METCALF MOVING BLOG
How to Pack Fragile Items for Your Residential Move
Packing fragile items for a household move is often stressful because you want to prevent damage. However, you can move fragile items safely with extra care and a few special techniques.
Use the Right Box
The correct box is critical when packing your fragile belongings for a household move. Use sturdy, double-corrugated boxes designed explicitly for fragile objects. In addition, optional dividers and layer pads are a bonus for protection.
Pack heavy, fragile items in small boxes since they are easier to handle, and the fragile items will have less space to shift. Fill the extra space with padding.
Using boxes with corrugated dividers will help keep glasses and stemware from damage. Your professional mover will probably have these special boxes; if you still need to, you can buy dividers for regular boxes.
TVs and computer monitors work best in their original boxes. If you no longer have these original boxes, remove the cables and wrap them in bubble wrap. Then wrap the screens in bubble wrap and cover the bubble wrap with a soft material, such as a blanket or towel.
Reinforce the bottom of the box with additional packing tape.
Use the Right Packing Materials
To protect your fragile items, you’ll need various packing materials. Packing peanuts can fill the extra spaces in the box, providing a cushion for delicate items. Bubble wrap is a protective material for wrapping things, although you can also wrap many items in packing paper. Finally, padded inserts can help protect larger fragile items.
You can also use packing paper in hollow areas, such as the inside of glasses or bowls, to protect against vibrations.
Wrap Items
Wrap each piece of a fragile item separately. For example, wrap the bowl and the top of a glass sugar bowl separately. Wrapping takes a little extra time, but it’s beneficial in preventing damage.
Prepare the Box
Layer the bottom of the box with packing materials to further cushion your items. Packing paper, packing peanuts, foam, or towels work well for this purpose. Remember to sandwich items in packing material. Ensure you have enough padding for the bottom and top of each box before filling them. The extra cushioning will keep your fragile items from shifting when stacked with other boxes.
Avoid Overpacking
It’s important to remember that you never overfill a box. Instead, aim for a gap of about an inch before the very top. This will make moving van or truck storage much easier for you. Also, stacking is easier to do because there are no bulges to throw other boxes off balance. Finally, ensure you secure the box with plenty of packing tape.
Label Each Box
Clearly label each box “Fragile” on all sides. You can use a sharpie or buy labels marked “Fragile.” Also, consider using special colored tape on boxes with fragile items. Finally, place the boxes with fragile items in a special place inside your home and point them out to the movers when they arrive. This way, the movers will know to take extra care with these cartons.
Take Your Time
Moving is a big job that tempts people to pack quickly. However, taking the time to pack fragile items well is critical.
Consider Having the Mover Pack
If you’re short on time or want a professional to pack your fragile items, ask your mover to provide a quote. Often the charge for packing is much less than people realize. Contact us for a quote today.
