A move is one of the most stressful life events where you have to juggle many different balls simultaneously. Packing your entire life into boxes and then unpacking it again at your new home is no easy feat. And on top of that, you must worry about ensuring that all your belongings arrive in one piece. This can be tricky, especially when it comes to fragile items. Here are six tricks to ensure your fragile items won’t break during your move.
1. Use the Right Packaging Materials
When packaging fragile items, you can never be too careful. Be sure to use plenty of packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials to protect your items. It’s also a good idea to use sturdy boxes that won’t collapse under the weight of your belongings.
You should avoid using packaging materials that can easily be punctured, such as Styrofoam. Other materials to prevent include newspaper (the ink can rub off and stain your belongings) and blankets or towels (they can shift during transit and leave your items unprotected).
2. Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom of the Box
When packing a box of fragile items, put the heavier items at the bottom. This will help to keep the box from tipping over and prevent your belongings from being crushed. Items like vases and picture frames should be placed near the top of the box, so they don’t get buried under other things. If you move with a reputable moving company, they will take care of the heavy lifting for you.
3. Use Dividers
If you’re packing a box with multiple fragile items, be sure to use dividers to keep them from bumping into each other. This will help to prevent chips and cracks. You can use anything from cardboard to foam sheets as dividers. The dividers should be placed between each item so they’re snug and won’t move around during transit.
4. Use Packing Paper to Fill Gaps
Once you’ve placed all your fragile items in the box, fill any gaps with packing paper. This will help to prevent your items from shifting during transit and getting damaged. You can also use packing paper to cushion any particularly fragile items. Items like glassware and ceramics should be wrapped in several layers of packing paper before being placed in the box.
5. Secure the Bottom of the Box
Ensure you tape the bottom of the box securely so it won’t come apart during transit. This is very important if you’re using a box not designed for shipping. You can also use packing tape to reinforce the sides of the box. This will help to prevent the box from collapsing and crushing your belongings.
6. Layer Your Boxes
Layer your boxes in the truck if you’re shipping multiple boxes of fragile items. The heavier boxes should be placed on the bottom, and the lighter boxes should be on top. This will help to prevent your boxes from shifting during transit and damaging your belongings. Also, layer the innermost box with soft materials like blankets or towels to further cushion your items.
You can help to ensure that your fragile items arrive at your new home safely and sound if you follow the tips above. With a bit of extra care, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements. So, take the time to pack your belongings properly and enjoy a stress-free move.
