From time to time, items can be damaged during the moving process. Whether it’s due to a slip, jolt or poorly packed box, when stuff is getting picked up and jostled around these things are going to happen. That’s not a comforting statement considering that many fragile items are often your nearest and dearest belongings.
When packing up your stuff, understand that it’s your job to pack your delicate items securely, experienced movers can only do so much. Without following specific packing requirements, it’s more likely your beautiful china serving dish will turn into a dish puzzle.
Follow these 5 important steps when carefully packing your fragile items before a move.
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Before you get started, you need to gather all the packing materials. When you’re dealing with fragile stuff, you want quality materials to ensure these items aren’t exposed to breaking. Don’t just rely on balled up wads of newspaper! When it comes to boxes, you want something small and compact. Make sure you’ve purchased moving boxes with a box certificate.
If you’re dealing with bigger items like artwork or picture frames, you can purchase specialized boxes meant for certain fragile and expensive items.
Other materials you need include:
- Packing tape
- Fragile and local labels
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Scissors
- Markers
2. Carefully Wrap
Wrap your items in packing paper and bubble wrap. This insulates your delicate belongings, creating less of the chance of cracks, scratches, chips and any other damage you can imagine. Each fragile item must be wrapped individually. Paying special attention to sharp corners or vulnerable pieces. Wrapping a few items together may save you time, but it can cost you in damages if items are not properly individually protected.
3. Fill Box With Cushioning
Oddly shaped items like vases and dishes leave empty space within small boxes. Without bubble wrap or packing paper filling up the box, your delicate items are at risk of shifting around and breaking. Add bubble wrap or towels into areas where there are large gaps between the item and the side of the box. Stuff paper into areas with smaller gaps.
Once you’ve added cushioning to the interior of the box, be sure the box is completely secure with tape from top to bottom. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the box; we suggest adding additional lines of tape to keep the bottom from opening.
4. Label Your Box
Don’t forget to label your boxes! This is a step that can easily be forgotten but is one of the most crucial. Labels communicate to movers what’s in the box, how to handle it and how to secure it in the moving van. Without the proper labels, your fragile items are in danger.
5. Pack Boxes Carefully
This is a process that requires patience and time. Don’t try and rush this. Speeding through this packing process can result in accidents, whether you miss a step or break something in the chaos. Take your time and don’t leave this to the last minute!
We understand moving can be overwhelming; that’s why it’s important to trust this job with experienced moving companies. At Cassidy’s, our team of hardworking movers ensures your home is moved with care and security.
If you’re looking to move in Canada or around the world, give us a call at 613-836-4225 or request a quote online.
