Ensuring the safety of your glassware, family heirlooms, china sets, and other delicate items when you’re moving doesn’t have to be a game of chance. Use the following tips to make sure your fragile belongings make it to their new destination intact. They’ll help you enjoy peace of mind on moving day.

5 Tips For Protecting Delicate Items When You’re Moving

1. Use Original Packaging

Work with original boxes for your fragile items if you have them, especially if they come with interior padding. Original packaging conforms to the items they house to keep them safe. You can always add packaging materials to these boxes if you feel the items need more protection.

2. Wrap With Layers

Safeguard delicate pieces by wrapping them in bubble wrap first and then adding a layer of old newspaper, hand towels, paper towels, or packing paper. Never place newspaper directly against your belongings to avoid ink stains, and make certain any towels you use are clean and dry. Add as many layers to each piece as necessary. 

3. Cushion Box Bottoms

Use crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, old pillows, and old towels or blankets to layer the bottom of sturdy cardboard boxes. The cushioning helps absorb impacts to provide even more protection. Depending on what you’re packing, you may want to place bubble wrap or other materials in between the items.

4. Remember to Label

Purchase packing tape featuring the word ‘FRAGILE’ on repeat or write the word in big letters using permanent black marker. Label each box so your moving team knows to handle them with extra care. You may want to keep boxes with fragile items together in one room so they’re added to the moving truck or van last to reduce the chance of damage.

5. Avoid Overfilling

Never pack boxes with fragile items to the brim. Overfilling puts pressure on china, glass, delicate lamp components, and other pieces, which can cause them to crack and break. Instead, leave about an inch of space and fill it with packing materials. Be aware of the weight and strength of the items you’re packing, and adjust the size and contents of each box load accordingly.

Trust the professional movers at Salisbury Moving & Storage with your belongings for a stress-free moving day. Based in Salisbury, NC, this Interstate Commerce Commission-certified company provides local and long-distance moving services as well as climate-controlled storage and packing supplies. Call (704) 638-0723 today to schedule your move or get a free estimate online.