Planning a move? Even if you use a removal company, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of yourself. These include the most fragile of your belongings and things that you consider to be keepsakes or heirlooms. It’s usually best to handle the packing of these items yourself, to be sure you know where they are at all times.
Fragile items do require special care, so here’s how to pack them carefully.
Use small boxes
The bigger the box, the more room there is for things to rattle around, so choose a box that is just large enough for your fragile item and its packaging. This will limit the chances of it breaking in transit.
It’s also essential that you choose a very sturdy box. The thick cardboard that can barely be bent when you press on it is ideal since you don’t want the sides to press in on the fragile things you’ve packed inside. It’s always a good idea to reinforce the boxes you’ve chosen with packing tape on the outside, along with any seams – this should prevent the box from partially collapsing and crushing everything inside it.
Cushion the box
Before you even start packing your item, make sure there is a soft bottom layer in the box. This can be fabric (your clothing or towels make a great lower layer), bubble wrap, or foam. This gives you a soft place to put the items, once they’ve been wrapped.
You can either wrap your fragile items with bubble wrap, foam, cloth, or newsprint, but make sure they are properly surrounded by cushioning. If you have multiple items, such as wine glasses, you can find dividers for these in packing stores.
Be methodical with packing
If you are packing items like vases, glasses, or anything that is hollow, fill them up with crumpled paper to prevent vibrations and keep them from shattering inwards. Do this before wrapping the items in more packaging and then placing them in the boxes.
Be sure to keep your heavier items at the bottom of the box and the lighter things on top You can then fill in any empty spaces with crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or foam packaging materials to prevent shifting. Once you have filled the box and ensured there are no empty spaces, you can seal it with more tape. Mark with a fragile sticker so everyone knows to be careful with the package.
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