Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the responsibility of packing your belongings safely, especially fragile items. Whether it’s delicate glassware, heirloom China, or cherished artwork, proper packing is essential to ensure these items arrive at your new home in one piece.
Pack Fragile Items for a Move: Expert Tips
To help you pack your fragile items like a pro, we’ve gathered expert tips from Total Care Removals to ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
1. Gather Your Packing Supplies:
Before you start packing, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need sturdy boxes of various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, packing peanuts, foam sheets, and a marker for labeling.
2. Declutter First:
Before packing fragile items, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need or want. Fewer items to pack mean less risk of damage.
3. Use the Right Size Boxes:
Choose boxes that are the appropriate size for your fragile items. Small boxes work well for delicate figurines and glassware, while larger boxes are better for items like lamps and framed artwork.
4. Reinforce Boxes:
Reinforce the bottoms of your boxes with extra packing tape to ensure they don’t collapse under the weight of your fragile items.
5. Wrap Each Item Individually:
Wrap each fragile item individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For especially delicate items, wrap them with multiple layers of protection.
6. Fill Empty Spaces:
Fill the bottom of boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to provide cushioning. Place the wrapped items on top of this cushioning and fill any empty spaces with more packing material to prevent shifting during transit.
7. Layer and Stack:
When packing fragile items in a box, layer them with cardboard or foam sheets in between to provide extra protection. For dishes, stack them vertically, not flat, and use cardboard dividers between each plate.
8. Label Boxes Clearly:
Label each box containing fragile items clearly with the word “Fragile” and indicate the contents. Use arrows to indicate which way is up to ensure proper handling.
9. Pack Artwork Carefully:
For artwork, use special picture boxes or create a custom cardboard sandwich. Place the artwork between two pieces of cardboard, and then wrap the entire package with bubble wrap.
10. Secure Lids and Closures:
For items with lids or closures, use packing tape to secure them in place. This will prevent lids from accidentally opening during the move.
11. Invest in Dish Barrel Boxes:
Dish barrel boxes are specially designed for packing fragile items like dishes and glassware. They come with extra protection and dividers to keep your items safe.
12. Label Fragile on All Sides:
Make sure the “Fragile” label is visible on all sides of the box. This helps movers or anyone handling the boxes to exercise extra care.
13. Use Furniture Pads:
For large fragile items like furniture, invest in furniture pads. These pads provide a buffer against bumps and scratches during transport.
14. Pack Electronics Carefully:
If you’re packing fragile electronics, use the original packaging if possible. If not, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a box with adequate padding.
15. Secure Mirrors and Glass:
For mirrors and glass items, use masking tape to create an “X” shape on the glass. This can help keep the glass intact if it were to shatter during the move.
16. Pack Fragile Items Separately:
Whenever possible, pack fragile items separately from non-fragile items. This minimizes the risk of damage from heavy objects shifting during transit.
17. Consider Professional Packing Services:
If you’re unsure about packing fragile items or simply want to ensure their safety, consider hiring professional packing services from your trusted Christchurch movers. They have the experience and materials to handle fragile items expertly.
18. Keep Important Documents and Valuables Separate:
Any important documents, valuable jewelry, or irreplaceable items should be kept separate from your other packed items and transported personally.
19. Insure Your Items:
Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for your fragile items during the move. Your moving company may offer this option.
20. Plan for Careful Unpacking:
When you arrive at your new home, take your time to carefully unpack your fragile items. Remove them one by one and inspect them for any damage.
By following these expert tips from Christchurch movers, you can ensure that your fragile items are packed securely and arrive at your new home in excellent condition. Proper packing is crucial to protecting your cherished possessions during a move, and with the right techniques and materials, you can enjoy a stress-free relocation knowing your fragile items are in good hands.