This Is How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move

It is important that you understand how to pack fragile items for your move. You can learn what to do by checking out our tips here.

Did you know that the average American moves at least 11 times in their lifetime?

In 2019, the total number of cross-border and interstate moves in the north reached 66,308. Moving your home or office can be an expensive and daunting task. Losing fragile items during the move can unnecessarily increase costs too.

Using the right moving tactics can help you avoid damages and future headaches.

Are you preparing for a move? In this article, we show you how to pack fragile items. Read on to discover more valuable moving tips.

Prepare Ahead

Packing valuable items like porcelain and crystals may require some time. Before you begin packing your breakables, gather all your fragile items in one area. This allows you to plan the next steps to complete your move.

Try not to rush in this step. It is crucial to set aside some time to prepare your fragile items. If you rush, you may make yourself prone to costly damages.

Moving fragile items take longer to pack because they require extra care. Many professionals prioritize breakables to avoid issues later on. Preparing ahead of time also allows you to arrange your items without rushing.

Avoid Overpacking

Cardboard boxes tend to get flimsy over time because of their shelf life. When moving, avoid using any old boxes that you might have stored in your old basement. To prevent damages, opt for new and sturdier boxes instead.

New cardboard boxes can hold against possible punctures and abrupt movements. It’s always safe to avoid leaving any space to prevent jiggling from inside the box. However, you must also avoid overpacking your boxes.

Overpacking your boxes makes them more likely to collide together. It makes it more challenging for movers to pack the van.

Use Cushioning

To prevent breakage without overpacking your boxes, use cushioning. Packing supplies will help you reduce the risks of damaging fragile items. Use cushioning to wrap your valuables and line the bottom of your moving boxes.

Lining your boxes with cushioning creates a shock-absorbing layer. This will help prevent any damage. You may also use cushions to fill any space inside your boxes.

This will add additional insulation to protect your items. If you don’t have any bubble wrap, you may opt for tissue paper instead. Use cushioning to secure all of your items.

Secure Electronics

Breakables and fragile items do not only refer to plates and glass. Electronics comprise some of the most valuable items in a household. Remember to secure your electronic items when moving.

Most professionals will suggest backing up your digital data. This serves as a backup plan in case of emergencies. We recommend you to use the original boxes that came with your electronics.

If you don’t have them, you can set aside a separate box for your electronics. Consider taking pictures of your devices before disconnecting them. This helps you rewire them correctly after you reach your destination.

Mix Up Your Boxes

Choosing a sturdy box is essential when packing delicate items. Having varied box sizes is also important for a successful move. If you want to know how to pack fragile items, look for an assortment of boxes.

Find sizes ranging from shoebox small to ottoman large. Pack heavy items in your smaller boxes then lighter ones in the bigger boxes. You may place your heavy items at the bottom then stack lighter items on top of it.

Not sure how to pick box sizes? Check out this beginner’s guide to choosing the right moving boxes. Variety helps you manage space in the loading van.

Pack Plates Vertically

When packing plates, wrap each one with bubble wrap. Secure the wrapping with tape then store it on a vertical basis. This allows you to reduce the surface area within the box.

If you want to add some extra cushioning, consider using crumpled paper. Line these along the bottom of your box. Repeat the process between each plate and on top.

We recommend you to use dish pack boxes. These boxes generally have thicker walls to prevent damaging fragile items. The added thickness provides some extra protection from sudden movements.

Use Cardboard and Bubble Wrap for Specialty Items

Select the best box for fragile objects with unique shapes. These could be some home decoration items or family heirlooms. To keep them safe, select a box for only these items.

As listed above, wrap each item in bubble wrap. Ensure to cover each end evenly. Take pliable cardboard and use this to wrap around your specialty items.

You may add more pieces of cardboard on top of your items to secure them. Place a blanket along the bottom of the box for some extra layer of protection. You may also add a pillow on top to cushion the breakables.

Prepare to Unpack

Remember to label each box before you begin your move. This allows you to remember the right boxes to unpack later. Give appropriate labels to your boxes to save time when you unpack.

Labels will also help your movers know how to handle each box. With the labels, they can identify which boxes need extra care. Keep a mental note of how you packed each box.

This will help you organize your items and prevent any loss or breakage. While unpacking, identify which supplies you can recycle. This may include foam, paper, fiberboard pads, and others.