Moving is stressful enough without worrying if your breakable items will make it to your destination in one piece. Fortunately, there are tactics you can take when packing to increase the chances of a safe arrival. The following tips will help.
Tip #1: Invest in proper padding
A few sheets of newspaper won't be enough to keep your breakables safe. Bubble wrap or paper padding – which is a layer of bubble wrap enclosed in two thick sheets of brown paper – can go a long way toward protecting items. Line the bottom a box with a sheet or two to cushion items from below, then top the box with a few more sheets for further protection and to prevent items from shifting.
Tip #2: Upgrade the boxes
The right type of boxes are a must. Sturdy boxes in good repair and properly taped so the bottoms don't give out can prevent breakage. For items that are in standard sizes, like glasses or dishware, invest in boxes with built in dividers to prevent the items from rattling around in transport.
Tip #3: Be mindful of nesting
Nesting items inside each other may take up less space, but it can lead to breakage. It's better to wrap each item individually and fill any extra space, like inside glasses, with bubble wrap rather than try to stick a smaller glass inside. If you must nest, such as with bowls, then make sure each is first wrapped individually.
Tip #4: Package properly
Breakable items should never be able to shift around inside the box. Before taping it up, make sure any empty space has packing materials shoved inside to keep it from shifting. Then, tape the box closed securely and label the top of the box so it remains upright. Finally, make sure it is clearly marked as fragile.
Tip #5: Mind the stack
Finally, be careful during unloading and unpacking. Breakable items should never end up on the bottom of a stack of boxes. Instead, try not to stack them at all or stack the boxes no more than two deep. Place the boxes in an area where they won't be tripped over or used as temporary chairs or tables when you are unpacking. When you do start to unpack, unwrap carefully and only remove one item from the box at a time.
For more help or to hire professionals to pack for you, contact local moving companies
Have you ever thought about how much you needed to store on a regular basis? About six months ago, I became absolutely overwhelmed with the sight of how much we had in our basement. It was really discouraging to see, but before we knew it, we were concerned about animals and things starting on fire. I knew that we had to repack everything and get rid of some stuff, just to be able to make things right. I learned the art of moving and storage, and I wanted to teach other people too. Check out this blog to find out how you can store a little smarter.