Four simple tips for safely packing fragile items

Posted on Feb 7, 2022 by Top Movers Global

No one wants the disappointment of finding something broken when unpacking after a move. By using these tips you can ensure the safety of your most fragile items:

1.Allow Plenty of Time 

It’s important that you start packing well ahead of time, so that you don’t have to rush. When packing up your crystal wine glasses, porcelain dishes and other fragile items you’ll need to take your time. Make sure you have the proper packing materials on hand, and depending on how much stuff you have, start two or three weeks before moving day. Once everything is packed, decide which items can safely go in the truck and which ones should go by car. 

2.Use Proper Packing Materials

To keep breakable items safe it’s important that you have the right supplies to carefully pack your items. Good quality moving boxes come in various sizes, so make sure you have the sizes you need. You’ll also need packing paper, pliable cardboard to place between items, bubble wrap, packing tape and scissors. Packing larger items often requires two sets of hands and a nice big table is a big help as well. 

3.Label Boxes “Fragile”

Every box should be labelled, but it’s especially important that you write “FRAGILE” on the boxes carrying delicate items. This way the movers will be more careful with them, and so will you when you start unpacking at the new house. 

4.Do Your Research

Figure out which items you’ll pack yourself and research how to do it properly. There is a difference between packing a large flat-screen TV and your crystal champaign flutes. They’re both fragile but require different supplies. Research the best packing methods for specific items, and stock up on bubble wrap, so you don’t run out on moving day. 

How to Pack Your Most Breakable Items

Dishes: Pack plates in small to medium-sized corrugated boxes. Use crumpled packing paper to line the boxes, top and bottom. Each plate should be wrapped in bubble wrap and taped securely. Place them vertically in the box and use crumpled packing paper between each plate. 

Glassware: Pack glasses in small to medium-sized corrugated boxes. Wrap each glass separately in packing paper, filling up the insides with crumpled up packing paper. Line the boxes top and bottom with crumpled paper before placing the glasses inside. Use plenty of paper between each glass, so they don’t move around inside the box. Larger, heavier items should be placed on the bottom, with the lighter ones on top. 

Lamps - lamp shades should be boxed (flat side down) separately with lots of paper. Bases can be placed in a large box if necessary and bubble wrap used where appropriate.

Pictures/Frames - picture frames should be placed in paper lined small to medium boxes, and standing if larger than 8 inches, with crumpled paper in between each piece. Wrap frames in packing paper. Top frames with more packing paper to ensure items don't move around in the box. When moving paintings and pictures that are over 3 feet in size, they should be secured with a moving blanket, plastic wrapped, and moved separately.

Flat-screen TVs: These require a lot of care and perhaps two sets of hands. The first step is to unplug the cables making sure you know where to plug them back in. Next, remove other accessories like the base, or legs. The cables and accessories should be packed in a separate box, making sure it is clearly labelled. The box you pack your TV in must be the proper size, so get that organized ahead of time. 

Don't be shy with the tape. Wrap the entire piece with tape if necessary. You want the fragile item snug and stable. Then place the piece in a paper lined box that's roughly the same size as the object, placing crumpled paper in any gaps. Lastly tape up the box securely and mark in bold felt marker: FRAGILE.

A lot of people figure that they don’t need all these “fancy” packing supplies, so they wrap everything in small blankets, comforters, towels, newspapers, and paper towels. Unfortunately, this usually doesn’t work out. Newspapers are dirty, so you’ll need to wash all your dishes and glasses before using them again. Paper towels are too thin and fragile to offer much protection. Towels slip too easily and are difficult to securely tape because the tape won’t hold. So, we do not recommend using towels to pack up fragile items. If you use the proper supplies and pack everything carefully your fragile items will likely arrive in perfect condition. 

Finally, be sure to let your movers know which boxes contain fragile items. 

If you are at all unsure about your packing skill, ask for help. Top Movers Global offers professional packing services. Contact your local movers today to request an estimate.