Packing Fragile Items During a Move

When it comes to packing fragile items, you certainly want to take extra precaution. It takes more than just a little extra bubble wrap. Here are a few tips to help you with packing those fragile items before you move.

• Have a Plan

When you're packing up crystal, breakable items, porcelain and other fragile items, you need to have a plan. Preparation will allow you to have the right supplies to help you pack the item.

• Pack Plates Properly

When you pack your plates, you should pack them in small to medium sized boxes. Pack them vertically and use crumpled packing paper on the top and bottom. Wrap all the plates in bubble wrap and tape them before packing them. Make sure you don't over pack a box with plates.

• Glasses Should be Packed Carefully

Wrapping glasses in packing paper individually will go a long way to protecting them. You want to line a small to medium box with crumpled paper and use the crumpled paper to fill in any space in the box. Layer the paper around the glasses and keep the heaviest items on the bottom of the box.

• Pictures and Frames Should be Packed Standing

When you pack pictures and frames, you want to use a small to medium box. Just like plates, you want to pack them vertically with crumpled paper in between each frame or picture. Frames should be wrapped with packing paper to ensure they stay safe. If your picture is more than three feet in size, a moving blanket and plastic wrap can be used to protect it.

• Packing Other Fragile Items

Using plenty of wrapping paper, bubble wrap and tape is always a good thing. When packing fragile items you don't want to take any chances. You want to use the right type of supplies and methods for each item. If you're not sure how to pack the item, talk to your moving company. They can pack it for you or at least give you a few tips.

• Mark All Fragile Items

If you pack an item and it's fragile, mark the box as fragile. Use large letters and a bold color. Don't be afraid to mark the box in more than one place and use fragile stickers on the box.

Fragile items need to be protected. If you want to make sure all your most fragile objects are packed correctly, hire a moving company to pack your fragile items.

How To Pack For Movers

When it's time to pack up your home and move to a new location, you need to know how to pack for your movers. Hiring a professional moving company will go a very long way to making the move easier. Here are a few tips to help with packing for movers before moving day.

• Know What Your Movers will Move and What they Won't Move

While professional movers will move just about anything, there are some items they cannot transport due to safety issues. This may include liquids, paints and household chemicals. There are other items they may not move due to liability reasons, such as medicine, pets, food, important papers and photographs. Make sure you know what your movers will and will not move for you.

• Create a Plan for Packing

Hiring professional movers means you may have them pack and unpack some of your things. Make sure you choose which things they will be responsible for and what you will be responsible for. In addition, make sure you have a plan for which rooms you will pack firs and which ones will be last. It's always a good idea to have a bag or a box of essentials you pack last.

• Stock up on Packing Supplies

Your moving company will likely sell boxes and supplies you can use for packing. Often, they have boxes for specific items, such as TVs, dishes and other common items. Make sure you have plenty of boxes, bubble wrap and tape on hand.

Don't Make Boxes Too Heavy

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when packing for movers is to make the boxes too heavy. They could struggle to pick them up or the box could break when they do. Use smaller boxes for small and heavy items, such as books. These smaller boxes will be easier to carry because they won't be so heavy.

When you're getting ready to move, packing for your movers is very important. Make sure you check with your moving company as they can give you more pointers and tips for how they prefer you pack for their crew.