Packing up a house is never easy. The sheer volume of stuff to sort, pack, and move can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to fragile items. Whether it’s your grandmother’s fine china, a collection of delicate figurines, or a precious antique clock, knowing how to pack fragile items for moving requires extra care and attention to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.
The thought of something breaking during the move is enough to stress anyone out, but with the right approach, you can protect your valuables and keep them in one piece. These items need special handling, proper packing, and careful loading to survive the journey intact. The key is to take your time and follow some simple steps to safeguard your fragile belongings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about packing fragile items, from choosing the right supplies to loading them onto the moving truck.
The Right Supplies for Packing Fragile Items
When it comes to packing fragile items, using the right supplies is crucial. Different items require different packing techniques, so it’s important to have a variety of materials on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing Paper
- Packing Tape
- Boxes
- Piece of Cardboard
- Cushioning Materials
- Labels
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is your best friend when it comes to protecting fragile items. It provides a cushioned layer that absorbs shock and prevents items from breaking. Use it to wrap delicate items like glassware, fine china, and vases.
Packing Paper
Packing paper is ideal for wrapping and cushioning items. It’s softer than newspaper, so it won’t leave ink stains on your belongings. Use it to wrap smaller items like figurines and to fill in empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting.
Packing Tape
A good, strong packing tape is essential for sealing boxes securely. Make sure to tape the bottom of the box well to prevent it from giving way under the weight of your items. Packing tape can also be used to reinforce boxes that are holding heavier or fragile items.
Boxes
Not all boxes are created equal. When packing fragile items, choose sturdy, high-quality boxes. You might even want to double-box particularly valuable items for extra protection. Use small boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for lighter items to prevent overloading.
Piece of Cardboard
A piece of cardboard can be used as an extra layer of protection. For example, place it at the bottom of the box before packing fragile items or use it to separate items inside the box.
Cushioning Materials
Use foam peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled packing paper to fill in the empty space in boxes. This prevents items from moving around during transit, which can lead to damage.
Labels
Don’t forget to label your boxes! Clearly mark any box containing fragile items as “FRAGILE” and indicate which side should be kept upright. This will help anyone handling the boxes to take extra care.
How to Wrap and Pack Fragile Items
Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start packing. Here’s how to wrap and pack various types of fragile items to ensure they’re well-protected:
Fine China and Glassware
Start by wrapping each piece individually with packing paper. For extra protection, wrap each item in a layer of packing material as well. Place a piece of cardboard at the bottom of the box for added stability. Then, carefully stack the items in the box, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper to prevent movement. Seal the box with packing tape and label it as fragile.
Figurines and Collectibles
Figurines and collectibles are often oddly shaped and require special care. Wrap each item in packing material, making sure to cover all the delicate parts. Use packing paper to fill in the gaps and prevent the items from shifting inside the box. You can also use a piece of cardboard to create dividers in the box, keeping the items separated.
Antique Clocks and Large Items
For larger items like antique clocks or curio cabinets, disassemble them as much as possible. Remove any loose parts and wrap them separately. Use towels to protect the main body of the item, and secure everything with packing tape. If the item is too large to fit in a box, cover it with a moving blanket and secure it with straps or rope.
Electronics and TVs
If you’re packing electronics like TVs or computer monitors, it’s best to use the original packaging if you still have it. If not, wrap the item in packing material and place it in a sturdy box. Use packing paper or foam peanuts to fill any empty space around the item. Make sure to seal the box with packing tape and label it as fragile.
Artwork and Mirrors
For artwork and mirrors, place a piece of cardboard over the glass to protect it. Wrap the entire piece in towels, paying special attention to the corners. Place the wrapped item in a specially designed box or create a custom box using multiple pieces of cardboard. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper or foam to keep the item secure.
How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving: Loading Fragile Items onto the Moving Vehicle
Once your fragile items are packed, the next step is loading them onto the moving vehicle. This step is just as important as packing, as improper loading can lead to damage. Here are some tips to ensure your fragile items arrive safely:
- Place Boxes Strategically: When loading fragile items, always place them on top of heavier boxes. This prevents them from getting crushed. Start by placing the heaviest, most stable boxes at the bottom of the stack, and then carefully place the boxes containing fragile items on top. Avoid placing fragile items near the edges of the truck, where they’re more likely to shift during transit.
- Secure Larger Items: For larger fragile items like curio cabinets or antique clocks, make sure they’re securely strapped to the side of the truck to prevent them from moving. Use moving blankets to cover them and protect them from bumps and scratches.
- Fill in Empty Spaces: Even after you’ve loaded all the boxes and larger items, there may be empty spaces in the truck. Use blankets, pillows, or other soft items to fill these spaces and keep everything snug. This will help prevent jostling during transport, especially over speed bumps or rough roads.
- Consider the Route: If you’re driving the moving vehicle yourself, try to choose a route with smooth roads and fewer speed bumps. Take turns slowly and avoid sudden stops to keep your fragile items safe.
Let Smooth Move People Handle the Hard Work
Packing and moving fragile items can be a stressful and time-consuming task. But you don’t have to do it alone. Smooth Move People is here to take care of everything, so you can focus on the other important aspects of your move. Our team of professional movers has the experience and expertise to handle your most delicate items with the utmost care.
When you choose Smooth Move People, you’re choosing peace of mind. We know how to pack, load, and transport fragile items safely, and we offer the guaranteed lowest prices in Portland and the state of Oregon. With us, you won’t have to worry about anything breaking during the move. We’ll make sure your valuable possessions arrive at your new home in perfect condition–and include insurance for all of our moves (as well as offering supplemental insurance).
Our movers are trained to handle every detail, from providing the right packing supplies to carefully loading the truck. We understand that every move is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized service that meets your specific needs. Whether you’re moving across town or just down the street, Smooth Move People is here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
