White and red Fragile labeled box by rivage is licensed with Unsplash License
Moving from one home to another is a big job, with a lot of little details to attend to. One of these details is how you’re going to move and pack fragile items. If you don’t take proper care, you could find that your previous belongings become damaged during transit, resulting in unwanted repair or replacement costs. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to protect your fragile items when it comes time to move. Below, we’ll outline what you need to properly pack your fragile items and how you can go about packing them for the best results.
Supplies You’ll Need
Packing your fragile items for moving requires some supplies, so let’s start by looking at what you’ll need. First, you should grab materials that can cushion your items during transport. Common choices include Bubble Wrap, packing peanuts, or packing foam. When purchasing these supplies, we recommend buying a little more than you think you’ll need. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you go through these materials when you’re packing and you don’t want to run out in the middle.
Next, grab some packing paper. You can use packing paper to wrap some of your fragile items, which will protect them against small scrapes and scratches. In addition, packing paper is more affordable than Bubble Wrap, making it ideal for smaller items that you have a lot of, such as plates and glasses.
After that, you’ll want boxes to store everything in. Grab boxes of different sizes, based on the fragile items you need to pack. When estimating the number of boxes that you’ll need, remember that while you can often put multiple items in one box, making boxes too heavy is inefficient and dangerous.
Lastly, you’ll need some materials for those boxes. Get plenty of packaging tape so that you can securely build and seal your boxes. It’s also a good idea to get some markers so that you can label all your boxes and make the unloading process faster.
Packing Steps
Once you have your materials, you can move on to packing your fragile items. We recommend following the steps below for the best results:
Wrap Each Item Individually
Start by wrapping each fragile item, either in Bubble Wrap or packing paper. Make sure all the surfaces are covered and that the packaging material is securely fastened using tape. Whether you’re using Bubble Wrap or packing paper, ensure there is enough cushioning surrounding the item to adequately protect it. Typically, the more fragile the item, the more cushioning you’ll want.
Prepare the Box
Next, prepare your box. Most boxes come unassembled, meaning you’ll need to put them together using tape. This is a fairly easy process that should only take a minute. When assembling your boxes, make sure you put enough tape on the bottom to keep the box shut during transportation. Once you’ve assembled the box, add some cushioning inside, such as packing peanuts or crumpled-up packing paper. This will help reduce the amount of movement inside the box, further protecting your fragile items.
Pack Items Carefully
Now it’s time to add your fragile item into the box. Settle the item into the packing peanuts or packing paper already inside, ensuring there isn’t too much movement. Once you have the item inside, you can then add more cushioning as needed to fill in any gaps or secure the item further. The more padding you place inside the box, the less movement your items will experience during transit.
Seal and Label
Finally, seal up the box and label it. Use packaging tape to seal the top of the box shut so that it doesn’t open during transit. Then use your markers to label the box, writing what’s inside and what room it should go to. This will help the movers quickly unload the truck, as they’ll know where to bring each box, and it will help you during the unpacking phase as you won’t have to search through multiple boxes to find what you’re looking for. You should also label the box as “fragile” to indicate careful handling and mark which side of the box goes up if necessary.
Special Considerations
There are a few special considerations you should make when packing fragile items, including:
Glassware and Ceramics
For items like glassware and ceramics, use extra Bubble Wrap. These are especially fragile items, where even a little bit of jostling can cause damage. Also, do your best to pack these items upright for extra protection.
Electronics
When packing electronics, use the original box if possible, as these are best suited for the specific item. If you don’t have the original box, wrap everything securely and place it inside a well-padded box. You should also aim to keep all accessories for your electronics together so that you don’t lose anything.
Artwork and Mirrors
Finally, when it comes to packing artwork and mirrors, consider placing wrapped items between pieces of cardboard. This will add a layer of stability around the items for better protection. Also, use corner protectors for frames, as these areas are especially prone to damage during transit.
Unpacking Tips
When it comes time to unpack, remember to handle everything with care. Carefully remove each fragile item from its box and wrappings. Then, inspect the item to ensure there was no damage during transit. Checking for signs of damage early and handling the item gently can help you avoid additional breakage.
Pack Fragile Items Properly for Safe Transport
If you follow the steps above, you should be able to safely transport your fragile items from one location to another. While accidents can always happen, carefully preparing your items gives them the best chance to arrive safely at your destination. If you need assistance with packing your fragile items or if you want to work with reliable movers who will treat your fragile items with care, contact Move-tastic today to get a free estimate. Our expert team goes above and beyond to carefully transport all fragile items and make the moving process as smooth as possible.