Everyone wants a damage-free move to their new home, and every smooth move starts with careful packing. In particular, packing fragile items for a long-distance move requires the right supplies and methods to protect your breakables on the long journey across state lines.
Although many people choose to hire professional packers to handle the wrapping and boxing, we’ve put together these pro tips to help if you’re handling the packing duties on your own.
Get the Right Packing Supplies for Fragile Items
Step One in packing fragile items for a long-distance move is setting yourself up with the right materials. Breakable pieces (such as dishes and glassware) and temperature-sensitive electronics need more specialized supplies than items like books and clothing do. Here are a few packing materials that add protection, padding, and insulation:
- Sturdy and eco-friendly reusable moving crates
- Double-walled cardboard boxes
- The original manufacturers’ boxes for electronics (if you have them)
- Recyclable packing paper
- “FRAGILE” stickers
- Permanent markers
Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, set up a packing station inside your home. Having a dedicated area and all the supplies at your fingertips can make the entire packing process go more quickly.
Cushion Your Glassware
Preparing fragile glassware for a move requires a lot of cushion and padding, but it can all be done with recyclable packing paper. Professional packers often use the “burrito method”, which basically means that you roll each glass in a couple of pieces of paper and then tuck the ends in, just like you would when making a delicious burrito.
You’ll want to pack the heavier and more durable items on the bottom of each box and build lighter layers as you near the top of the box. Be sure to crumple up plenty of packing paper for padding between each wrapped glass for extra cushion to avoid breakage.
When each box is full, slap a “FRAGILE” sticker on the top and sides and write “THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow on each side.
Protect Your Dishes
Next up are your dishes. You’ll want to wrap each individual plate and bowl in at least one sheet of packing paper, keeping in mind that the more recyclable paper you use, the better protected the items will be during your interstate move.
After you wrap each piece, place it vertically inside the box. Add plenty of packing paper between layers for extra padding, and label each box with the same stickers, writing, and arrows as you did with your boxes of glasses.
Prepare and Pack the Electronics
A big part of packing fragile items for a long-distance move is preparing your electronics. Since these items and their inner workings can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, this is especially important if you’re moving in the winter.
First, unplug and dust off each cable from your electronic devices, then label them with tape and place them into resealable plastic bags (one bag per device helps keep things organized). Then, clean off the top, bottom, and sides of electronics like your TV, soundbar, game console, stereo, and any other devices you might have. You can also place each item into an anti-static bag for even more protection during its long ride in the moving truck.
Ideally, you’ll pack each electronic into the original packaging it came in, but there’s a good chance you don’t have those lying around. If the manufacturer’s box isn’t a possibility, find a box that’s a suitable size or call your long-distance moving company. Most movers have specialty boxes that’ll protect your electronics available for purchase or rental.
Finally, use a generous amount of tape to secure the boxes closed. Slap a “FRAGILE” sticker on the top and sides and write “ELECTRONICS—THIS SIDE UP” with an arrow. The labeling is especially important if you don’t have the box the item originally came in.
Consider Which Items to Transport Yourself
Sometimes, the best method for packing fragile items for a long-distance move is transporting them yourself. If you have particularly delicate items, items of extraordinary value, or something that carries a lot of sentimental value, it might be best to pack them into your personal vehicle.
Professional long-distance movers will take the utmost care of your belongings throughout the loading, transportation, and unloading portions of your move. However, there is an inherent risk involved with moving, and damage is an unfortunate possibility. Let your interstate movers know if there’s anything on your home’s inventory list that you’re particularly concerned about, and they’ll help you decide the best way to move it.
Need Help Packing Fragile Items for a Long-Distance Move? Time to Call In the Pros!
We’ve been Chicago’s favorite packers and movers for a long time, and we know how to protect even your most delicate items during an interstate relocation. If you’re looking for talented packing labor, top-notch supplies, or just a little advice on packing fragile items for a long-distance move, we’re here to help.
Drop us a line today to learn more about our packing and interstate moving services!