Expert Tips on How to Pack Fragile Items When Moving

Did you know that moving is one of the most stressful life events? If you have a lot of fragile items to transport, you might feel even more worried.

We can help make your experience less stressful with these tips on how to pack fragile items. In this guide, we’ll go over how to pack fragile items for moving.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

Buy Packing Supplies

You’ll want to go to the store and get the right packing supplies for your fragile items. Packing papers and bubble wrap will come in handy when wrapping delicate items. Make sure to pick up extra supplies.

Wrap all the items with bubble wrap first. Place the items inside your moving box and fill up space with packing papers. The packing paper will absorb any shocks.

Plan Your Packing Day

Before you begin to pack any of your fragile or breakable items, create a plan. How many things do you have in your house that are fragile? List the items so you can figure out the amount of packing supplies you will need to buy.

Think about a rough estimate of how long it will take you to pack. Fragile items will take longer than others. Plan early, so you have enough time and don’t have to rush and end up breaking something.

Tips for Packing Plates

Often, plates will get broken during transportation during the move. Don’t place plates in a horizontal position.

Wrap your plates with bubble wrap and place tape on them to hold it in place. Place each dish one by one in the box in a vertical position.

There won’t be a lot of surface area in the box anymore, so there’s less of a chance the plates will break. You could also use boxes known as dish packs. Dish packs have thick walls and offer more protection.

Don’t Overfill Your Containers or Boxes

Cardboard boxes are useful for moving, but you don’t want to overfill them. If you do, it will become challenging to carry them. The cardboard box could fall apart if it’s too heavy.

Pack a few items in the box, and then fill the space with blankets or packing papers.

Use Sturdy and New Boxes

People tend to pick up used boxes from the grocery store or liquor shop. Used boxes have a bit of wear and tear. Try to use those boxes for other items, but never for your fragile ones.

Use Pillows and Blankets

For odd-shaped items, wrap them up first with a blanket. Next, place a pillow on the top of the item and at the bottom of the box.

Label it as fragile on all sides of the box. This way, it won’t get damaged, dropped, or handled roughly.

Separate Each Item

For mugs, cups, and glasses, you don’t need a box insert to keep them separated. Instead, you can wrap each item with at least two layers of packing paper.

Pack everything with care, and make sure there isn’t any space between items. You can prevent jiggling with plenty of packing paper.

For hollow items like vases and goblets, fill them with crumpled pieces of paper. Next, wrap them with more packing paper before placing inside a box filled with bubble wrap.

Musical Instruments

Most musical instruments are sensitive to humidity and temperature. You’ll want to store instruments in a hardshell case that’s designed for their shape. Take into account the changing conditions during the move.

Electronics

Gaming systems, stereos, and flat-screen televisions will also need some extra care. Use the original box if you have it. Pack the box inside another padded box. Note what is inside the box.

Your computer and cameras are also items to consider when packing. You will have valuable data or work on them, so make sure you back them up before the trip.

Hot Tubs

Contact your mover to ask about specific shipping instructions and handling. A hot tub has an enormous dimension and is valuable, so you’ll want to work with professionals to pack and move it.

Art Pieces and Sculptures

Use a heavy-duty picture box for canvases or large-framed pieces. Use masking tape and create an x over big pieces of glass. The tape will help prevent a shattering hazard if the glass gets cracked.

You can wrap canvases or artwork in an unprinted newspaper or plain paper. You don’t want any ink to transfer onto the paint.

Antiques, keepsakes, and sculptures can get protected by using foam padding. Wrap them with a layer of bubble wrap before placing inside individual boxes.

Don’t Forget to Label the Boxes

You want to note which boxes contain fragile items. This way, they don’t get mistaken for something else, and get dropped to the ground.

Do you have a few different family members or friends helping you with the move? They won’t know what boxes contain your fragile items. Take the time to label them with care so you can help prevent potential accidents.

Consider Working With Professionals

If you would like to work with moving professionals, consider calling in advance. Find out if they are available for your move. Movers will know how to pack fragile items, move them, and unload them in your new home.

Call a local mover if you want to take some stress off you.

Now You Know How to Pack Fragile Items

We hope this guide on packing fragile items was helpful. Take the time to plan your move and pick up all the packing supplies you’ll need early on. Now that you know how to pack fragile items get started on your planning move.

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