the boxes, clearly label them as “fragile” so you, your family, or movers can take the proper precautions.
When unloading the truck, take the boxes marked “fragile” and put them aside, away from busy doorways and trampling feet. We recommend placing them in an empty closet that is out of harm’s way.
You won’t need to worry about it, and the movers won’t need to be concerned about accidentally stepping on a family heirloom!
Keep Fragile Items Protected by the Professionals
Tired of opening boxes and finding cracked mugs, broken picture frames and debris? Leave your move with the professionals and save your fragile items. Don’t risk breaking your items or, worse, hurting yourself in the process.
Our professional movers are equipped and ready to tackle any move with your fragile items. We’ll help you throughout the entire process to load boxes, take care of the heavy objects, and ensure that you’re all set to start this exciting new chapter in your life.
Request a quote today and cross “worrying about moving” off your list.
