The Dos and Don’ts of Packing Fragile Items

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure. However, it often comes with its fair share of stressors, particularly when it comes to packing fragile items. From delicate glassware to cherished heirlooms, ensuring these items make it to your new home intact requires careful planning and attention to detail. 

We've compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help ensure your fragile items are packed safely and securely.

Dos:

1. Do Start Early: Packing fragile items requires time and attention to detail. Start the packing process well in advance of your move to avoid rushing and ensure each item is packed with care.
2. Do Gather the Right Supplies: Invest in quality packing materials such as sturdy cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing tape and markers for labeling. 
3. Do Wrap Items Individually: Wrap each fragile item individually in several layers of packing paper or bubble wrap to provide cushioning and protection. Pay special attention to delicate items such as glassware, ceramics and figurines, ensuring they are thoroughly wrapped to prevent breakage.
4. Do Use Divider Inserts: Use divider inserts or cell kits for packing boxes to keep fragile items separated and prevent them from knocking into each other during transport. 
5. Do Pack Items Snugly: Pack fragile items snugly in boxes to prevent shifting during transit. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to provide additional cushioning and support.
6. Do Label Boxes Appropriately: Clearly label each box containing fragile items with "Fragile" stickers or markers. This alerts movers to handle the boxes with extra care and ensures they are placed on top of heavier boxes in the moving truck.
7. Do Use Dish Barrels for Dishes: Invest in dish barrels or sturdy boxes specifically designed for packing dishes and glassware. These boxes often come with built-in dividers and provide extra protection for fragile items during transit.
8. Do Secure Mirrors and Artwork: Use cardboard corner protectors to prevent damage to the edges of mirrors, framed artwork and other large fragile items. Wrap the entire item in bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape before placing it in a mirror box or custom-sized cardboard box.
9. Do Take Inventory: Before sealing boxes, create an inventory list of all the fragile items you've packed. This will help you keep track of your belongings during the move and ensure nothing gets lost or damaged in transit.
10. Do Consider Hiring Professionals: Professional moving services specialize in carefully packing and unpacking fragile items. When in doubt, consider hiring a moving company to pack and move fragile items for you. 

Don'ts:

1. Don't Overpack Boxes: Avoid overpacking boxes with fragile items, as this can increase the risk of breakage. Instead, pack items in smaller boxes or distribute them evenly among larger boxes to prevent excessive weight and pressure on fragile items.
2. Don't Forget to Seal Boxes Securely: Ensure all boxes containing fragile items are securely sealed with packing tape to prevent them from opening during transit. Double tape the bottoms and tops of boxes for added reinforcement.
3. Don't Neglect Communication with Movers: Communicate clearly with your movers about the contents of each box and any special handling instructions for fragile items. Provide guidance on how to handle and transport delicate items to minimize the risk of damage during the move.
4. Don't Rush the Packing Process: Take your time when packing fragile items and avoid rushing through the process. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential for ensuring items are packed safely and securely, reducing the risk of damage during transit.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can master the art of packing fragile items and ensure they arrive at your new home intact. With proper planning, attention to detail and the right packing techniques, you can alleviate stress and enjoy a seamless move to your new home.

Author bio: Jennifer Carrolle is Marketing Strategist at Great Nation Moving, a highly rated and experienced moving company in the United States. Her focus is helping to ensure customers have the best experience and all of their belongings arrive in proper condition.

Sources:

• https://megansmoving.com/packing-tips-fragile-items 
• https://youmoveme.com/blog/four-easy-tips-for-packing-fragile-items 
• https://www.clutter.com/blog/posts/10-delicate-tips-packing-fragile-items-moving

partnered post • image by midjourney