Packing Fragile Items

Packing Fragile Items

Fragiles are some of the hardest items to pack. From ornaments to dishes, antiques, photos and lights, you'll need to consider what you're packing, and how best to transport them.

Large photos, framed items and paintings other wall based items are easiest wrapped in bubble-wrap and then placed carefully in a safe place – they'll need to be monitored carefully when moving, as anything falling against them could cause serious damage, tear or break them.

By far and away, the most awkward items to move are computer monitors and TV are the hardest to move – unless you've kept their boxes, you'll find it very difficult to either fit them into a box that you have acquired, or find that you need the boxes for other things. These can be wrapped in sheets or dust covers and placed, with padding around them, in the van once the boxes are in. Most removal companies bind layers to stop them from shifting or falling, so you can secure your monitors, and computers in the same way.

Fragile items, such as ornaments and dishes can go in polystyrene bead lined boxes, or be packed in bubble wrap, but its important to remember that this will cut down on the volume of the items you can fit into the box, and its still no guarantee that they will survive the move.

Careful packing does minimize the risk of things being broken, but one of the only ways to actually ensure that you have no breakages whilst moving is to take them with you, or, if hiring a firm, allowing them to pack.

Newspaper is a great buffer item, but remember, the ink may rub off when you're in transit, giving you another chore at the other end. You can get white “newsprint” paper from most box suppliers, which is considered to be best for packing and wrapping fragiles.

Five Top Packing Tips

Five Top Packing Tips

1) Boxes are a staple for moving because they are usually quite regular sized, easy to carry and if taped together correctly, rarely fall apart. Regular sizes are important for maximizing your van space and ensuring you're not wasting areas in your transport that could otherwise be filled. On the flip side, bags can be compressed anywhere! It is possible however for bags to be mistaken for rubbish.

2) Bags are good for items like clothing, and bedding, and when you've ran out of boxes to pack anything. Teddies and soft toys work well in bags - edged objects, or items that are likely to be too heavy to carry in a plastic bag would probably work better in boxes. Bags also work well with linens.

3) Whilst packing, it’s important to maximize space - and pack your biggest objects first, and fill space around them. Books are easiest to pack, odd shaped, awkward items such as ornaments and other items are the worst to pack, and both types should go in boxes, as should dishes and other objects that are considered fragile.

4) Mark all boxes and bags (if you can) carefully - it makes them easier to find things in, and to sort into rooms without having to break them open. This will all help in your new house. Always remember to mark bags you're using for belongings clearly so that they don't get mistaken for rubbish - or buy completely different bags for your rubbish and your belongings.

5) While it may only take you a couple of weeks to pack, it can take eight weeks - or MORE to unpack at the other end - so though you're 'just boxing items up for a couple of days' remember that you may not find it for up to two months, or perhaps more.

Moving - Packing Materials and Packing Tips

In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Purchase sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts from moving companies and truck rental firms. Supplement with crumpled paper, blankets and pillows. Even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.

Keep the following packing supplies on-hand: boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper, tape, scissors and a tape measure.

Keep them to 50 lbs or less. Put heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in big boxes.

Pack non-breakables tightly in smaller boxes so they are not too heavy.

Use clean newspapers to wrap items and bubble wrap for padding.

Pack breakables loosely in plastic storage bins with lots of bubble wrap.

Rent furniture pads.

Mark your boxes by room so you know exactly where everything goes. Use color coding or a numbering system, such as blue stickers for your son's bedroom or the number 1 for kitchen items.

Use your towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.

Write "FRAGILE" on all the ones containing breakables and stack these on top.

Purchase boxes specifically designed for certain household items, such as wardrobe boxes.

Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. Tape any removed screws to the objects they were removed from.

Pack books tightly in small boxes. If they smell musty, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave the books stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

Clean rugs and draperies before moving and leave them in the wrappings for the move.

Pack medicine and medications in a leak-proof container.

Carry all valuables with you.

Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations on moving plants from one state to another since some states have restrictions in an effort to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

Packing for a move using a good technique and the right materials can mean an easier move and fewer broken items!

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find moving and relocation tips and resources http://movingandrelocation.myguidesusa.com

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