Published: February 01, 2024

A Guide to Packing Fragile Items for Your Move

Moving can be a stressful experience, but it becomes even more daunting when you have fragile items to transport. Whether it’s delicate china, valuable artwork, or sentimental heirlooms, packing fragile items requires extra care and attention to ensure they arrive at your new home in one piece. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to pack your fragile items for your move.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start packing, gather all the necessary packing supplies. You’ll need:

• High-quality packing boxes in various sizes
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Packing tape
• Packing peanuts or foam cushioning
• Dish or glass divider kits (for fragile kitchenware)
• Marker for labeling boxes
• Scissors and a box cutter

Having the right supplies at hand will make the packing process much smoother.

Start With a Plan:

Create a packing plan by identifying all the fragile items you’ll be moving. Make a list and categorize them by their level of fragility and size. This will help you determine how many boxes and packing materials you’ll need.

Wrap Individual Items:

Wrap each fragile item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. For delicate items like glassware or ceramics, wrap them several times to provide extra protection. Make sure to secure the wrapping with packing tape so it doesn’t come undone during transit.

Use Proper Boxes:

Select sturdy, appropriately sized boxes for your fragile items. It’s best to use boxes specifically designed for fragile items, such as dish or glass divider kits. If you don’t have these, reinforce the bottoms of your boxes with extra packing tape to prevent them from breaking.

Layering and Padding:

Place a layer of packing peanuts or foam cushioning at the bottom of each box. Then, arrange your wrapped items in the box, ensuring they fit snugly but aren’t too tightly packed. Fill any gaps with more packing peanuts or cushioning to prevent shifting during the move.

Labeling:

Label each box containing fragile items with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.” Be sure to mark which side is up so everyone is aware of the correct orientation. Additionally, consider noting the contents of the box for easy identification.

Packing Plates and Dishes:

When packing plates and dishes, stand them on the edge of the box rather than stacking them flat. Place a layer of padding or bubble wrap between each plate, and don’t forget to add cushioning at the bottom and top of the box. This technique distributes the weight more evenly.

Packing Glassware:

For glassware, wrap each piece individually and stuff the inside with packing paper or bubble wrap. Place them in the box vertically, and add more cushioning around and between them. Ensure there is enough padding at the top to protect against potential impacts.

Secure the Box:

Once your fragile items are securely packed, seal the box with packing tape. Reinforce all seams and edges to prevent the box from coming apart during transit. Give the box a gentle shake to make sure nothing rattles or shifts inside.

Packing fragile items for a move requires careful planning and attention to detail. With the right supplies and proper techniques, you can ensure your fragile possessions arrive at your new home safely. Remember to take your time, label your boxes, and communicate about the fragile items to your helpers to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of damage to your cherished belongings during the relocation process.

For more information and help with the move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Greenville or give us a call at (864) 214-3340.