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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although many people choose to hire professional packers<\/a> to handle the wrapping and boxing, we\u2019ve put together these pro tips to help if you\u2019re handling the packing duties on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparing fragile glassware for a move<\/a> requires a lot of cushion and padding, but it can all be done with recyclable packing paper. Professional packers often use the \u201cburrito method\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When each box is full, slap a \u201cFRAGILE\u201d sticker on the top and sides and write \u201cTHIS SIDE UP\u201d with an arrow on each side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next up are your dishes. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re moving in the winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, you\u2019ll pack each electronic into the original packaging it came in, but there\u2019s a good chance you don\u2019t have those lying around. If the manufacturer\u2019s box isn\u2019t a possibility, find a box that\u2019s a suitable size or call your long-distance moving company. Most movers have specialty boxes that\u2019ll protect your electronics available for purchase or rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, use a generous amount of tape to secure the boxes closed. Slap a \u201cFRAGILE\u201d sticker on the top and sides and write \u201cELECTRONICS\u2014THIS SIDE UP\u201d with an arrow. The labeling is especially important if you don\u2019t have the box the item originally came in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet the Right Packing Supplies for Fragile Items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cushion Your Glassware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protect Your Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prepare and Pack the Electronics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Consider Which Items to Transport Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n