Any move is bound to have some breakable items and it’s up to you to make sure they get to the new location safely.

Packing fragile items when moving can be tricky. You have to be both careful and efficient when you move them. It will be tiresome work, but it is necessary if you want to keep your possessions in one piece.

Fortunately, you can use a few tips and tricks to make the packing process go smoothly.

7 Tips to Pack Fragile Items When You’re Moving Your House

1. Prepare a Checklist

The first thing you need to do is prepare a checklist of everything that needs to be packed and make sure you have the right supplies. Most moving companies will provide some of the supplies, but it’s a good idea to have a checklist just in case.

To start with, make a list of all the fragile items that you will be moving. This way, you’ll know the number of sturdy boxes and packing supplies you’ll need at the time of the move. Keep this checklist handy as you pack all the fragile items to ensure that you haven’t missed anything.

2. Add Soft Cushioning Packing Materials

Fragile items should be packed to be surrounded by soft packing materials. So after you’ve procured all the packing items, it’s time to get packing!

The best way to pack fragile items is using cushioning items like bubble wrap, newspapers, clothes and other similar items. There are separate packs designed specifically for packing delicate items like dishes and glasses. They are strong enough to protect your fragile items yet light enough for you to carry them when moving a house.

Also, make sure that you’re choosing a suitable moving box for packing each of the fragile items. There are mirror boxes, dish packs, wardrobe boxes, and many more varieties to pick from based on the fragility and weight of the items you have.

3. Take Individual Care of Each Fragile Item

Fragile items should be packed with special materials so that they don’t come into contact with any other objects or surfaces. But not all of these items can be wrapped in newspaper and tossed inside boxes.

• Glassware should be wrapped in towels or bubble wrap to prevent breaking if it bumps up against another item. It’s probably best to pack glass items in their original boxes if at all possible and then wrap them in bubble wrap for extra protection.
• Breakable dishes should be wrapped in newspapers before putting them in boxes, so they don’t bump together and create more damage when moving house.
• Paintings should always be rolled up instead of folded or wrapped around a cardboard core because this can damage the painting and cause it to wrinkle. Packing tape should only be used on the back of the canvas, not across it.
• Sculptures, figurines and heirlooms should be wrapped in bubble wrap and foam padding. Since these fragile items can be of different shapes and sizes, foam peanuts can help to cushion the pressure during transportation.

If you’re unsure about the best way to pack the fragile items, then consider getting the help of house movers in Melbourne. These experts can pack all of these fragile items safely for you and transport them to your new home.

4. Don’t Cluster Too Many Items in a Box

The hard sides of boxes can make breakables more susceptible to damage during transportation. So add some padding around corners and edges to help prevent cracks and chips. Nestle your fragile items carefully inside another box, so they do not shift around while being shipped. Be sure not to pack too many fragile items into one box, as this will add unnecessary weight and could decrease the structural integrity of your package.

5. Introduce a Layer of Padding Between Objects

Remember that while it is necessary to pack fragile items in sturdy boxes, it is not always possible to wrap their contents individually. Some objects are too large or irregularly shaped to wrap adequately in bubble wrap or foam peanuts. Don’t place such things directly on top of one another; instead, place a layer of packing paper between them.

An extra-thick layer of paper will protect the surface of an object beneath it from the scratches and abrasions caused by the object on top.

6. Secure All Sides of the Boxes

Tape the bottom and top of each box tightly with two pieces of tape: one on the top seam and one across the bottom. This helps prevent things from slipping out of their boxes during transit.

Before taping, be sure to remove any staples or other metal objects from the bottom of the box. It is also a good idea to double-check that nothing will scratch or scuff your fragile item before you place it in its box for shipping.

7. Label the Boxes

Labels are your best friends when it comes to moving fragile items. It’s important to mark each box with the label ‘fragile items’ and ‘handle with care’ so that the movers know that this particular box needs to be handled very carefully. Label boxes as soon as you’re done packing them to ensure that you don’t miss out.

Wrapping Up

Good packing and planning is the key to safe and speedy moving. Always remember to take extra care when handling these items and advise everyone around you to do so.

Using these tips, you can make sure that your fragile items are packed securely and taken care of when moving house.