If you’re planning to move, you’re probably eager to ensure your fragile items arrive safely at their destination. There are a variety of delicate items many people need to pack, including dishes, electronics, plants, and wall art. We’ll go over some general tips for packing fragile items for moving before discussing a few common items you might have.
Table of Contents
Tips For Moving Fragile Items
Choosing A Box
When you’re moving with fragile items, it’s important to choose an appropriately sized box. You want to minimize the extra space in your box so your items move around as little as possible during transport.
In addition, look for corrugated boxes, which will be especially sturdy. Also, be sure not to overpack your boxes, which will increase your risk of dropping them or the tape breaking!
Look for specialty moving boxes for items like instruments, tall lamps, or picture frames. For example, you can move fragile glasses and plates in dish boxes, which are designed to have thick walls and dividers between dishes. Picture boxes can help you transport valuables like artwork and mirrors.
Filling Space
For fragile objects, it’s crucial to wrap your items and fill extra space inside the box. However, your method of doing this may depend on the object you’re packing.
If you’re packing fragile items like electronics with screens that are prone to scratches, such as a desktop computer or a TV, wrap the screen in something soft like a moving blanket. Using a material like newspaper can scratch screens.
For items that are less scratch-prone but require extra cushioning, like the base of a lamp, you might want to use bubble wrap to wrap the items.
Lastly, fill any extra space in the box with a material like packing paper or moving blankets. Filling extra space will prevent the items from shifting during the move—which is a key cause of breakage.
Sealing Boxes
When safeguarding your fragile belongings, secure the boxes properly. Use high-quality packing tape to seal the bottom of the box, and seal the top and the seams with tape as well. Taking this step will stop the boxes from bottoming out!
Communicating With Movers
A last tip for packing boxes with fragile items is to make sure you communicate with your moving team. If a box needs to remain face up, label it. You can also write on the box that it contains fragile items. Planning ahead like this can help your movers know to treat these boxes with care!
In addition, when you’re loading your boxes with fragile items into a truck, pay special attention to securing them. This can be done by “building walls” with items like mattresses and box springs and holding everything together with ratchet straps.
Moving Specific Fragile Items
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Dishes And Ceramics
As mentioned, moving fragile objects like glasses and plates comes with challenges. Consider getting specialized dish pack boxes to organize your items. Make sure you layer packing paper between your dishes. Or for an affordable alternative, separate plates with cushioning material you already have such as paper plates. You can also wrap things like drinking glasses and vases in large, insulated socks by stretching the sock around the outside.
Electronics
If you’re moving a home office or any other space with electronics like printers, computers, and TVs, remove any detachable items from them, including cords or printer trays. If your item has a large screen, use a soft material to cover the screen, and secure the material with packing tape.
Art
To move a fragile item like wall art or a glass mirror, finding an appropriately sized box is a priority. Wrap the piece of art in two layers: one layer of protective coating like plastic wrap and another layer of bubble wrap and packing paper.
As you load your art into a truck, place it on its side rather than flat to help prevent it from shattering. You can also wedge it between objects to stop it from falling over.
Plants
Moving with plants is another challenge! Keep in mind that some moving companies will not move plants, so you may need to move them yourself. In addition, pay attention to the climate of the moving truck—if it will be especially hot or cold, you probably want another solution for moving your leafy friends.
Make sure you secure your plants tightly in a box. Put some protection like bubble wrap inside the box to prevent the pot from breaking. In addition, don’t forget to water your plant as needed throughout the move.
UniMovers
If you’re moving with fragile objects, consider hiring a company like UniMovers to help you out. UniMovers is used to handling delicate possessions, and we provide packing services. Thus, UniMovers can help ensure your possessions survive the move intact!
Conclusion
Now you’re better equipped to pack your fragile items. Choose an appropriately sized, sturdy box. Wrap your fragile possessions, and fill extra space within the box with packing material. Tape the box up well, and label your boxes so that you and your movers know which ones to treat with extra care. In addition, if you’re moving with dishes and ceramics, electronics, art, or plants, take some special measures to keep them safe.
FAQs
Choose a sturdy box that’s the right size for your item. Wrap up your fragile items, and fill extra space within the box. Secure the box with tape, and label the box “fragile.”
Take special care when moving items like dishes and glasses, wall art, plants, and electronics.
Sophie Pollack-Milgate has a day job as a research assistant. In her free time, she likes to read 10% of the library books she checks out, complain about how either ice or heat are ruining her runs (depending on the season), and modify recipes beyond recognition.
