How to Safely Move Fragile Items During a House Move
Moving house is an exciting time, but when it comes to packing fragile items, it’s easy to feel a bit on edge. From glassware to antiques, your cherished items need extra care to ensure they make it to your new home in one piece. With a bit of planning, the right supplies, and possibly some help from a professional house move service, you can move even the most delicate items safely.
Did you know that according to a recent survey, over 25% of people reported breaking at least one valuable item during a move? To help you avoid this, we’ve gathered the best tips for packing and moving fragile items with confidence!
1. Gather the Right Packing Supplies
Packing delicate items starts with having the right materials. Here’s what you’ll need for a secure pack:
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets for wrapping each item individually.
- Packing paper for extra padding and filling any gaps in boxes.
- Sturdy boxes designed for moving house, ideally double-walled for added strength.
- Packing tape to seal boxes securely.
- Marker pens for clear labelling.
These items might seem like a lot, but investing in quality packing materials is key to protecting your items. If you’re using a moving house van service, they may even provide some of these materials or offer suggestions on where to buy them.
2. Wrap Each Item Carefully
For glassware, ceramics, and other breakables, wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure no piece is left exposed. For dishes, it’s best to place them vertically in boxes rather than stacking them, as they’re less likely to crack this way. Also, be generous with padding – filling any gaps in the box helps prevent movement and minimises the chance of breaking.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about handling your most delicate pieces, consider hiring a house move service to take care of these items for you. Professional movers know how to handle fragile items with expertise and care.
3. Label Fragile Boxes Clearly
Labeling is your friend! Make sure each box containing fragile items is clearly labelled with “Fragile” and “This Way Up” indicators. This ensures everyone handling the box knows to take extra care. When you work with a professional moving house van service, clear labelling helps them identify fragile boxes quickly, making it easier for them to load and unload with caution.
4. Use Smaller Boxes for Heavy Fragiles
When packing heavy but fragile items like vases, glass ornaments, or small appliances, use smaller boxes. Smaller boxes keep heavy items from moving around too much, reducing the risk of breakage. This is particularly useful for high-value items, where extra control and care are essential.
If you have a lot of heavy, fragile items, you may want to enlist the help of a house moving service. Movers who specialise in handling delicate pieces will pack your items efficiently to prevent accidents.
5. Double-Box Valuable Items
For high-value items such as collectables or expensive glassware, consider the double-box method. Place the item in a smaller, well-padded box, then place that box inside a larger box with more packing material around it. This adds an extra layer of protection and greatly reduces the risk of damage during your move.
If you’re uncertain about moving certain items, many house move services offer speciality packing for particularly fragile or valuable items, so you can rest assured your belongings are safe.
6. Keep Fragile Boxes Upright in the Moving Van
On moving day, load fragile boxes onto the moving van last and make sure they’re secured upright. Placing them on top of other boxes or against walls keeps them from moving around. Many moving house van services have specialised packing methods to keep fragile items safe, so consider consulting with your movers if you’re unsure.
If you’re moving DIY-style, strap the boxes in place, and avoid stacking anything on top of your fragile items. It may take a bit longer, but it’s worth the effort to keep your items safe.
7. Unpack with Care
Unpacking is often rushed after a long day of moving, but fragile items require a slow, careful approach. Start with the fragile boxes first, unpacking them on a soft surface like a bed or carpeted floor. This minimises the risk of breakage if something slips out of your hands.
Professional movers often offer an unpacking service as part of their house move service, which can help you get settled without the worry of handling fragile items on your own.
Ready for a Safe and Smooth House Move?
From choosing the right materials to working with a reliable house move service, there are plenty of ways to ensure your fragile items make it safely to your new home. And if you’re ready to hire a moving house van service that will treat your items with the utmost care, be sure to check out our directory to find experienced and professional movers near you!
By following these tips, you can help reduce the chances of accidental breakage – so your cherished items can arrive at your new place safe, sound, and ready to make new memories.