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Professional movers at Santa Fe Relocation give their top tips for packing fragile items
22 December 2019
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
You're moving? Here are some helpful tips that will save your breakables, and save you time and effort!
A fragile good can be anything from your special china dinnerware to a treasured item that's been passed down the family through generations. It can be a blend of literal treasures such as a valuable antique, an item that has strong sentimental value, or just an everyday household product that might not be worth much money - but doesn't make them any less important.
No one wants those custom champagnes from your wedding day or Great-Granddad's precious memorabilia to get unboxed as shards. When packing for a move or for shipping, bubble wrap and paper alone will not protect your fragile goods from harm. You need to pack like a professional if you ever want it to survive during its trip from here to there.
Moving experts at Santa Fe break down the 6 essential tips and tricks for packing your fragile and precious items.
Scroll down to find everything you need to know to make sure your most special items make it to your new home safe and sound.
1. Separate and identify the special items
Moving fragile and precious items demands more time and attention, so start with identifying these items ahead of time.
Once you know what needs to be specially packed, separate the items and store them all together somewhere safe. It’s important to set aside dedicated time to prepare, pack and label them.
2. Measure and take photos
Before you can decide on packing materials, it’s important to measure any artwork or large pieces that need specialist packing attention. This will help ensure you get the right size and amount of specific packing materials needed. We recommend also taking photos of the items before the move, for your security. These can be used to inform insurance quotes, or as proof should the worst happen, and you need to make a claim.
3. Get the right packing materials
Fragile goods and special pieces require special packing materials. It’s important to invest in good quality bubble wrap, packing paper and padding. Avoid using newspaper as it can leave print marks, and old clothes or blankets as these can slip or rip.
For glassware, lighting and ceramics make sure you wrap each individual item in paper, and then separate the items with bubble wrap. Use the smallest possible box for your items, and for very delicate or special pieces only put one piece per box. Fill any spaces in the box with padding.
Artwork should be wrapped in many layers of wrapping paper, and the corners should be additionally covered with bubble wrap. Then you should properly secure your item using packing blankets and special packing ties.
And finally, no matter what you’re packing, double tape the box! Don’t let all your hard work go to waste – make sure the box is very well secured.
4. Label the boxes
Make sure everything is clearly labelled. Whether you are moving the boxes yourself or having a moving team help out, you need to know which boxes contain your most precious things. The labels will also make sure that these boxes are stored on top of others, and safely secured in place.
5. Get shipping and contents insurance
For extra security make sure you have good contents insurance to protect your things. It’s important to check if this will cover you during the moving process. If not, speak with your moving company about contents and shipping cover. While nothing should happen to your things if they’re packed and transported correctly, it’s good to know that you’re covered financially should the worst happen.
6. Unpacking safely
What you do at the other end is just as important as the packing process. Make sure that you or your removals company careful offload your fragile boxes first. Once inside your new home, place all your fragile items in a safe corner of their intended room, and leave unpacking them until you have set all furniture and big pieces in place.
When it comes to unpacking these items, carefully set the box down on even ground, ensuring the box is the right way up.
For all the help you need with your next move, get in touch with Santa Fe Relocation. Get a free, no-obligation moving quote, or find out about their specialist packing services here.
