Essential Tips for Packing Fragile Items

Boxes will pass through many hands and processes during a move. Fragile items can break or get damaged in transit if you are not careful. The best way to protect fragile items during a move is to pack them properly. Here are essential tips to get you started.



Prepare the Boxes Before Packing

Before you put any item in the box, ensure the box is strong enough to protect the fragile items. You can boost the box by securing all seams and corners with tape, particularly at the bottom. Bubble wrap or crumpled paper can also be an effective cushion on the sides and bottom of the box. However, many of these items only work with small boxes.

Wrap Each Individual Piece and Item

Get customized packing for each item based on the type of material, shape, and size. Before wrapping, detach loose sections, such as lids, and pack them separately. Use a secure material, like bubble wrap or tape, to secure the most delicate items. 

After wrapping, put the smaller items in their own boxes instead of combining them with other items in larger boxes.

Use Original Boxes

Most fragile items come in boxes, so always hoard these boxes for later use. Also, store original packing material like packing peanuts, paper fillers, and air pillows. Original packing offers the best way to transport delicate items since the items will fit perfectly in the boxes.

If you can't use the original packing, start collecting any retail box that you receive. Prioritize strong and thick boxes, although you may have to boost the boxes with additional support.

Buy Packing Items

No matter how many original packing supplies you have, you may still have to buy additional packing materials. Some of the things you must buy include cardboard dividers, box cutters or scissors, markers or labels, and tissue paper or newspaper. 

And always remember to buy lots of bubble wrap as you will use this material on virtually all boxes. Discount stores offer the best prices for packing supplies, and others can even provide free boxes. 

Mark Boxes as Fragile

Movers and your family should be able to identify boxes with fragile items, so mark each box that contains fragile things. While a label on the top or side of the box works just fine, a better option is to put a label on all sides of the box. Use conspicuous and legible letters that anyone handling the box will instantly recognize. Another option is to use differently-colored tape or bubble wrap on boxes with delicate items.

Put Heavy Items at the Bottom

Heavier and stronger items should be out of the bottom of the box while the delicate items stay on the top. If you must put delicate items at the bottom, get portable storage to store the breakables before putting them in a bigger box. Portable storage helps with organization while protecting fragile items from heavier goods.

Wrap Two Glasses at Once

One of the recommendations above is to pack fragile items separately. However, if you have limited packaging items, use big sheets of paper to carefully wrap two glass pieces at once. Just spread the paper on a flat surface, put the glasses on top, and roll until the paper fully wraps around the glasses. The only requirement is that the glasses must have the same shape and size. 

Disassemble Bulky Furniture

Take apart large furniture items and wrap each piece separately for easier transportation. You can use packing tape or bubble wrap to secure the furniture. If possible, the furniture pieces should be upright while in the transportation vehicle.

Get Help From a Professional Mover

Moving can be a stressful and time-consuming exercise for most people. Without proper planning, your items may get damaged or lost. The best approach is to let a professional mover handle your entire moving process.

Christofferson Moving & Storage is a professional moving company that offers local and cross-country services. Contact us for reliable services.