When you move, there are numerous tasks to complete. It might feel overwhelming to remember all the details and organize a successful relocation. Packing is one of the things that will take you the most time. However, keep in mind that you have many fragile and breakable items in your household that need special attention and care, so you don’t want to rush packing them. It’s key to start packing timely and finish before your movers from Fairfax Transfer and Storage arrive. If you aren’t sure how to do it, we are sharing the best tips on how to pack breakables for a long-distance move.
Pack breakables for a long-distance move successfully with our tips
When it comes to packing fragile items for your relocation with residential movers in Northern VA, the key is to follow a few simple steps and you should be fine. However, keep in mind that your movers won’t take responsibility for any damage if you pack your own belongings. If you pack fragile items improperly, there’s a high chance of breakage. To prevent that, consider the following tips:
- stock up on packing supplies
- label your boxes properly, this is essential
- learn the optimal ways of packing different fragile items
Stock up on packing supplies
Stocking up on packing supplies is one of the most important steps when packing fragile items. You will need lots of bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, as well as some styrofoam or cardboard pieces to protect the corners of your mirrors or frames. There are also plenty of household items you can use to protect your breakables as well. You can put your sheets, towels, blankets, and even socks to good use. If you are not confident in packing these items yourself, long distance moving companies Northern VA has at its disposal offer excellent packing services which you can use. Professional packing services aren’t in everyone’s budget, but packing supplies alone are not the cheapest, and neither is replacing broken items if you pack them loosely.
Label your boxes properly!
Another essential part of packing fragile items for a long-distance move is labeling your boxes. You want all your boxes to have an easily visible “Fragile” sign. You can either buy labels at the supply store, print your own labels, or simply use a marker. If you choose the last option, make sure you write in big, bold letters and on all sides of the boxes. This is important so that your movers can easily see the writing and know that the boxes in question need to be handled gently. You can also write “This side up” if you have any items that need to be facing a certain way.
Learn the proper way to pack fragile items
Learning the best way to pack your fragile belongings is key to preventing any breakage when you move long-distance. Not all breakables can or should be packed the same since their shapes differ significantly. Depending on the shape and delicateness of the item, you will want to pack and protect them accordingly. You probably have some or all of the following fragile items in your home:
- glasses and cups
- plates
- mirrors and paintings or photos in frames
- decorative oddly-shaped ceramic items
How to pack glasses
Packing glasses might seem easy and no big deal, but you need to be very careful when you do it. To protect your glasses and cups, the first step is to put some bubble wrap or packing paper on the bottom of your box as cushioning. Then, you can put a pair of socks in each glass or cup, and wrap them in bubble wrap abundantly. After that, you can line them in the box, top off the box with more bubble wrap, and tape it shut. It is essential that there is no wiggle room in the box, so make sure that all the space between the glasses or cups is filled.
How to pack plates
Packing plates is somewhat simpler compared to other breakables. The first step to packing any fragile item is to create cushioning on the bottom of the box with bubble wrap or packing paper. Then you want to wrap each plate in packing paper and bubble wrap and line them vertically inside the box. After that, all that’s left to do is to fill up the empty space in the box with some more packing paper and seal it, and you should be good to go.
How to pack mirrors and artwork in glass frames
Packing mirrors and glass frames is a bit trickier due to their size and the large glass surface. Firstly, you want to protect the corners of the item with cardboard or styrofoam pieces. Then, you need to put some tape in an “X” shape across the glass surface of the frame or mirror. You do this so that the glass doesn’t spill everywhere in case of breakage. Then you want to wrap the item in bubble wrap and put it in a specially shaped, cushioned box. Although there are plenty of places where you can get free boxes, it’s best to buy these special boxes for your mirrors or frames. Label the box properly, and lay it flat in the moving truck.
How to pack other oddly-shaped breakable items
When it comes to decorative, ceramic, oddly-shaped items in your home, you want to wrap them in several layers of packing paper and bubble wrap. Then, put them in a cushioned box and fill up the empty spaces with packing paper, newspaper, or packing peanuts. You don’t want to use the newspaper for wrapping any glassware since the ink can transfer and it’s tricky to remove.
Your safest bet is hiring professionals if you want to pack breakables for a long-distance move securely
If your goal is to pack breakables for a long-distance move securely, you should consider hiring professional packers. Packing service Northern VA offers are a great choice if you want the best for your fragile belongings. Why risk damaging your precious crystal vase or the fine china set you inherited from your Grandma when you can hire packing experts to take care of it seamlessly and efficiently. Packers can pack up your entire household in a matter of hours, but they will also only pack what you want them to. So if you need a few breakables packed professionally while you take care of the rest of your household, the service will cost you less than replacing your cherished belongings. It’s a no-brainer!
