Tips for Packing Fragile Items During a Move

Packing fragile items can be one of the most stressful parts of moving.

Whether it's glassware, dishes, artwork, or family heirlooms, the idea of something valuable breaking during the move is enough to make anyone anxious. However, with proper planning and the right techniques, you can ensure that your fragile items arrive at your new home intact. Here’s a comprehensive guide to packing fragile items safely and efficiently.

1. Gather the Right Packing Supplies

The first step to safely packing fragile items is to have all the necessary supplies on hand. Investing in high-quality packing materials can save you from the cost of broken items. Here's a list of the supplies you'll need:

• Sturdy Boxes: Use strong, corrugated cardboard boxes. If possible, get specialty boxes like dish packs, which come with extra dividers for added protection.
• Bubble Wrap: This is an essential material for wrapping delicate items.
• Packing Paper: Soft packing paper is excellent for wrapping and cushioning. Avoid using newspaper as the ink can transfer onto your items.
• Packing Peanuts: These can fill empty spaces in the box to prevent items from shifting.
• Tape: Use high-quality packing tape to seal your boxes securely.
• Labels and Markers: Clearly labeling your boxes as "FRAGILE" will help ensure careful handling.

2. Prepare a Packing Plan

Before you start packing, take inventory of all the fragile items you have. It’s helpful to categorize them by type—such as glassware, dishes, or artwork—and determine how much packing material you’ll need for each. This will help you stay organized and prevent last-minute scrambles for supplies.

3. Line Boxes for Extra Protection

Before placing any items in a box, line the bottom with a layer of padding. This could be bubble wrap, packing paper, or even a towel. The extra layer at the base of the box provides shock absorption and helps protect your items if the box is placed down hard.

For heavier fragile items, consider double boxing them. Place the item in a smaller box with cushioning and then put that box inside a larger box, filling the space between them with packing peanuts or more bubble wrap.

4. Wrap Items Individually

When packing fragile items, it’s important to wrap each one individually. For dishes and glassware, use bubble wrap or packing paper to cover each item completely. Make sure to wrap in multiple layers if the item is particularly delicate.

• Plates: Wrap plates individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Place them on their side in the box rather than stacking them flat. This helps distribute pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of breakage.
• Glasses and Stemware: Wrap each glass individually with bubble wrap, including a small piece of crumpled packing paper inside the glass for extra support. Pack glasses upright, ensuring there is enough padding around them to prevent contact.
• Vases and Figurines: Wrap with bubble wrap and place the items in the box so they don’t touch each other. Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper to fill gaps.

5. Use Dividers When Possible

Dividers are an excellent way to protect glassware, mugs, or other similarly shaped items. Many moving supply stores offer partition kits for boxes, which can be extremely helpful. If you don’t have dividers, use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap between each item to prevent them from shifting and making contact.

6. Fill Empty Spaces

Empty space in a box is the enemy when packing fragile items. It allows items to move around during transit, increasing the likelihood of damage. Use packing peanuts, crumpled packing paper, or even towels to fill all empty spaces in the box. Shake the box gently after packing; if you hear anything moving, add more filling until everything is snug.

7. Label Your Boxes Clearly

Always label boxes containing fragile items as "FRAGILE" on multiple sides. This will alert movers to handle these boxes with extra care. Adding notes like "This Side Up" can also be helpful to ensure your items are positioned correctly during the move.

8. Don’t Overpack Boxes

While it might be tempting to fit as many items as possible into a box to save space, overpacking is a common cause of breakage. Ensure that your boxes are comfortably full but not bulging. Each box should be easy to lift and carry without feeling like it’s going to burst open.

9. Pack Heaviest Items on the Bottom

When packing boxes with multiple fragile items, place the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This prevents lighter, more delicate items from being crushed under the weight of heavier ones.

10. Consider Specialty Boxes for Valuable Items

If you’re packing especially valuable or sentimental fragile items, consider using specialty boxes. Mirror and picture boxes are specifically designed to protect flat items, while dish pack boxes are perfect for plates and other kitchenware. You can even purchase boxes with custom foam inserts to protect high-value items like electronics or heirlooms.

11. Pack Ahead of Time

Packing fragile items takes time and care, so it’s best not to leave this task for the last minute. Start packing your delicate belongings well in advance of moving day to ensure that you’re not rushed, which could lead to mistakes or inadequate packing.

12. Get Professional Packing Help

If the idea of packing fragile items yourself feels overwhelming, consider using professional packing services. Professional movers have the experience and the right materials to pack delicate items properly, giving you peace of mind. At Tacoma Moving Services, we offer packing and unpacking services to ensure that your fragile items are well-protected.

Conclusion

Packing fragile items during a move doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead and use the right techniques. By gathering quality packing materials, wrapping each item properly, and filling empty spaces, you can greatly reduce the risk of damage. Taking the time to follow these tips will help ensure your cherished belongings arrive safely at your new home.

If you need assistance with packing or moving, contact us at Tacoma Moving Services for a free quote. We’re here to make your move as stress-free as possible, from start to finish.