One thing people dread packing is the fragile items! From glassware to family heirlooms, most homes are full of items that need extra love during a move. Taking the right precautions can help prevent costly damage and unnecessary stress.
Gear Up: The Essential Packing Supplies You’ll Need
You’ll want to gather sturdy removable totes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels before you get started. You could use newspaper directly on fragile items, be careful as the ink can transfer and permanently stain your items.
Layering & Wrapping: The Secret to Safe Dishes
When packing glassware and dishes, wrap each item individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. Place heavier items on the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper to prevent items from shifting during transport. Boxes should be snug but not overpacked.
Protecting Mirrors, Artwork and Electronics
For picture frames and mirrors, use corner protectors and wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap. Consider using specialty boxes designed for artwork and mirrors to provide extra protection. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes whenever possible. If it is unavailable, use plenty of cushioning material and mark the box as fragile.
Box Size Matters
One of the most common moving mistakes is using oversized boxes for fragile items. Smaller boxes help distribute weight more evenly and reduce the risk of items breaking under pressure.
If you’re preparing for an upcoming move, check out our Room-by-Room Packing Guide: Where to Begin for a step-by-step strategy to stay organized throughout the packing process. You may also find our The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Moving Day helpful for keeping track of important moving tasks.
Taking a little extra time to properly pack fragile belongings can save money, prevent damage, and make moving day much less stressful.
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