June 17 2021
Packing up your belongings can be just as stressful and nerve-wracking as a house move itself, especially if you have a lot of fragile items. But, it’s normal to be worried about how your breakable items will fare in transit. After all, we all know that boxes go through a lot of handling during a move, and there’s nothing more annoying than arriving at your new home to find out that your valuables have shattered.
Whether this is your first big house move or you simply need some expert advice, keep reading our guide on how to pack fragile items for moving.
Preparation is key
When it comes to moving fragile items, being prepared in advance is crucial to avoid costly damage to your belongings. That’s why it’s important to ensure you choose the best packaging material to keep everything secure during travel, and that you gather everything before you start the packing process. Here’s what you need:
- Packing tape for securing boxes and padding
- Quality cardboard boxes to transport goods in
- Labels and markers to clearly identify boxes
- Bubble wrap to protect your items
- Packing peanuts for filling empty spaces
- Corrugated inserts for better protection
- Rope or bungee cords to hold packaging in place
While many people will use materials they already have to pack fragile items, such as old towels or newspapers, this can cause damage to your items. You can, however, use heavy-duty blankets or bedding on furniture and to further protect items after they have been appropriately wrapped. At Ready Steady Store, we stock a range of packing supplies that you can buy online and have delivered straight to your door.
How to pack fragile items for moving
When it comes to packing and moving delicate items, plenty of padding and planning is key to prevent putting your possessions at risk. Read on for our top tips on how to pack fragile items in your home so that they’re safe and secure while you move.
How to pack glassware and ceramics
Notoriously easy to break, glassware, plates and china tea sets are difficult items to move safely. Here are our top tips to ensure your breakables arrive at your new home in one piece:
- Select smaller boxes as they’re much easier to handle and there’s less room for items to shift around while moving.
- Place a few sheets of bubble wrap, packing paper or packing peanuts on the bottom of the box to cushion your items.
- To pack glassware: pack the inside with packing paper and wrap any stems with bubble wrap. Wrap the whole glass up in packing paper, and then bubble wrap, securing it all with packing tape.
- To pack ceramics and tableware: for ceramics and vases, follow the steps above, making sure to take extra care around any handles or detailing. For plates and bowls, use packing paper and bubble wrap between the plates, stacking 4 or 5 plates. Then, wrap the stack in more paper, securing it again with packing tape.
- Place items gently into smaller boxes, being sure to fill in any extra space with padding, packing peanuts or bubble wrap for extra protection.
How to pack a TV for moving
It can be hard to know how to pack a TV for moving without the risk of breakage. After all, nobody wants to waste time and money shopping for a new television while you’re in the process of a stressful house move.
While many of us don’t think of holding onto packaging, using the original box that your TV came in is one of the best ways to protect it during a move. However, if the box is ripped or you’ve already thrown it away, there are plenty of other ways to pack your TV without its original box:
- Begin by taking a photo of your TV with all the cables plugged in so you can easily get it up and running in your new place.
- Then, remove all of the cables, leads and any other accessories attached to your device. Wrap them in bubble wrap and label them, putting them in a separate bag or box to keep them together during the move.
- To protect the screen itself from scratches, wrap bubble wrap around the screen to create an additional barrier, using packing tape to secure it.
- Then, wrap a thick blanket around the screen and the base, securing it with a small rope or bungee cord.
Packing electrical goods for moving
The above also goes for electrical goods like toasters, computer equipment or other kitchen or home appliances. Ensure they are wrapped in protective layers to avoid scratches or marks and packed into smaller boxes to steer clear of any breakages.
Packing delicate furniture
When moving delicate or antique furniture, it can be daunting, especially if they’re larger pieces like wardrobes or pianos. Here’s how:
- Where possible, dismantle your furniture so that it’s in the smallest pieces it can be, this will make it much easier to both protect and move
- After making sure they’re clean, wrap any fragile furniture in to prevent scratches or dents during moving. Any glass or shatterable tops or components should be removed if possible, and wrapped in bubble wrap secured with packing tape.
Thinking about storing your furniture in a self storage unit? Read our ultimate guide to storing furniture now for more tips and advice.
Our top tips to packing fragile items for moving
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- Always label your boxes: it’s easy to forget exactly where you’ve put each item so you know to be careful when carrying them into your new home. Use ‘fragile’ tape to make this clear or add noticeable labels on the box so they aren’t dropped or moved around carelessly. It’s also a good idea to indicate which way up the box should be carried and moved.
- Keep everything separate: instead of simply throwing all of your fragile bits in the same box, keep them as separate as possible and wrap them up individually to stop any cracks or breaks. While it’s okay to put similar items in the same box, don’t put heavy objects over the top. Not only does this help to keep fragile items safe but also helps you keep track of where everything is.
- Don’t rush the packing process: there’s no doubt that moving is one of life’s most stressful events, but when it comes to packing fragile items, it’s important to take your time.
Looking for a hand storing your items while you move house? Give us a call now or find your local store today.
