6 Tips for Packing Fragile Items for a Household Move

Moving your fragile belongings to a new house or apartment can be stressful since there is always worry about breaking a valuable or sentimental item. The good news is you can significantly reduce the chances of breakage by adequately packing your fragile items in preparation for your household move.

1. Wrap Items Individually

You can protect your fragile items by wrapping them individually. This way, you avoid the risk of belongings accidentally bumping into one another and cracking or shattering. FedEx recommends using a minimum of 3” thickness of air-cellular cushioning material when packing fragile things. Also, plan to fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or paper, or use dishtowels or other small cloth if you’re looking to make a green eco-friendly move.

2. Choose the Right Box

Choose a box that not only holds your item snugly but makes sure it is sturdy enough to hold your belonging’s weight. Ideally, you want a strong moving carton that leaves a little space to accommodate cushioning material, such as packing paper or bubble wrap, to protect your items further.

3. Pack Lightly in Boxes

You’ll need to be extra careful with items such as dishes, china, crystal, porcelain, or glass. After individually wrapping your things, pack like-items together and use the smallest box that fits your needs. You want to actively avoid packing fragile items in heavy boxes because this increases the risk of dropping or a box breaking under too much pressure. If you can, place smaller individual boxes with breakables into a larger, sturdy box, making sure you put the heaviest items on the bottom.

4. Include Extra Padding

Pack breakable items with extra padding. Adding extra padding includes cushioning the bottom of the box with a towel, blanket, or several crumpled sheets of packing paper. Also, place extra padding between layers and stuff open items, such as glasses, jars, and vases, with paper or linens to further protect them. Use dividers where possible as well.

5. Tape Boxes Carefully

Dishes and glassware tend to get pretty heavy, so secure the bottom and sides of your boxes with extra packing tape to ensure they don’t split at the seams. Use generous amounts of tape to strengthen your box’s integrity and ensure it can handle the weight of any heavier fragile items. Experts often recommend using the “H tape” method.

6. Label Boxes With Fragile Items

When sealing boxes containing fragile items, boldly mark each “fragile.” This way, anyone handling the box will know precisely how to carry it and pack it into the truck or other vehicle for transport. In addition, a black Sharpie marker or packing tape with a “fragile” label will make it clear the items inside the box or container are breakables.

Ready to Plan Your Next Move?

Moving valuable or cherished items, such as antiques, china, crystal stemware, or family heirlooms, can be stressful. However, by taking just a few extra steps in the packing process, you can safely preserve your cherished items and have them arrive in your new place fully intact.

Are you looking to plan your upcoming move? We can help! Contact us today to obtain a free quote or learn more about our packing services.