Best Tips for Packing Fragile Items for Moving

If you are moving soon to a new home and have valuable, fragile items, you will need to know how to pack them for protection. Perhaps you have expensive china and crystal or original artwork. Whatever the items are, we have our top tips for packing them properly.

Here are our 4 best tips for packing fragile items for moving:

1. Prepare in Advance

Packing valuable, fragile items like crystal and porcelain requires time as well as care. You don’t want to rush this process. We recommend hiring professionals. However, if you are doing the packing yourself, begin well in advance of moving day. You will also want to determine in advance which items will be transported in the moving truck and which will go in the car with you.

2. Have the Appropriate Tools.

You will need to gather together the following materials: strong, quality moving boxes in various sizes; packing paper, bubble wrap, pliable cardboard, scissors, and packing tape. A large table to lay out your items and pack on is also important. You need space to work without any clutter around. For larger items, you may need a friend or family member to help.

3. Label Everything.

Label your boxes as “fragile” in large, easy-to-see letters. Do this on several sides of the boxes so the movers can see them.

4. Know what items you will be packing and how to pack them properly.

Packing your smart TV is very different from packing crystal goblets. Do some research on the best way to pack the various items you have. Plan in advance so you don’t run out of packing peanuts and bubble wrap on packing day.

How to Pack the Most Common Fragile Items

Plates: pack fragile plates vertically in small- to medium-sized boxes. Use crumpled packing paper to line the bottom, sides, and top. Wrap each plate individually in bubble wrap and tape it up. Place paper between the plates and do not overpack the box. Plates get heavy quickly! You can also consider purchasing some dish packs that are specific to packing plates.

‍Glasses: like dishes, wrap each individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Use crumpled packing paper to line the box. Layer the spaces around the glasses with paper or packing peanuts as well to keep the items secure from moving about in the box. Place the heaviest items at the bottom, and clearly mark which side of the box is the top.

Pictures and frames: picture frames should be packed in small- to medium-sized boxes with ample paper lining. If the frames are larger than 8 inches, stand them up for packing and moving. Wrap frames in bubble wrap and use packing paper to fill in spaces. When moving paintings and pictures that are over 3 feet in size, they should be secured with a moving blanket, plastic-wrapped, and moved separately.

TVs: First disconnect the cables, electrical cords, and accessories. Pack those together in a plastic bag and label the bag. Wrap the screen in a moving blanket and secure it well with packing tape. Make sure that the box is the correct size for your TV.

Lamps: Lampshades should be packed separately in individual boxes with lots of packing paper. Be sure to fill the interior of the shade as well. Bases can go in sturdy boxes with lots of bubble wrap.

Don’t skimp on packing tape. Wrap an entire piece with tape if necessary. Your fragile items need to be stable and snug. Then pack the piece in a paper-lined box that’s roughly the same size as the object, filling the gaps with crumpled paper. Lastly, tape up the box securely and mark in bold felt marker: FRAGILE.

Many people use old towels, small blankets, newsprint, or even paper towels to wrap their fragile items. These are not wise choices. Newsprint can be dirty and means you have even more washing to do in your new home. Paper towels are not strong or reliable. Old towels slip easily and cannot be secured with tape, which is essential for proper packing of valuables. Investing in the right materials will help prevent damage or destruction.

Finally, be sure to let your movers know which boxes contain fragile items. If you are at all unsure about your packing skill, give Alliance Relocation Services a call for a free consultation and estimate. Happy Moving!