Moving is an exciting time, but it can also be very stressful.
Most of your belongings, such as clothing, bedding and towels, will be fine in a box. Some of your stuff, such as your everyday dishes and knickknacks, will need a bit of packing paper to make the trip safely. A small percent of your possessions, such as heirloom pieces and delicate treasures, require extra attention during packing to ensure their safety during the trip.
Here are a few tips for moving your precious items safely, from professional specialty movers.
How to Pack Delicate Valuables for the Big Move
Purchase the right packing materials
Buy quality bubble wrap, packing paper, sturdy boxes, packing peanuts and tape to keep your valuables safe – using cheap materials may increase the risk of breakage.
Assess the item
Consider its size, shape, and weight when choosing a box and packing material. Determine what features of the item are most likely to break during the move.
Wrap precious items individually
Using a piece of new bubble wrap or packing paper, loosely wrap each fragile item separately. Avoid wrapping fragile items too tightly, as the tension may increase the risk of cracking or breakage. Apply tape when necessary. Consider adding a second layer of protection, such as taping pieces of pliable cardboard around the item.
Insert styrofoam plates in between fine china plates
Put a styrofoam plate in between each plate, and then wrap a stack with wrapping paper.
Pad the top and bottom of the box
Put a layer of padding on the bottom of the box. The box will likely be picked up and put down several times during the move; padding the bottom of the box helps absorb the shock the box endures. Adding a layer of padding at the top protects valuables when the boxes are stacked on top of one another.
Put heaviest items in the bottom of the boxes
Put the heaviest items in first and the lightest items in last to balance the box. Packing the box in this way prevents it from being top-heavy and prone to falling.
Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts/foam
Leave enough space between items in the box. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts/foam or clean wrapping paper.
Label the boxes with “Fragile” stickers
Apply bright red stickers that say “Fragile” to the box.
Hire specialty movers to pack your most valuable and delicate possessions
Hire specialty movers, or moving professionals that already have the best packing materials and techniques to ensure the safe transport of your valuables.
For more information on moving precious items, or to hire specialty movers to make sure your items get where they are going safely and in one piece, contact A.C. White Relocations.