Published: January 01, 2024

How to Protect Fragile Items During a Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting and stressful experience all at once. Whether you’re relocating to a new city or just down the street, the process of packing up your life and transporting it to a new location is bound to be challenging. One of the biggest concerns during a move is the safety of your belongings, especially fragile or valuable items. To ensure your treasured possessions arrive at your new home in one piece, it’s essential to identify and take extra precautions with items most likely to be damaged in a move. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three types of items that require special attention when moving.

1. Glassware and Dishware

Glassware and dishware are some of the most fragile items you’ll need to pack and move. Plates, glasses, and delicate china can easily break if not handled with care. To protect your glassware and dishware during a move, follow these steps:

• Use Proper Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape.
• Wrap Each Item Individually: Wrap each glass, plate, or fragile dish separately in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use enough padding to ensure there is no room for movement within the box.
• Pack Boxes Carefully: Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items on top. Fill any gaps with additional padding to prevent shifting during transportation.
• Label Boxes Clearly: Mark boxes containing fragile items with a “fragile” label. This will alert you and any helpers to handle these boxes with extra care.

2. Electronics and Appliances

Electronics and appliances are not only valuable but also sensitive to shock and vibration. Mishandling during a move can lead to irreversible damage. Here’s how to safeguard your electronics and appliances:

• Back up Data: Before packing any electronics like computers or external hard drives, back up your data to ensure you don’t lose important information in case of damage.
• Original Packaging: If possible, use the original boxes and packing materials for your electronics and appliances. They are designed to provide the best protection.
• Secure Loose Parts: Remove any detachable parts, like cables or accessories, and pack them separately. Label these bags or boxes for easy identification.
• Wrap in Blankets or Towels: Wrap larger items like televisions or kitchen appliances in soft blankets or towels to provide an extra layer of protection.

3. Artwork and Collectibles

Artwork, collectibles, and sentimental items can be challenging to move because of their value and fragility. Preserving these items is crucial. Follow these guidelines:

• Custom Packaging: Consider custom packaging solutions or professional crating services for valuable artwork or sculptures.
• Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintain a stable climate to protect sensitive artwork from temperature fluctuations and moisture.
• Handle With Gloves: When handling artwork, wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent smudges or fingerprints.
• Insure Valuable Items: Consider obtaining additional insurance coverage for high-value artwork or collectibles in case of accidents.

By paying special attention to these three types of items, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage during your move. Moving can be stressful, but with proper planning and precautions, you can minimize the chances of damage to your cherished possessions. May your move to your new home be a smooth and safe one!

For more information and to find out how we can help, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Phoenix or call (480) 351-6025.