When you purchase your new home, you will instantly think about packing and how not to forget anything. That’s natural human instinct. And we get it; there is a lot to think about, and in our previous blogs, we included everything from your supply list to each step of packing, while in this one, we covered everything you need to do when moving fragile items. It is specially dedicated to packing fragile items for moving and includes all the supplies you need for safe transfer. Nobody wants their most precious belongings to be lost, scratched, or even worse, broken. That’s why it’s essential to know precisely what materials to use for each breakable item, how to wrap it, protect it, and safely transport it to your new destination. Here’s how to do it!
Gather supplies
Before we move on to the practical part of how to pack breakables for moving, you first want to make a list of necessary supplies for packing fragile items.
You want to include the following:
● Sturdy boxes of different dimensions;
● Boxes with separators;
● Bubble wrap;
● Packing peanuts;
● Packing tape.
We also recommend glass kits, plastic wraps, moving blankets, and foam inserts as additional protection.
Prepare Fragile Items for Packing
Before you pack fragile items, you will need to prepare them.
● Separate all the breakable items that you need to pack;
● Ensure to clean them from dirt and dry them if necessary;
● Remove any removable parts, like covers, legs, or handles, because those items will be packed separately;
● Wrap each breakable item in bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect it.
If there’s a big, fragile item that cannot be placed in boxes like paintings in the frame, ensure to use moving blankets and foam inserts.
Pack fragile items into boxes
Once you have gathered all your fragile items, cleaned them, and detached them, it’s time for fragile packing.
1. Use sturdy boxes that are the appropriate size
The box should be sturdy and thick when packing and moving fragile items. Before placing anything inside, if a box has even the slightest crack, do not use it. It's better to be cautious than sorry!
2. Don’t forget to use the smaller boxes
Smaller boxes are simpler to handle and less likely to cause their items to move about during transport. If there’s any extra space, ensure to add tons of padding for extra security.
3. Wrap each item separately
Depending on the size, shape, and material, anything from mugs and glasses to delicate ornamental pieces should be individually wrapped. Any loose parts, such as lids, should be taken out and wrapped separately. The most delicate goods, like porcelain, should be bubble-wrapped and taped together. Additionally, instead of stacking these belongings with too many other items, split them into smaller boxes on their own.
4. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top
Keep in mind that heavy items should go on the bottom. Doing this can build a solid foundation with a lower center of gravity. Additionally, it prevents you from crushing any lighter, less bulky items.
5. Add tape strips to the bottom of the box with extra cushioning
The additional tape on the bottom of the box will strengthen its structure and prevent it from bowing under the weight of its items. Also, think about using bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or even towels to cushion the inside bottom of the box.
This way, you will give yourself peace knowing that you protected all your fragile in the best way possible. Once you have cushioned the bottom and packed and placed your belongings, don’t forget to fill in the remaining spaces. This will prevent movement during transportation.
6. Use boxes with dividers
To prevent one item from sliding and bumping into other items, you can buy cardboard dividers for boxes or even special boxes that come with dividers. This is great for your glasses of wine, mugs, and plates. Such boxes will secure all your breakables and ensure they arrive at your new destination in one piece. Besides that, you should place packing paper into hollow objects like glasses, jars, and other goods to reduce vibrations.
7. Don't underestimate the power of packing tape
To protect your belongings when moving fragile items, wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper and use a generous amount of packing tape to keep the wrapping in place and the items from moving around during transportation. The packing tape will provide much more support for the items and the box itself.
Label boxes
After we packed everything and secured our fragile items, it’s time to label them. We recommend labeling each box right after you pack. This way, you don’t have to open each box again to check what’s inside.
Check our labeling article to follow each step, but here’s a short review of fragile labeling items.
● As mentioned, after you pack each box of breakable belongings, ensure to label them;
● Use waterproof markers to write either directly on the box or on the sticky labels;
● If you choose labels, ensure they have strong, adhesive glue, and determine one color for breakable items. For instance, choose red labels or red markers to label all your boxes with fragile items;
● Make a detailed inventory of the contents of each box, including any specific instructions for handling.
Loading and transportation of fragile items
Since we answered how to pack fragile items for moving and how to label them, it’s time for loading and transportation.
Don’t forget that this is if you decide to do it independently. In case you hire Experia Moving Company, we will do all of these things; everything will be handled by professionals, with no chance of anything breaking or getting lost!
● Load the moving truck with boxes containing breakables carefully;
● Boxes containing breakable items need to be placed in the middle of the truck, away from walls and other heavy items;
● Don’t place any other boxes on top of the fragile boxes;
● Use furniture pads or other protective materials to prevent boxes from shifting during transportation.
Unloading and unpacking fragile items
After arriving at your new destination, it’s time to unload and unpack. This experience largely depends on how well you packed and loaded the truck. The key to a flawless moving experience is staying organized.
Here are the things you will do first once you arrive in your new home.
● Carefully unload boxes with carrying the ones you placed last. Be extra careful with those boxes containing breakables;
● Handle the box according to the instructions on the label;
● Once you start unpacking, you first want to open the boxes with the necessary items - those are usually bathroom essentials, phone and laptop chargers, and basic kitchen utensils. However, it’s good to open boxes with fragile items and inspect them. If they are any damages, ensure to report immediately to the movers.
Conclusion
Each and every house has those fragile belongings that we love so dearly. It can be those special mugs we love drinking coffee from or that beautiful painting you bought in another country. Either way, nobody wants to see any of their belongings scratched or, even worse, broken. That’s why it is so essential to prepare and pack all of your breakables properly. The first thing we want to do when moving fragile items is prepare the necessary supplies, including different size boxes, boxes with separators, packing tapes, peanuts, and bubble wrap. Prepare all fragile items. Clean them and dry them if necessary. Start packing by wrapping each item with bubble wrap. Add some cushioning on the bottom of the box for security, like bubble wrap or blankets. Place heavy objects on the bottom, and don’t overload the box. Secure the sides by filling empty spaces, preventing movement during transportation. Before you even start putting your breakables inside the box, add some extra tape on the bottom of the box, and once packed, secure it with another layer on the top and sides. By following the provided tips and steps, there’s no way that any of your fragile belongings will be exposed to any kind of threats or insecurities of scratching and breaking. Of course, last but not least, be extra cautious when unloading the boxes from the truck. Even though your items are secured, it doesn’t mean that you can kick them on the way to your new apartment!
