How to Pack Fragile Items
Packing breakable items requires a little TLC. Although it’s a time-consuming process, careful packing can prevent your china or family heirlooms from arriving in broken pieces.
It’s not enough to wrap items in bubble wrap. To make sure your precious items arrive in perfect form, you should pack like a professional.
Moving is stressful enough. You don’t need the added stress of worrying about your fragile things. Here are a few tips for packing fragile items so they don’t break.
Packing Plates
If you pack your plates correctly, they will not break, and you can keep your full set. Wrap each plate with newspaper and then secure with adhesive tape. These materials are inexpensive and work beautifully.
Make sure you have a sturdy box or bin and stack your plates vertically. Packing plates this way maximizes space and reduces the risk of damage during a move.
For fine china or porcelain plates, it’s a good idea to go an extra step and add a piece of cardboard between the plates and on the top and bottom of the box.
Fill any empty space in the box with crumpled newspapers, old t-shirts, or towels to reduce chances of the plates moving around. Don’t overload the box because this can damage your plates as well.
Packing Glassware
The best way to pack glasses is to cover them in newspaper wrapping, putting some extra paper inside each glass. Fasten each wrapped glass with tape.
Glassware is heavy, so be sure to use a sturdy or double wall box to haul them. You can pack glasses in layers, placing the heaviest glasses on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Place a flexible piece of cardboard between each layer of glassware. Be sure to label the top and bottom of the box, especially if you packed your glasses in layers.
Packing Mirrors
Packing mirrors or sheets of glass can be tricky and requires an extra bit of care. Start by putting painting tape across the glass in the form of a star.
The tape should stretch across the length of the glass to the edge or frame. This helps prevent movement and absorbs vibrations during a move that can cause the glass to crack.
Use protective foam framing on the corners of the glass or mirror. Then wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap and secure with tape.
Corrugated boxes are good for packing small mirrors or small glass items. Be sure to wrap them carefully before packing.
Packing Fragile Items and Fine Ceramics
When you are packing breakable household items like vases and ceramics, you want to use small boxes. Smaller is better when it comes to fragile things.
Wrap each item in newspaper and secure with adhesive tape. For vases, put crumpled newspaper on the inside as well.
You should wrap very delicate items in bubble wrap and secure them with tape. Add crumpled newspaper, t-shirts, or towels to fill in the extra space and reduce movement.
You can pack small breakable items together. Pack them with the heavy side down and use cardboard between each piece.
It’s best to pack large vases separately, filling in the extra space in the box to avoid shifting.
Packing Odd-Shaped Items
Items with irregular shape can break if they aren’t packed with care. Wrap them in newspaper, secure with tape, and add a layer of bubble wrap.
Wrap protruding edges or points with foam covers to protect them. If you layer items, use flexible cardboard between layers.
When you pack breakable things, you should not overload boxes. It’s better to leave some empty space in the box and fill it in with crumpled newspaper or cloth.
For Christmas decor and ornaments, use holiday ornament boxes. They make packing fragile pieces easy. This will save you time and protect your treasured holiday items.
Fragile Heirlooms
For priceless family heirlooms, you may want to go a step further in your packing. These types of treasures deserve their own box.
In addition to wrapping them in newspaper and bubble wrap, place a blanket or towel on the bottom of the box and a pillow on the top. Seal the box with tape and label it in red ink as fragile on the top and sides.
Labeling all your boxes with their contents makes unpacking much easier. You don’t have to dig through endless boxes to find a single item.
Mix up Box Sizes
You might think it’s cheaper and more convenient to buy boxes that are uniform in size. But for movers, or for you, boxes of varying sizes will work best.
First, see what boxes you have around the house or garage. Small shoe boxes and boxes of all sizes are useful. Ask neighbors or nearby businesses for boxes of various size.
Check boxes for structural and water damage. Use only clean boxes that are sturdy and in good shape.
You may not have to buy as many boxes as you think. But it’s a good idea to have more than you need, rather than less.
If you have more boxes than you need, you are less likely to overstuff them. Overpacking your boxes will make them harder to move, and you want a smooth move, of course.
It makes sense to pack your heavier items in shallow boxes and use the bigger ones for lighter items.
If you do use larger boxes for most of your items, be sure to put heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on the top. Remember less is more when it comes to packing.
Use TLC With Fragile Things
It may take a little time to pack your fragile items, but it’s worth it. You don’t want to end up in your new home with broken bits of dishes, glasses, or household decor.
Taking the steps to protect your fragile items will help ensure a successful move. If you are planning a move and need assistance packing your household items, we can help.
Visit our website today to learn more about our moving services.