During a house removal, several fragile and valuable items have to be moved. It is necessary to understand that these items need additional care and attention when they are being packed. There’s no point in rushing with the packing of fragile items because this will only result in damage. You could use the help of removal companies such as UKDAR to help with your house relocation and packing services, particularly with fragile items. Regardless, if you want to do the full packing yourself, here is a brief guide on how to pack fragile items when moving homes in London.
To begin with, you must put aside all fragile and expensive items to one section when packing for your move. This is because packed fragile items should be loaded last in the vehicle to avoid them colliding with other boxes while being transported. Also, at the new location, keep these boxes separately and unpack them with utmost care.
Arranging your belongings in the removal van is important and can be the critical decision for a successful relocation. When it comes to delicate items that cannot be fixed or replaced, there is no second chance. Hence it is a good idea to use protective layers of packaging materials for the inner and outer layers of the box. Also, if you want to make your boxes strong, use sturdy containers from professional removal companies instead of cardboard boxes.
Now let us look at fragile items in detail and study the specific ways of packing each item.
Is There a Specific Way to Pack Fragile Items?
Glasses, Cups, and Bowls
Glass chips and breaks easily – which is why they must be kept away from other large pieces of furniture and appliances. If there isn’t enough padding and a suitable box, even the slightest knock will damage glassware.
- Use a small or medium-sized box, depending on the size of your tableware.
- Layer the box with paper or cloth to cushion the edges and walls.
- Use layers of bubble wrap for the glasses, both inside and outside the item.
- Start packing from the edges to the middle of the box and place the tableware separately into the box; cups and bowls of the same shape should be towered one on top of the other.
- Use plenty of paper to fill gaps inside the box to make sure no two items are touching because even minor contact inside the box can cause glass objects to crack.
- When your box is packed and ready to be moved, be sure to place it on top of a stack of boxes. DO NOT keep anything heavy on it.
Plates
The main thing to keep in mind when packing plates and other special china crockery is to use packaging materials that don’t stick to the surface of the pieces, this is because a small impact in the wrong place can crack the plate.
- Use small boxes or medium-sized boxes.
- Packing paper or cloth towels should be used for packing plates.
- Start with the biggest plate and continue to smaller ones.
- Wrap and fold the edges around the plate, just like you are wrapping a present.
- Stack plates in an upright position as this gives maximum strength.
- Once again, be generous on the packaging inside the box – use crumpled paper to fill up the gaps.
Lampshades
- Use extra tall boxes, based on the height of your lamp.
- Reinforce the bottom of the box with plenty of packing tape to make it firm.
- Keep a soft cloth on the bottom of the empty box.
- Disassemble your lamp – bulb, shade, cords, etc.
- Use layers of bubble wrap for the base and sides of the lamp, and secure it with tape.
- The lamp should be placed on the box with base down.
- Fill the box and gaps with cloth or packing paper. Do not put any other fragile items inside.
Picture Frames and Mirrors
- Use small boxes or medium-sized boxes.
- Wrap each item three times, like a six-pointed star.
- Add plenty of tape and wrap again like a present.
- Pack vertically in the box and fill gaps with paper or cloth.
Irregularly shaped items
- Figure out the most vulnerable part and begin from there.
- Use bubble wrap and make sure every part is covered with at least two layers of bubble wrap.
- Secure it well with tape.
- Be creative and make your own box by covering the entire item with pieces of cardboard and wrapping it very tightly with tape.
Packing Tips:
- Do not mix plates, tableware, frames, and other fragile items in one packing box. This will only make labeling more confusing and unpacking will be difficult.
- DO NOT forget to label the boxes as FRAGILE.
- If at any point, you are in doubt, do get in touch with professional fragile removal companies for their packing services and to assist you with the move – leaving you in peace of mind.
What are the best packaging materials for fragile items?
- Packing boxes: firm cartons that accommodate the items tightly.
- Airbags: to fill u gaps left by items; particularly useful for sharp items.
- Packing tape
- Bubble Wrap: makes sure no shock reaches fragile items
- Corrugated inserts: for extra stability.
- Form-in bag: an appropriate density for your items.
Moving checklist
When moving homes, you have to balance your work life and taking care of your family, while also organizing everything for the move. This is why it is best to plan well in advance; beginning with a checklist for each item you need to do. A moving checklist will be the blueprint to ensure a successful relocation. This list will also be like a timeline that highlights when each task needs to be completed. For the timeline, move backward from relocation day to the present day – you can then calculate exactly how many weeks are left. The earlier you start, the more leeway is possible in your timeline to tackle and rectify minor issues that come up.
