Packing Tips for the Most Fragile Items

Ahhhhh! Finally! The move is completed and the final tasks of unpacking all of those boxes await you. As you begin unpacking you come across a box marked fragile and peel back the tape to look
inside only to be devastated. Your box of beautiful stemware has now become a box of broken glass to add to your craft closet for a rainy day. While making a glass mosaic might be fun, you still wish your beautiful stemware had made the move in one piece. While there is no such thing as a full proof way to get fragile items safely from one location to another, the way items are packed can greatly increase the success of moving fragile items and making your move a happier one.
Regardless of the type of item you are packing, there are a few ground rules that apply to packing all fragile items. Your moving company can be a great resource for tips on packing items that are easily broken.
Preparing your box and  Work space
Safe handling and packing of fragile items begins with the box they are packed into and the work space they are packed on. Make sure you have a work space free of excess items and with all packing supplies readily available. It is also important to make sure you pack fragile items on the ground to reduce rick of scratches and drops.
The box for your fragile items should be a thick and sturdy moving box for added protection. It can also be beneficial to pack your items in a smaller box before placing them in the moving box. To prepare your moving box, be sure to secure with extra tape along the seams. Then place a few layers of crumpled up packing paper to give your items cushion. Once your boxes are packed, be sure to use a few layers of tape to close your boxes. Finally, mark the boxes as FRAGILE so the movers are aware to handle these boxes with extra care.
Bubble Wrap versus Tissue (or Packing) Paper
The type of item you are packing is largely the determining factor when choosing bubble wrap or tissue paper. For items such as stemware, tissue or packing paper is the best choice. When packing stemware and similar items, it is best to use a box with individual dividers, or purchase a divider insert for your box. This allows each item to be stuffed and individually wrapped with tissue paper and secured, so the items don’t come into contact in transit.
Bubble wrap is the best option for your larger and bulkier fragile items. Wrapping your item in bubble wrap, and then an additional layer of pliable cardboard is the best option to keep your item safe. Be sure to secure your bubble wrap layer, and then cardboard layer with extra tape to be sure it stays intact during the move to properly protect your item.
The Easy Way
The best way to ensure safe travels for your fragile items is to let the professionals handle the packing. Your moving company will have the materials and know how to give your items the care that is needed to get safely to their new home. However, if you choose to pack yourself, the tips listed above will give your items the best chance at avoiding damage.
Moving is tough, especially when you have fragile or sentimental items in tow. Taking the extra moment to properly pack and/or choose a mover to pack for you can make all the difference in your move. There is nothing more relieving than opening your boxes in your new home to find that everything has made it safely. Pack smart and Happy Moving!