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How to Pack Fragile Items Correctly

Moving fragile items is always a challenge, whether it's a chandelier or fine crystal glassware. If you've ever gotten to your new place and discovered some broken belongings, you understand what we mean. 

Fortunately, you don't have to experience the pain of ruined belongings in a household move ever again. This article will outline how to pack fragile items correctly, once and for all. 

Step One: Choose the Right Container

Chose new small or specialty boxes when packing fragile things. When you pack items like dishes and glasses, the strength and thickness of the cardboard matter — if the package is too flimsy, it will buckle easily, crushing whatever is inside. So instead, use sturdier corrugated cartons with a double-wall construction for your most fragile belongings. Dish packs are ideal for dishware, and glass pack kits are specially made for glassware as these provide excellent protection. 

Step Two: Use Cushioning Material

Gather plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap to use as cushioning material. You can also use household items like towels or rags to wrap some things or use them to fill in space to prevent the fragile items from shifting in the box. The purpose of packing paper and bubble wrap is to absorb impacts so that your fragile item doesn’t take the force.

Step Three: Divide Fragile Items

Realistically, you'll be packing multiple fragile pieces (e.g., glassware). So, to protect them all while maximizing productivity, you can use dividers to keep each piece separate. Glass can crack or break just by rubbing against itself, so these dividers help prevent any accidents during the move. 

You can buy cardboard dividers, or you can make them yourself. These pieces should be flexible yet rigid. This way, there's less transfer of motion, meaning less of a chance of something shattering in transit. Glass pack boxes come in handy since they have individual compartments to accommodate glassware and stemware. In addition, many kits include foam padding to use to enclose and isolate each piece. 

Step Four: Don't Leave Empty Space

If there's room in the box, the fragile item could shift and break. So instead, you want to fill spaces with soft materials, such as packing paper.

In some cases, you might want to use molded foam pieces for highly sensitive items. This way, they can stay cushioned no matter what, even as you're transferring the parts out of the box. 

Step Five: Limit the Weight of Your Box

If the package is too heavy, there's a much higher chance that you (or someone else) will drop it. So instead, use smaller boxes and keep them as light as possible. 

Also, consider how you'll have to move these boxes. Do you need to carry them through narrow doorways? What about stairs? Pay attention to any logistical issues that could cause you to drop your fragile belongings. 

Step Six: Secure Your Boxes

Packing tape not only seals a moving box but also strengthens its edges. So, use plenty of packing tape when sealing your fragile items. Yes, you'll have to do more work to get these pieces out of the box, but you can also worry less about breakage. 

Step Seven: Label Your Boxes

Finally, make sure that everyone knows that a box's contents are fragile. A simple label ensures that movers will handle these items with extra care and attention. 

Move With Us!

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