You want your most valuable items to arrive at your new home intact, which is why packing them properly is so important. We are experienced in handling fragile items, including antiques and fine art, and by contacting us today we can help ensure your most precious items are safe and protected during your move. Remember, it is recommended you allow the movers to pack your fragile, delicate, high-value items for liability purposes. Discuss your items with our relocation consultant during your estimate.

Preparation is key

While many items can be packed into boxes fairly quickly, delicate and fragile items take a little more planning and time. The first thing you need to do is ensure you have the right materials for the job. Having the right sized boxes, for example, is extremely important as you don’t want your items shifting around inside. Likewise, you will need bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, and packing paper. For fragile items it is a good idea to invest in quality packing paper rather than using newspaper. Newspaper is messy and can even leave ink on your valuables.

Wrap and pack

Items like plates should be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in boxes that are further lined with packing paper. Glasses, on the other hand, should be wrapped using packing paper. Be sure to crumble packing paper inside the empty space of each glass so as to reduce the possibility of them being crushed. When packing plates and glasses the most important rule to remember is to wrap each item individually. Allowing items to touch directly leads to damage.

Antiques and furniture

Not all delicate and fragile items, of course, can fit inside a normal packing box. Large antiques, fine art, and old furniture, for example, need very special and unique care. For extremely valuable items, you may want to consider hiring a professional packer to ensure your valuables are kept safe. If you choose to pack your larger items yourself then the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute recommends wrapping them in three layers. The first layer should provide a protective wrap, such as natural or synthetic papers, cloth, or plastic sheets. The second layer should protect the item from shocks and vibrations. This second layer, such as foam or rubber, should provide a cushion for your items. Finally, the last layer should provide your item with a protective shell, such as plywood, to prevent damage that can occur during handling or from other objects striking it.