Are you trying to learn how to pack fragile items for a move? If yes, you should check out our best tips by clicking here.
It’s time to move into a brand-new home. As you pack up your glass china and it clinks together, you realize that you may want to rethink your packing. You don’t want your fragile items to break before they make it to the new place.
This is your first time moving with stuff that could break though. Before now it’s been all clothes and comforters. You’re not sure how to pack fragile items.
We’re here to tell you that it’s not too hard. Keep reading for a complete guide to packing fragile items so they make it to your new home in one piece.
- It’s Better to Have a Surplus of Boxes
When packing fragile items it’s better to have more boxes then you know what to do with than not having enough boxes at all. Overstuffing your cardboard boxes with glass items will put a real strain on them.
Also, old cardboard boxes may work for light things such as clothing, but they don’t work quite as well for glass objects. Make sure any cardboard boxes you get are heavy-duty ones. - The Art of Double Wrap
The problem with glass items is that if you don’t secure them as you should, they will clank together during the moving process. If they clash together too hard, then they will break each other.
To stop this from happening, you must be diligent in your wrapping process. Pack each item in two layers of bubble wrap, then for extra security, wrap them in two layers of packing paper.
Seal the wrapping to the item with a bit of tape and then put it in the box for transit. - Keep Things Secure
Another reason fragile items break in a box is they get tossed around during the moving process. So, on top of double wrapping all your glass objects, you must put in some cushion for extra measure.
To fill any space inside the box, sandwich your breakable things between a blanket and a pillow. You can also use plastic bags or paper. - Label Your Boxes
There are multiple reasons you should mark your boxes. For example, if you write a list of what’s in the box on the side, it will make unpacking it much easier.
You also want to label all of your fragile boxes as fragile. This way, the movers will know to be extra careful when they are handling them. - Instructions for Specific Items
The rules above are general ones for breakable glass objects. There are a few rules you should keep in mind for specific items like plates, glasses, lamps, and picture frames.
PlatesTo start out, you will wrap all of your plates in bubble wrap. Then you’ll place each one in a cardboard box vertically. Make sure you put a layer of paper between each plate.
You should also put a layer of paper on the top of the stack of plates and one at the bottom. Don’t overfill the box because plates can get heavy.
Also, leave a little space at the top. Boxes tend to get stacked on top of each other during transit. If you leave space then it will stop your plates from getting crushed in the event something gets placed on it.
Glasses
Glasses are the biggest culprits of clanking together inside of a box. Wrap each glass individually with paper and place crumpled paper inside the glasses. Line the box with paper and also place paper on the bottom of the box and top.
To make room for more glasses, you can stack them on top of each other (as long as they’re wrapped). If you do this, stack the lightweight glasses on top and keep the heavy ones on the bottom. Again, don’t overfill the box and be sure to leave a bit of space on top.
LampsEven though lampshades aren’t made of glass, they are still fragile. You must pack them in their own box, separate from the bases. Wrap the lampshade in paper and place it in the cardboard boxes flat-side down.
Put the bases in a large box and wrap them with plenty of bubble wrap to keep them secure.
Picture FramesLike with most other glass items, you will line your picture frame box with packing paper first. Wrap the frames themselves with packing paper and then put paper between each frame.
Once you’ve filled the box with frames, fill any space with more paper and place some at the top. This will stop them from moving around.
- What Not to Do
Now that you know what you should do, we will tell you a little about what you shouldn’t do. Don’t wrap your items in old towels, printed newspapers, or paper towels.
It’s almost impossible to tape a towel together to secure items. Using printed newspapers will make your stuff dirty, which means more cleaning later. Paper towels aren’t strong enough to handle glass.
How to Pack Fragile Items and Keep Them Safe While You’re Moving
Moving with a lot of breakable items can be stressful. If you’re not careful, you may end up with broken valuables that you can’t replace.
Use this guide on how to pack fragile items to make sure everything makes the trip to your new place in one piece.
One of the best ways to be sure none of your things get broken is to hire quality movers. Go here to check out our services for local moving.
