It’s an easily feasible scenario – you’ve just packed everything for your move, and then you realize that your favorite vase (or even worse – your late grandma’s vase) or set of plates is completely broken? Remember Monica ‘s healthy relationship with plates?!
Now, professional removalists have a few tricks up their sleeve to avoid even the smallest cracks and scratches to fragile items. On the other hand, if you’ve already spent a fortune on your new home and cannot afford to hire professionals, here are some tips by the pros on how to pack your fragile stuff like an expert.
Required Material
- Marker or a sharpie
- Sticky tape
- Scissors
- Newspapers
- Bubble wrap
- Boxes
- Items to pack
1. Separate Fragile from Non fragile Stuff
Before you even start packing, separate fragile items from nonfragile stuff. Try not to mix things, at least not at this point. Also, prepare a Sharpie and a piece of paper. Make sure to label every box, so you know what is inside. That way, anyone who sees the sign “FRAGILE” will know to be extra cautious with that it.
2. Heavy Stuff to the Bottom
Always put heavy items at the bottom; because, should they somehow end up at the top, they could damage other, lighter objects. Also, never mix plates with glasses, porcelain figurines, picture frames, mirrors, and lamps. Stock your plates one on top of the other, choose a different box for glasses, and find a box large enough to fit your favourite lamp or a vase in it.
3. Pillow Packing
Pillow packing is especially convenient for odd-shaped objects such as lamps and porcelain figures. First, place a blanket at the bottom of the box, carefully put the item on it, and then place a pillow on top of the object. Close and seal the box. Now, here’s the time to overemphasize – write “Fragile” on every side of the box to make sure it is seen by anyone who carries the box.
4. Newspapers and Bubble Wrap
Maybe the most important step when it comes to packing fragile items is bubble and newspaper wrapping. When packing plates, put a layer of newspaper between two plates. Do not forget to wrap in a bubble wrap lamps, picture frames, figurines, and whatever fragile objects you have. Packing glasses is a bit trickier. You will have to put a newspaper in and between the glasses, or wrap them in a bubble wrap. Use newspapers to fill every inch of the empty space within the box. If items can move within the box, that is a clear sign you need to add some more paper. If you are short with bubble wrap or paper, you can also use towels, blankets, pillowcases, or cloths.
The Bottom Line
Moving to a new home even though exiting, is stressful at the same time, even without losing half of your glasses or plates. Of course, if you can afford it, it’s always a good idea to hire professional removalists to do the job for you. They are trained to deal with all kinds of issues including packing and moving fragile items, moving and assembling your furniture and other belongings. Also, should anything brake during the transport, the company will probably refund the expenses.
