Packing Fragile Items Advise

Is it time to move again? Are moving to a new home or is it going to be just temporary? Whatever the reason is, it is very important all your big and small items are protected while being moved. When you are placing small items in boxes the size of the protection will depend on how fragile the items are.

  If you are preparing to pack the kitchen on breakables we have 8 hacks on how to do it safely and quickly without breaking your moving budget.

Use lots of paper and bubble wrap

If you are planning to pack the fragile items yourself, Book A Mover advises you to get plenty of packing paper, old newspapers and magazines and bubble wrap. Layer the box with crumpled paper or old newspapers. Wrap each fragile item individually with paper or bubble wrap.

   Start packing the box from the edges to the middle of the box. Fill all gaps with more crumpled paper and magazines. Finish the top of the box again with a layer of crumpled paper. All crumpled paper inside will protect the items to break into each other.

Don`t make the boxes too heavy

The maximum weight of a box is usually around 20kg. Don`t make them heavier as you or your chosen removals company`s employees have to carry them. They also will be stacked inside the vehicle, so if they are too heavy they might collapse. Always try to put any heavy items at the bottom and some light items like plastic containers or cups on top to make them lighter. Too heavy boxes can easily fall apart and the removal men try to move any of them.

Label the boxes as fragile

When each box is packed and ready it is important to know what is inside for 2 reasons. At the new place, you need to know each room the box is going to. The second reason is you need to know if the items inside are fragile or not. Use a marker and label the box fragile or even better.

   Get yourself a piece of tape with the sign FRAGILE on it so you can mark the box. Good practice also is to point with an arrow (if they are not already on the box) how to place the box inside the van or at the new place.

Stack them vertically

Wrap all plates individually with paper or bubble wrap. Place lots of crumple paper around it. When placed into the box, any plate must be on its side. This is to avoid any breakage. Repeat until the box is full. Use the same method for cups and glasses. Make sure you fill all gaps and corners with crumpled paper, to prevent any movements inside the box.

Heavy on the bottom, light on top

Always place the heavy fragile items at the bottom. Once the first layer is done and there is more space left, do fill the box until is full with lighter items like plastic food containers, plastic cups or anything lighter. Make sure you do not make the box very heavy. Each box is meant to be carried by one person only.

Protect the corners of the pictures

Is it time to prepare the picture frames and art for your move? You can buy foam protectors for the corners of the frames from your local removal company or online. They are very handy to use and will protect your precious art. This way you can place the picture safely on the floor to protect the corners from damage.

Packing vases and ceramics

Same as the plates and cups, use lots of paper and bubble wrap to wrap the vase or expensive ceramics. You can even place the vase between plenty of clothes in the middle. This way it will definitely be extra protected from all sides. Do not forget the box that is inside and if is fragile or not!

Crating

If the fragile items are big like a statue, a big vase or even a small glass night cabinet, Bookamover advice crating this item. First, wrap the items with plenty of bubble wrap. Make sure there are minimum 4-5 layers of bubble wrap. In case you do not have a specially designed wooden crate, you can use corrugated paper and cover the item from all sides.

   If you can spend a little bit extra Bookamover also advises getting a special export packing furniture paper and wrapping the items with a couple of layers. This paper is extra strong and thick and it is designed for export packing.

Conclusion

Once each box is ready don`t forget to label them. Get a black marker and write the name of the room you are in. You can also add the most important items inside, so once the home transport company move everything to your new home, you can easily find everything quickly.

Ask the movers you have used if they will collect the boxes after you unpack all of them. If they do not want to collect them, you can try to take them to your local recycling centre. Be prepared for lots of rubbish left, depending on the size of your move. If you are planning to move again soon and you have places to store, you can always keep these boxes for your next move. You can always trust our house moving comparison services in the future.