How to pack your fragile items ahead of a move
July 17, 2020
How to pack your fragile items ahead of a move
When it comes to moving home, our more delicate items such as glassware and crockery needs extra special care. Glass, crystal, fine china, and ceramics can shatter easily – we've all dropped a cup or plate or two in our lives – so here are some ways to pack your fragile items for the big move.
Figure out what needs packing
Not everything will need to go in boxes – some more precious items might need to ride along in the car. Work out what can be stored in boxes, such as plates and glasses, while irregularly shaped items such as statues or decanters may need to be brought along separately.
Get your supplies together
Having everything on hand can be a bit of a hassle. Need boxes, bubble wrap, and more? Frontline has you covered. We offer a wide range of packing and materials to ensure your valuables and fragile items get through the move with ease. When it comes to packing fragile items, Frontline supplies specialised book and wine cartons too – ask us about our bulk discounts!
Line boxes with padding
Whether you're using cardboard or plastic boxes, you should line the boxes with soft materials such as old linen or plastic bubble wrap to avoid any chips or damage from friction. The aim of packing fragile items is to reduce the amount of space inside the box. More space means more room to move and more chance of your fragile items getting damaged.
Irregular items – the bubble wrap and cardboard method
Some oddly shaped items such as decanters or jugs, for example, can be secured by using a bubble wrap and cardboard method. This means wrapping your item in bubble wrap as much as possible so there are no exposed parts. If you are wrapping jugs or large hollow vessels, place some bubble wrap inside as well as on the top and bottom. Measure out a piece of cardboard so it can wrap around the item or sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard. Tape up the entire lot and make sure there's no wobbling or moving around.
Fill up open spaces
Once you have filled up your box, remember to fill up any open space with bunched up paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or soft linen – old jumpers, socks, and bunched up sheets will do. As mentioned earlier, this is to reduce any moving around during transport.
Tape up your box and mark it
Now is the time to tape up your box and mark it as FRAGILE. When taping up, make sure each end is secure. For the irregular items, make sure the taping is tight around the top and bottom as well as side to side.
When marking the box as fragile use thick permanent marker so it can be seen from a distance. Do not use thin felt-tip markers or pens – they can often be hard to see under bright lights or sunlight. This is to show other movers or the team at Frontline to take extra care with the box and its contents.
Get Frontline involved
Frontline has everything you need to get started with packing fragile items including specialised boxes, packing material, tape, and more! Want the professionals to pack your fragile items securely and safely? We can do it all. Get a quote on materials or a full packing service below.
