Packing for a move can be a very stressful process. This is especially true if you have fragile items that you are scared to pack. Packing fragile items can be difficult, but it certainly is possible to transport breakable belongings without damaging them. Chances are, you have moved only a few times in your life, or maybe you are planning your first-ever move. But, our team at Fixed Price Movers has been helping people move successfully for over 15 years, so we definitely have some tricks up our sleeve. Read on to find out some tips from our team on how to efficiently pack fragile items without damaging them.
1. Prepare before you start
Packing is going to take you much longer than you expect. According to calculations from our team, a small 2-3 bedroom home is going to take you around six days to pack. And this only applies if you are planning the entire day and do nothing else. If you want to do some work in between, make your own meals, take some breaks and so on you must take more time into account. Always make sure you are setting aside enough time to pack adequately. It is much better to pack and have extra time left over, then to be stressed because your moving day is approaching too fast. So many problems can arise while you are packing, such as running out of supplies, and when you have enough time to resolve them, you won’t have any issues.
Before you start, you should also try to plan out how you are going to pack your fragile items. Collect all these items in one place so you can visually understand how many supplies you are going to need. Try to research to see if you can find any specific instructions for a particular fragile item you own.
2. Don’t Overpack
Packing supplies are designed for a specific weight, and just because you can stuff more things inside doesn’t mean you should. You shouldn’t rely on the boxes to hold any extra weight. Boxes that are overstuffed are very likely to be punctured or fall apart on the way to your new home. Overstuffed boxes can also be way too heavy to carry and cause many problems during the move. If you feel like you need to many boxes, try to find larger boxes. These boxes come in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that most suits your needs. Our team at Fixed Price Movers has prepared a tool to help you with this. On our site, you can purchase ready-made packing kits. These will vary according to how many belongings you are planning to move, and will include all the supplies you are going to need. You can also purchase individual packing supplies if you need some extra things.
But you should also not packing enough belongings in your boxes. When there is too much space between items, it may lead to them crashing against each other during the move. Never leave enough space for your belongings to move around freely.
3. Protect your items
When you are packing fragile belongings, it is crucial that you use some extra material for protection. Stock up on packing materials to fill in the spaces between your items. You can use packing peanuts and other materials to fill spaces. To add some extra protection, purchase bubble wrap and wrap your belongings in it. If you don’t want to purchase too many packing items, you can use some of your thick clothing to fill in these spaces.
4. Secure your electronics
Your fragile electronics are probably some of your most valuable possessions, so it is vital you pack them correctly. Try to find the original packing that may be lying around somewhere in the house and use these for packing. If you can’t, look for boxes that fit the size of the electronics, use bubble wrap and other materials to fit the spaces. You should also back up your devices to a small hard drive or another drive in the case of any accidents happening. Make sure you wrap the wires correctly and not twist them enough to damage them. A good tip is to take a picture of your device setup so you can quickly figure out the wiring at your new home.
5. Wrap Cardboard Around Special Items
This may seem weird at first but is actually a very helpful tip. Some items you own may be large and have an odd shape, so it may be difficult to find boxes that will properly fit these items. In these cases, you are going to need some special improvisation. First, you must wrap this item in a generous layer of thick bubble wrap. Make sure all the ends are also covered well. Then, put this item on a piece of pliable cardboard and fold it until the ends meet. If the cardboard doesn’t cover it fully, you can add some additional cardboard pieces on top and bend it until you feel it is adequate. Once you see that it is fully covered, use tape to wrap the item. Use a very generous amount, and don’t go easy on the taping. Try to wrap the entire item using tape. Your “package” should be secure enough so that there is no chance that the object will slip out during the move.
Packing takes some time and planning, but it shouldn’t stress you out too much. Try to splurge on packing supplies, because you are going to need a generous amount to safely transport your fragile items. Be sure that you have set aside a good amount of time to pack properly and resolve any issues that may arise. When your acquaintances offer you help, don’t immediately deny. Having your friends over can help move the process along a lot. It will and give you a little break from the stress of packing alone. Once you start packing, the process will go along like a breeze. So what are you waiting for, start planning!