Packing Fragile Items

If you have ever broken a special item when moving, you know how heartbreaking it can be. Preventing this type of moving tragedy is a simple matter of proper preparation and having the right supplies.

Here are top tips for packing fragile items to keep them safe:

1. Prepare in advance. Packing up valuable crystal, porcelain, and other breakables requires some time. Do not rush. If you are not hiring movers, start well in advance of moving day and take the time to properly pack these items and decide if they’ll go in the moving truck or by car.

2. Have the right supplies. This includes quality moving boxes in various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, pliable cardboard, scissors, and packing tape. You will also need a large table to lay out your items and pack them on.

3. Label it! Having the boxes with your delicate items clearly labeled as “fragile” will help your movers handle them more carefully, as well as help when unpacking and organizing at your new place.

4. Know what items you will be packing and how to pack them properly. A flat-screen TV and heirloom china are both fragile items, but quite different when it comes to packing. Do your research on the best way to pack each item, and plan in advance so you’re not caught short of bubble wrap on moving day.

How to pack the most popular fragile items:

Pictures/Frames – picture frames should be placed in paper-lined small to medium boxes, and standing if larger than 8 inches, with crumpled paper in between each piece. Wrap frames in packing paper. Top frames with more packing paper to ensure items don’t move around in the box. 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 – flat-screen TVs can be tricky to pack. Start by removing any cables and accessories (such as the stand legs), and make sure to pack those in a clearly labeled box. Wrap the screen in a soft moving blanket, securing it all around the device with packing tape. Lastly, place it inside the box, and close it with tape. Make sure that the box is the correct size for your TV.

‍Plates – plates should be packed vertically in small to medium boxes lined with crumpled packing paper on the bottom and top. Wrap each plate in bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Place paper in between the standing plates. Do not overpack the box.

Glasses – wrap glasses individually with packing paper and place crumpled paper inside the large pieces to diminish empty space. Line small or medium boxes with ample packing paper, top and bottom. Layer spaces around glasses with paper as well, reducing as much as possible the chance of the items moving inside the box. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box, with lighter pieces on top.

Lamps – lamp shades should be boxed (flat side down) separately with lots of paper. Bases can be placed in a large box if necessary and bubble wrap used where appropriate.

Be liberal with the tape. Wrap the entire piece with tape if necessary. You want the fragile item snug and stable. Then place the piece in a paper-lined box that’s roughly the same size as the object, placing crumpled paper in any gaps. Lastly, tape up the box securely and mark in bold felt marker: FRAGILE.

Finally, be sure to let your movers know which boxes contain fragile items. Most moving companies carry specialized boxes for fragile items, such as dish packs and mirror/picture frame packs. If you are at all unsure about your packing skill, ask for help. Call Alliance Relocation Services today for a free quote.