Moving to a new home is a time-consuming process that often involves packing up your entire life. Among your belongings, some of the most delicate and valuable items are fragile objects like porcelain, glassware, and other breakables. Properly packing these items is essential to ensure they arrive at your new home in one piece. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for packing fragile items when you enlist the services of a removalists Narellan company.
1. Choose the Right Packing Supplies
Before you start packing your fragile items, it’s crucial to gather the appropriate packing supplies. This includes:
- Sturdy Boxes: Use new or like-new boxes that are designed for packing and moving. Ensure they are clean and free from damage.
- Packing Paper: Unprinted newsprint or plain packing paper works well for wrapping fragile items. Avoid using newspaper as the ink can transfer onto your belongings.
- Bubble Wrap: This provides an extra layer of cushioning for your delicate items.
- Packing Peanuts or Foam: These materials can fill the empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement.
- Tape: High-quality packing tape is essential for sealing boxes securely.
- Permanent Marker: Use a marker to label boxes as “Fragile” so that both you and the removalists company handle them with care.
2. Prepare the Boxes
Reinforce the bottom of your boxes with extra packing tape to prevent them from giving way under the weight of fragile items. If the boxes are particularly heavy, consider double-boxing them for added protection.
3. Wrap Items Individually
Wrap each fragile item individually to prevent them from knocking against each other during transit. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to create a cushion around each item. Pay special attention to delicate parts, like handles or spouts.
4. Provide Adequate Cushioning
Line the bottom of the box with a layer of packing peanuts or foam. This acts as a shock absorber for your items. Place the individually wrapped items in the box, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Fill any gaps with additional packing peanuts or foam.
5. Layer Separation
For particularly delicate items like fine china or glassware, consider placing a layer of cardboard or foam between each piece. This will further protect them from damage caused by contact.
6. Special Considerations for Glassware
Wine glasses, drinking glasses, and other stemware require special care. After wrapping each glass, place it in a cardboard divider specifically designed for glassware. These dividers keep each glass separated and secure.
7. Protect Larger Fragile Items
For larger fragile items such as porcelain vases or decorative pieces, use bubble wrap or foam to create a protective layer around the entire item. This will guard against chips and cracks.
8. Seal and Label the Box
Once the box is filled with your carefully packed fragile items, seal it securely with packing tape. Use a permanent marker to label the box as “Fragile” on multiple sides. If you have especially delicate or valuable items, consider marking the box with “This Side Up.”
9. Communicate with Your Removalists Company
When working with a removalists company, communication is key. Let them know which boxes contain fragile items, so they can handle them with extra care. You can even show them the boxes when they arrive to load the truck.
10. Consider Insurance
If you have extremely valuable fragile items, consider insurance to protect against any potential damage during the move. Many removalists companies offer insurance options that can provide you with peace of mind.
11. Be Present During Unpacking
When your belongings arrive at your new home, be present during the unpacking process. This allows you to supervise the unpacking of fragile items, ensuring they are handled with care and placed in the appropriate locations.
Conclusion
Packing fragile items when moving is a delicate process, but with the right supplies and attention to detail, you can protect your valued possessions. When working with a professional removalists company, make sure to communicate your needs and label your fragile boxes clearly. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your fragile items make the journey to your new home unscathed.