How to pack fragile items for moving and storage

Packing fragile items can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps to make your packing experience easier and less stressful.

There’s more to packing delicate things than simply wrapping them in bubble wrap and tossing them in a box. Using the right packing methods, fragile goods can withstand being lifted, moved, stacked up, and protected from vibration (boxes may be wheeled over rougher surfaces and shaken by vehicle movements) as well as impact (boxes could be knocked, or stacked, or even dropped).

Here’s a list of the packing materials you’ll need to properly wrap and cushion fragile items:

• Packing paper/newspaper and bubble wrap.
• Cardboard boxes in a wide range of sizes (which is probably the most you can carry comfortably).
• It’s usually better to purchase new boxes (including some with cardboard dividers for smaller items like glassware), but if you want to reuse existing boxes, make sure they haven’t gotten moist while in storage and that you can still properly seal them.
• If you have any electronic products that have been kept in the retail packaging (such as computers), use the original cardboard/foam sleeve to pack them for maximum protection.
• Foam peanuts (or mini air cushions).
• Parcel tape.
• Marker pens.

And here’s how to pack fragile items for moving or storage in 5 easy steps.

• Tape down all open edges and corners in the bottom of each box, then line the inside with bubble wrap and add a layer of foam peanuts at the bottom; you could also use a sheet, blanket or towel to provide extra cushioning.
• Individually wrap each item with 1–2 layers of packing paper/newspaper/bubble wrap, making sure to tuck some in to any hollow spaces (such as the inside of wine glasses), and secure with tape to keep the protective layer in place.
• Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest at the top and taking care not to over-fill the boxes (which could cause them to break open).
• Fill any empty space around the items and at the top of the box with bubble wrap, foam peanuts or scrunched-up paper to limit movement.
• Seal all open edges of the box firmly with tape and write “FRAGILE – THIS WAY UP” a few times in marker pen so that whoever handles the box is reminded to take extra care with it. You could also label the box with what it contains and where it should go to make unpacking it easier later on.

When packing fragile items, it’s important to take the necessary precautions so that they don’t break during transport. It is also possible to use materials like bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts with a box in order to provide more protection for your items. For advice about fragile item storage or if you need help finding out how much space you can rent at our facility, contact us today!