Moving house can be a frantic time with many things to think about and keep track of. Something that is typically on the mind of anyone in the middle of a move is the concern over whether their items will arrive at the new house safely. There are many reasons that things can go wrong in a move, from issues during transport to how easy it is to drop a heavy box.
One of the best ways to avoid your fragile items being damaged or broken during a move is to make sure that you pack them carefully and properly. The right packing materials and method can mean the difference between a box full of shattered glass or receiving your items all in perfect condition when you unpack them in your new home. For tips on how to pack fragile items when moving house, read on.
Dishes and Crockery
Fragile items that we use every day, such as dishes and crockery, are just an example of the types of items that you want to pack very carefully to make sure they do not get damaged in a move.
You’ll want to start with a sturdy cardboard box so that it can support the weight of your dishes and crockery, but also so that it can provide extra protection against jostling when in transit. Line the bottom of the box with good quality packing paper. It’s easy to be tempted by bubble wrap, but this actually takes up a lot more room, meaning you’ll require more boxes for packing your items.
Line the bottom of the box with several inches of packing paper to provide appropriate cushioning below your items. Then, make sure to pack your items from heaviest to lightest. For example, you’d want to pack heavy items like serving dishes at the bottom of the box, with midweight items like plates and bowls next, followed by light items like mugs and teacups. To prepare these items for packing, lay them on a few sheets of packing paper diagonally and roll them up tight, securing the ends of the paper down with a strong moving tape. Provide a little extra cushioning on the top of your items with a few more inches of packing paper for extra precaution.
Glassware
Glass is a very delicate material, so you’ll want to make sure that you pack your drinking glasses, vases, baking dishes and wine glasses extra carefully. The method for packing these items is similar to packing dishes and crockery, but you’ll want to add a little more packing material for extra protection. Start again by lining the bottom of a sturdy box with a generous amount of packing paper but add a little more than you would for dishes for good measure. Again, you’ll want to pack the heaviest items on the bottom, like Pyrex baking dishes or heavy vases, followed by everyday drinking glasses, then delicate wine glasses or crystal ware.
Wrap the items in the same way you would for dishes but add extra layers of paper to ensure the items do not bump against one another or break. For more hardy glass items, like pint or juice glasses, you can wrap two in the same pieces of paper. Start by laying your glass on a few sheets of packing paper diagonally. Roll the glass in the paper using half of the sheet before adding the next glass and finishing rolling it up. Tape the edges and pack it away. For stemmed glasses like wine glasses or champagne flutes, you need to make sure that you also wrap the stem and the base so that they are adequately protected. Some people tear or cut a sheet in half to do this, before using the rest to wrap the top of the glass.
Antiques and decorative items
When packing small antiques and decorative items, such as mantle clocks or figurines, you’ll want to make sure you have a very strong box that is reinforced. Bubble wrap is advisable for valuable items like antiques or any family heirlooms, or even just items that have a great deal of sentimental value. Follow the same method as for dishes and crockery, lining the bottom of the box with a generous amount of bubble wrap before carefully wrapping each of your items and securing with tape. Just as before, pack the heavier or less fragile items at the bottom of the box, with the lighter and more delicate items following.
By following these simple tips and handling your packed items carefully, you’re sure to arrive at your new home with all of your belongings safe and intact.
If you’re planning a move and need some storage to help through your transition, get in touch with us! We have a number of flexible storage options that are sure to suit your needs. We also supply high-quality boxes and packing materials to help you safely pack your fragile belongings.