How to pack fragile items for storage

Moving home can often feel like a stressful ordeal, and if you’ve got a house full of delicate items then it becomes more difficult. Your fragile items need extra care and consideration to keep them safe during the move. But how exactly should you go about it?

Today we will walk you through the steps on how to pack fragile items for storage, ensuring that everything from your antique china to your state-of-the-art sound system arrives at your new home intact.

Preparing your fragile items

Proper planning when moving home is key to protecting your goods, especially your fragile ones. Rushing through packing might seem tempting, especially when you’re juggling a thousand other tasks.

However, the extra time you spend preparing will pay dividends when you unpack your items unscathed at your new place.  This all starts with having the right packing equipment when packing your items.

Packaging supplies needed for fragile items

Before you start wrapping, you need to ensure you’ve got the right packaging equipment at your disposal. Here’s what you’ll need to pack fragile items for storage:

1. Packing paper or newspaper: Ideal for wrapping smaller items and providing an extra layer of protection.
2. Bubble wrap: The MVP of packing supplies, it cushions and protects your fragile items during transit.
3. Sturdy cardboard boxes: Choose double-walled versions for added strength.
4. Packing tape: Use generously to secure your boxes.
5. Permanent marker: You’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to find your kitchenware amidst a sea of identical boxes.

With all of your packing supplies ready you will want to start packing your items with plenty of time before your big move, this way you can take your time when packaging your delicate items such as your plates.

How to package your plates.

Many people naturally stack plates flat inside a box, mimicking how they're often stored in kitchen cupboards. While this might seem intuitive, it's actually one of the most common pitfalls when it comes to packing.

Stacking plates horizontally places a tremendous amount of weight on the plates at the bottom of the stack. Any impact or harsh movement during transit could easily result in those under pressure cracking or breaking. It's a risk not worth taking.

Contrary to the standard horizontal stacking, the safest way to pack your plates for moving is to stack them vertically in the box, much like vinyl records in a crate.

But before you start stacking, remember to wrap each plate individually. This can be done using packing paper, newspaper, or even bubble wrap for extra delicate or valuable pieces.

Take the time to wrap the plate completely, securing the packing material with a bit of tape to prevent it from unravelling. By wrapping your plates individually, you're providing an added layer of protection against possible chipping or cracking during the move.

Once you've wrapped your plates, stack them vertically in a sturdy, appropriately sized box. This helps distribute the weight evenly across each plate's surface, drastically reducing the likelihood of breakages.

Make sure to fill any gaps within the box with crushed paper, packing peanuts, or extra bubble wrap. This minimises the plates' movement inside the box during transport, reducing the risk of damage caused by plates knocking against each other.

Also, remember that 'top' and 'bottom' can easily get lost in the chaos of moving. To ensure your vertically packed plates aren't inadvertently flipped and damaged, clearly label your box as 'This Way Up'.  This sends a clear message to anyone handling the box that it requires careful handling and needs to stay in the correct orientation.

Lastly, don't overpack your box. A lighter box is easier to handle, reducing the chances of an accidental drop.  Packaging plates can be challenging but glassware can be too.

How to pack glassware

Much like plates, glasses require individual attention when it comes to packing. Each glass, be it a wine goblet or a simple water glass, should be wrapped individually.

You can use packing paper, newspaper, or bubble wrap for this task. Ensure the wrapping material covers the entire glass, paying particular attention to the stem and base in stemmed glassware, which are particularly prone to breaking. Secure the wrapping with a piece of tape to keep it in place.

When packing glasses, always place them in an upright position. This is the same way they sit on your kitchen shelf, and it's the most natural and stable position for them.

Packing glasses upright also helps distribute the weight evenly across the item, reducing the risk of breakage. This method of packing also makes it easier for you to fill the empty space inside the box later, ensuring your glasses are snug and secure.

Compartment boxes, also known as dish packs or cell kits, can be a glassware game-changer. These boxes come with individual cells for each glass, providing added protection and keeping them from knocking against each other during transit.

These types of boxes are especially useful for packing valuable or delicate glasses, such as crystal stemware or unique cocktail glasses. The extra investment in these boxes can pay off by saving you from the heartbreak of unwrapping a broken piece.

While wrapping the outside of the glass is crucial, don't forget about the inside. Stuffing the inside of the glass with crumpled paper can provide an extra layer of support, especially for taller glasses with a higher centre of gravity.

This simple, yet effective trick helps resist pressure and shocks from the outside, making your glasses more resilient during the move.  Also be sure to stack heavier glasses at the bottom of your carboard boxes while putting the lighter glasses at the top.

Glasses and plates are difficult items to move but you may also have ornaments and decorations that are fragile too.

Handling Ornaments and Decorations

Packing ornaments can be a tricky endeavour due to their unique shapes and sizes. Start by wrapping each piece individually in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to protruding elements. If you can, disassemble larger items and pack each part separately.

Use smaller boxes for heavier items, and remember to fill in any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement during transit.

Dealing with Delicate Electronics

The original packaging is the best place for electronics during a move. If you don't have it, wrap the item in bubble wrap, then place it in a box slightly larger than the item itself. Fill the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper for added cushioning.

Remember to back up any important files before the move and to remove any batteries to avoid leaks during storage.

Safeguarding Delicate Furniture

Delicate furniture, like antiques, require special care. Consider professional packing services if the item is particularly valuable.

To do it yourself, remove any detachable parts and wrap them separately. Cover the item with moving blankets or furniture pads, securing them with moving straps or plastic wrap.

Packaging tips for delicate items.

When it comes to packing for a move, you may think that filling each box is the most efficient strategy. However, this isn't true.

Overloading your boxes may seem like a space-saving solution, but it's more like a recipe for disaster. An overstuffed box is not only challenging to carry but is also more likely to burst open or be dropped due to its weight.

Labelling is another vital step in the packing process that should not be overlooked. Clear and accurate labels serve as a guide for your movers, helping them understand the contents of each box and how to handle them appropriately.

A box marked 'Fragile' or 'This Side Up' can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your possessions. So make sure you've got a permanent marker at the ready when packing begins.

Accidents can and do happen, even with the most careful planning and execution. That's where insurance comes into play. Opting for adequate insurance coverage for your move provides a safety net for your belongings and can bring you invaluable peace of mind during this stressful process.

Finally, don't rush. Moving house isn't a race, and trying to speed through the packing process can often lead to errors. These can range from poor packing choices, like not enough padding around fragile items, to forgetting to label boxes, both of which can lead to unfortunate breakages. Slow down, take your time, and give each item the attention it deserves. This way, you'll avoid unnecessary heartache later on.

Consider using self storage

Moving every item in your home on moving day is stressful and one way of minimising this stress is by hiring a self storage unit that you can use to hold your furniture so you can move a little at a time.  At Pink Storage, we have many storage locations in the UK including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Manchester and many more.  If you would like to see how we could help you move home, get in touch today.

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