Toasting to your new home seems like the perfect way to end a long day of moving. That is until you open the box to find your champagne glasses in pieces.
Moving fragile items can be tricky. Not only do you want to keep treasured heirlooms and valuable pieces intact, but you also want to hold on to the memories that come with them.
To make sure you get everything to your new place in one piece, let’s look at five tips to help you move fragile items the right way.
1. Gather the Right Supplies
Set yourself up for packing success by having the right supplies ahead of time. Fragile items need things such as bubble wrap, packing paper, sturdy packing tape, pliable cardboard, and scissors.
Blankets and pillows make for excellent supplemental packing protection. Plus, you’ll need to pack them anyway, so they’ll be pulling double duty.
And make sure your boxes are sturdy. If you are using repurposed boxes, keep in mind that cardboard tends to weaken over time, which can spell disaster for heavier fragile items.
2. Wrap Everything Individually
Placing all your dishes in one box and calling it good won’t ensure they make it to your new home in one piece. Individual protection is key for fragile items.
Wrap each item in bubble wrap or quality packing paper. For flat items such as plates or picture frames, put a layer of protection between each one. Crumpled packing paper should fill hollow objects, such as wine glasses.
For extra protection, wrap items in pliable cardboard and secure with tape.
3. Leave No Wiggle Room
You don’t want your fragile items to knock into each other when moving. Even when dishes are wrapped, chips and breakage can occur.
With every box you pack, don’t leave any wiggle room inside. Fill empty spaces with crumpled packing paper, blankets, or pillows. It also helps to use specialty storage or moving boxes for a custom fit.
Placing padding both below and above fragile items also gives some cushion while keeping things snug and secure.
4. Don’t Overload
Packing as much into a box as you can seems like a space and time saver. Though, it’s a different story when moving fragile items.
Resist the temptation to overload a box. Try to pack heavier fragile items into a smaller box by itself. Lighter things can go in a bigger box. That’s why having a variety of box sizes to choose from is an excellent idea for any move.
5. Mark Boxes Clearly
When it comes to moving fragile items, you can’t communicate fragile contents enough. Label it “loud” for everyone to see!
Mark each fragile box clearly. If you need to, use bright-colored markers and write it large on every surface.
It’s also a good idea to keep fragile boxes away from the other items. That way they won’t get confused with the “regular” boxes and get handled roughly by accident.
Keep Your Move in One Piece When Moving Fragile Items
Blending old memories with new ones is what moving is all about. By using these fragile item moving tips, you can successfully bring all those delicate heirloom pieces into the new home you love.
Want to know how we can make your next move easier? Contact us with your questions! We’ll even give you a free estimate.