Moving is a difficult and time-consuming process on its own, but when it comes to getting delicate and breakable items ready for relocation, there are many more steps to worry about. If you’re not careful and thorough, you can easily end up with shattered glass and damaged antique furniture when you reach your destination.
Luckily, following the right steps to pack and protect fragile items for a move shouldn’t add too much extra time or investment to your process, and doing it right will save you money on replacements while protecting any sentimental value you may have attached to the original objects.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best practices for protecting delicate objects during a move, and why following the right steps can make a huge difference. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your fragile belongings safe, no matter how far you’re moving.
What do I risk by not properly packing fragile items?
Resilient things like clothes and household utility items can be thrown in boxes or suitcases without much thought, but you can’t treat breakable objects the same way. Some of the most common ways to damage fragile items during a move include:
- Packing breakable objects too close to each other in a vehicle. Items often move and jostle each other as a moving vehicle travels, and you can easily wind up with cracks and splinters.
- Handling items too roughly. If you don’t take proper care with fragile boxes, the contents are more likely to be broken when you unpack them.
- Putting stress on fragile parts during transit. Antique furniture in particular can warp and splinter if you put too much weight on top during a move.
When fragile objects are damaged or destroyed, you’ll spend extra time and money replacing them at the very least. For older objects like antiques and family heirlooms, you won’t be able to replace them as easily and you’ll lose any sentimental value they have attached to them. Proper packing will save you from worrying about any of this.
What supplies do I need to pack fragile items?
Packing materials are often inexpensive while going a long way towards protecting the items that need them. Look into the following supplies when you’re preparing for your move:
- Moving boxes. Most moving boxes are made with layered cardboard for maximum protection. You’ll find them in several different sizes, so make sure you get smaller boxes to individually pack heavier items and keep from overpacking.
- Bubble wrap. From individual glasses to antique furniture edges, bubble wrap helps protect your belongings from drops and impacts.
- Acid-free packing paper. Leftover newsprint and other paper can break down and release chemicals that damage fragile items, but acid-free paper doesn’t release those chemicals. Use this to help wrap your items and keep them separated.
- Packing tape. Good quality tape will keep your moving boxes from coming apart and keep heavy objects from falling out. You can also tape whatever wrapping you use on fragile objects to keep it secured.
- Cushioning materials. Styrofoam packing peanuts and extra paper are traditional ways to fill in extra space in boxes, but if you want to save money and find space for extra clothes, you can use less delicate fabrics to fill in those spaces.
How do I prepare my fragile items for a move?
Here are a few steps to take while you’re getting ready to put delicate objects away.
- Clean everything. Wash, wipe down, and dry each of your fragile items before you pack them. Dust, stains, and moisture can lead to damage and mold down the line if you don’t take care of them now.
- Take apart what you can. Complicated furniture pieces will be less likely to break if you wrap and pack their pieces separately. Keep any screws or other small components in a clearly labeled bag in the same box as the furniture so you don’t lose them.
- Pack any individual fragile pieces separately. Light bulbs and glass shelves, for example, should be removed from lamps and furniture before packing. Anything with fragile electronic parts should also have those parts removed if possible.
- Organize and inventory everything. Keep similar items together, take pictures, and keep a detailed log of all your items so they’re easier to find later.
How do I wrap and pad my fragile items?
Start with a layer of packing paper, especially if you’re wrapping glasses. Follow with a bubble wrap or foam to surround each individual item with a layer of cushioning, then secure it with tape. Follow this with another layer of packing paper, then secure the paper with more tape. Finally, place the item in a box and fill any extra space with cushioning, such as extra towels or other fabric items. If you need to, use packing peanuts or leftover crushed paper.
Each time you put an item in a box, move it around a bit to find a secure fit. Skipping this step can lead to objects moving around in ways you didn’t expect and sustaining damage, even after all your packing efforts.
How do I pack multiple fragile items in a box safely?
While heavier objects should each get their individual box, with the right technique, you can fit multiple fragile items in the same larger box. Use layers of foam or bubble wrap to keep the items separate, and always go from heaviest to lightest so heavier objects don’t damage lighter ones.
Similar items like glasses and bowls can be nested if you wrap them with enough care. After wrapping each bowl, for example, you can put it inside a previous bowl you’ve already wrapped. Just remember to wrap everything individually and keep them from directly touching.
How do I label fragile boxes?
Communication is key when moving, and giving boxes a clear label helps you inform yourself and any moving partners that there are fragile items in them. This should help keep breakable objects from being handled too roughly.
Use a clear label and easily readable writing to write “FRAGILE” or “THIS END UP” on a box that needs it. You can use colorful labels to make the text even more obvious, and stick warning labels with symbols like a broken glass to further inform others of the box’s contents.
If you’re using a moving company, check with their guidelines for labeling so you can properly inform any professionals that a box needs special care.
How do I secure and seal fragile boxes?
Once you’ve packed and labeled everything, the last step is to tape up and seal each of your boxes. The edges of the box are the most susceptible to breaking and damage, so focus on them. Start by putting a couple of layers of tape over each of the top and bottom seams, then add a couple of layers over the edges for extra protection.
Foam corner protectors are usually made to prepare furniture for moving, but they can also serve you well with boxes. Just tape them to the corners for some extra reinforcement.
How do I load boxes inside a vehicle?
If you’re packing and driving a vehicle yourself, here are a few steps to take when loading the boxes inside.
- Load fragile boxes last. This will ensure they’re the first to come out when you reach your destination.
- Position boxes so they won’t slide around.
- Use flat surfaces of sturdy furniture or heavier boxes as a base.
- Never stack heavy items on top of fragile boxes.
- Use straps or cords to secure the boxes inside the vehicle.
- Use soft objects to fill in any extra space.
If you’ve labeled your boxes properly, you and anyone else will be aware of which boxes need extra care.
How do I find a storage unit to help me store fragile items?
With the right care, you’ll be well-prepared to pack and move anything fragile. Wrapping individual items, packing them inside boxes to minimize space, labeling your boxes properly, securing boxes with tape, and loading them into your vehicle with care will ensure they come out with minimal damage.
If your move takes extra time and you need to put your fragile items into storage, you’re in the right place to find a unit that works for you! Use SelfStorage.com’s search tool to find units near you at the best price with the features you need.
