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Given the palpable tension and stress of making a move, it is easy to end up messing up with your packing and damaging your fragile belongings during the transition. It is a good idea to plan well in advance and dedicate a reasonable amount of time to packing your breakable crystal, china, porcelain and glassware to ensure that they stay intact and unharmed while you move residences. To make things a tad easier for you, here is a list of useful tips and tricks to packing fragile items for a long move.
Use the right-sized boxes
Unplanned packing can end up causing more trouble than anything. It is important to analyze the dimensions of various breakable items that you need to move and then use the right-sized boxes for packing them. For instance, if the box is too small for the item, a part of the latter might end up bulging out of the lid, exposing it to the dangers of potential damage. Also, using a carton that is too big for your items will create loose packaging that will allow free unbalanced movement of your valuables around the box causing them to crack or scrape.
Different wrapping styles for different items
The different types of fragile items must be packed in different wrapping styles to minimize the effects of any possible impacts during shipping. For instance, while breakable glasses must be individually wrapped with packing paper and filled with crumpled paper on the inside as well, speciality items with irregular edges such as washbasins or planters must be rolled inside lots of bubble wrap that has been secured with tape. Massive picture frames must be wrapped with plastic sheets and secured in specially designed moving blankets to eliminate chances of damage. If there is a particularly valuable family heirloom or an expensive mirror, you might want to consider creating the item for additional protection. While packing dishes, you must ensure to place the individual pieces vertically on their sides and incorporate abundant paper padding both on the edges as well between the pieces. Dish barrel cartons are a good choice if you have loads of fine china that needs moving.
Consider the cushioning material
Before placing the items within their respective boxes, you must make sure to line the latter with adequate cushioning material to secure a snug packaging. You must make sure that the cushioning material does not get compressed under the weight of the item and is able to provide proper protection in case of a fall or jerk. Also, it is important to ensure that the cushioning material is able to resist multiple impacts and restore its shock absorption capability effectively. If the items are to be shipped via air or placed in a room that is not temperature or humidity controlled, you might want to ensure that your cushioning material is able to withstand the changes in humidity, temperature and air pressure. Some of the commonly used cushioning materials include high quality graded paper, corrugated fiberboard pads, bubble wraps and polystyrene foam. The idea is to fill up the voids within the box so as to ensure that your item sits snugly in its position and does not jiggle about within the carton. Proper cushioning is also helpful in minimizing the effects and shocks of falls or other major impacts during the transition.
Ensure adequate labelling
An unlabelled box containing fragile items can eventually end up being shoved or manhandled during the shipping process. You must ensure to properly label your boxes with the name and number of items placed within. Also, the carton must have a conspicuous arrow pointing towards the opening lid to ensure that the movers do not inadvertently place the box upside down and damage the contents. You must also ensure to display a prominently visible sign saying ‘Fragile’ on at least two of the four sides of the carton as a cautionary warning for handling its contents during the transition.
Ensure proper protection for electronic appliances
All electronic items including television sets, ovens, washing machines, refrigerators and the like come with exclusive safety packaging provided by the manufacturer. It is a good idea to save the original padding or bracing material including any corner blocks, clamshells, moulded pulp, endcaps and the like which might be useful in packing your valuable appliances for a move.
A smart and eco-friendly approach to packing fragile items for a move is incorporating ‘green’ cartons made of recyclable material such as pulp or using foam peanuts that are produced from biodegradable plant starch or recycled polystyrene. Also, you can save your cushioning materials or any spare packaging boxes for future use instead of tossing them away in the bin.