EASY TIPS FOR PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS
Packing is always cited as one of the most arduous tasks of the moving process. Luckily, your leading movers Westchester County, Al’s Moving and Storage is here to provide useful insight to guide you through it. Here are some of our insider packing tips to packing fragile items in your home:
Here are our easy tips for packing fragile items and keeping them safe for your move:
1. Prepare in advance. Packing up valuable crystal and other breakables requires time. This is not the place to rush. If you are not hiring professional packers and movers, start well in advance of moving day.
2. Have the right tools. Here’s what you need: quality moving boxes in various sizes; packing paper, bubble wrap, pliable cardboard, scissors, and packing tape. A large table to lay out your items and pack on is also an essential tool. For larger items, you might need an extra pair of hands.
MORE TIPS FOR PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS
3. Label it! Next, having the boxes with your delicate items clearly labelled as “fragile” will help your packers and movers handle them more carefully, as well as help when unpacking and organizing at your new place.
4. Know what items you will be packing and how to pack them properly. A flat-screen TV and your grandma’s china are both fragile items, but quite different when it comes to packing. Do your research on the best way to pack each item, and plan in advance so you’re not caught short of bubble wrap on moving day.
How to pack the most popular fragile items:
Plates – plates should be packed vertically in small to medium boxes lined with crumpled packing paper on the bottom and top. Wrap each plate in bubble wrap and secure with tape. Place paper in between the standing plates. Do not overpack the box. Al’s Moving has dish packs available for purchase, whether hiring our packing service or doing it yourself.
Glasses – wrap glasses individually with packing paper and place crumpled paper inside the large pieces to diminish empty space. Line small or medium boxes with ample packing paper, top and bottom. Layer spaces around glasses with paper as well, reducing as much as possible the chance of the items moving inside the box. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box, with lighter pieces on top.
Lamps – lamp shades should be boxed (flat side down) separately with lots of paper. Bases can be placed in a large box if necessary and bubble wrap used where appropriate.
Pictures/Frames – picture frames should be placed in paper lined small to medium boxes, and standing if larger than 8 inches, with crumpled paper in between each piece. Wrap frames in packing paper. Top frames with more packing paper to ensure items don’t move around in the box. When moving paintings and pictures that are over 3 feet in size, they should be secured with a moving blanket.
TVs – flat-screen TVs can be tricky to pack. Start by removing any cables and accessories make sure to pack those in a clearly labelled box. Wrap the screen in a soft moving blanket, securing it all around the device with packing tape. Lastly, place it inside the box, and close it with tape. Make sure that the box is the correct size for your TV.
PACKING SPECIALTY ITEMS:
Specialty items – here is the way I should have packed my family’s antique wash basin, and this can be applied to all oddly-shaped, large fragile items. It’s important to consider the shape and size of the piece, as well as any handles or protruding pieces that could break easily. Wrap the piece completely in bubble wrap, securing with tape. Place it on one piece of pliable cut cardboard. Place an identical piece of cardboard on top of the item. Then bend the cardboard ends to meet and secure with tape.
PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS
Don’t be shy with the tape. Wrap the entire piece with tape if necessary. You want the fragile item snug and stable. Then place the piece in a paper lined box that’s roughly the same size as the object, placing crumpled paper in any gaps. Lastly tape up the box securely and mark in bold felt marker: FRAGILE.
Many people use old towels, small blankets, newsprint, or even paper towels to wrap their fragile items. These are not wise choices. Newsprint can be dirty and means you have even more washing to do in your new home. Paper towels are not strong or reliable. Old towels slip easy and cannot be secured with tape, which is essential for proper packing of valuables. Please invest in the proper tools and you won’t be sorry.
Finally, be sure to let your movers know which boxes contain fragile items. Most moving companies carry specialized boxes for fragile items, such as the dish packs and mirror/picture frame packs that Al’s Moving keeps in stock.
Therefore, if you are at all unsure about your packing skill, ask for help. Al’s Moving and Storage offers professional packing services. Contact your local movers Westchester County today to request an estimate.
Happy Moving!