Patience is a virtue, especially when packing fragile items for a move. Taking some extra care during packing will ensure you arrive at your destination with your furniture and possessions in the same condition as they are now.
With enough preparation and these tips from a professional removalist in Sydney, you can prevent your fragile items from getting damaged during transit.
1. Get the right packing materials
Since you’re dealing with fragile items, don’t use old cartons to try and save money on packing materials. Old cartons may be too weak and already compromised from previous use to be able to handle the weight. You may be able to save by using makeshift packing and wrapping materials but those may not provide sufficient protection for your delicate items.
It’s a smarter choice to spend more on packing materials than repairing or replacing your damaged belongings later on. It’s too great a risk and simply not worth it. Below are the appropriate materials that you should be using.
- Thick wrapping material – The thicker the wrapping is, the lower the risk of damage to your items. Thick wrapping gives better overall protection, especially when items bump or brush against each other during transport. You can create several layers of wrapping around a fragile item for extra protection, using bubble wrap, foam padding and moving blankets.
- Sturdy cushioning – Crumpled paper isn’t enough as a cushion for heavy items in a box. It will eventually get flattened under the weight of the item and won’t provide enough protection. Instead, use large-sized bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, foam padding and packing peanuts.
- Sturdy boxes – Use heavy duty shipping boxes or double-ply cardboard cartons that are strong enough to withstand heavy items and protect fragile pieces. Consider getting specialty boxes such as wine boxes, picture boxes and book boxes.
2. Prepare items for packing
If possible, clean and empty the items to prepare them for packing. Doing so helps prevent damage during shipment and, at the same time, make the items lighter to carry and ready for easy unpacking. You will also need to disassemble furniture pieces, appliances, equipment, and musical instruments to pack them properly.
After you contact a removalist and finalise your move date, start packing as early as possible. Unlike other items, delicate things like artwork, dishware, and musical instruments require time to pack efficiently.
3. Consider the type of item you’re packing
Different fragile items need different methods of packing. Once you’ve prepared the items you intend to pack, these steps may help:
- Select a sturdy, padded box that is somewhat larger than the item you plan on packing.
- Place the item at the centre of the box so that there’s space between the item and the sides of the box.
- Fill the empty spaces at the sides using cardboard, foam sheets, large-sized bubble wrap, or packing peanuts.
- Fill the extra space at the top of the box with cushioning material. Make sure that the box has a firm top once sealed with packing tape, as it may cave in once another box gets stacked over it.
- Place labels on cartons indicating their contents. Also, write “HANDLE WITH CARE”, “FRAGILE ITEMS”, and “THIS SIDE UP” so that the removalists will know that they have to be cautious when loading and unloading these boxes.
Packing methods depending on the type of item:
Glasses
Place crumpled paper inside each glass to eliminate any empty space, then wrap glasses separately using packing paper. Line boxes at the top and bottom with an ample amount of packing paper.
Lamps
Box your lamps separately with the flat side down using plenty of packing paper. You can place the bases in a large box, and use bubble wrap wherever possible.
Piano
Packing a piano will require tight and thorough packing to safeguard the intricate parts of the instrument. We only recommend letting professionals dismantle and pack your piano to ensure safe transport. A piano is expensive; one wrong move during packing may damage the instrument.
Picture Frames
Place picture frames inside small to medium boxes lined with packing paper. Add crumpled paper between each frame to ensure that they remain in place inside the box. Remember, there are special cartons available for packing pictures.
Plates
Using small to medium cartons, pack plates vertically and line them with crumpled packing paper on top and at the bottom. Take the time to wrap each plate using bubble wrap and place paper in between them.
Properly packing for a move is crucial to ensure your items arrive in the state they were packed. But if you’re someone who doesn’t have the luxury of time to spend on packing, especially fragile items, Nuss Removals can handle the job well for you.
At Nuss Removals, we make it our goal to provide each of our clients a stress-free moving experience.
Need help with packing, or want a moving quote? Get in touch with Nuss Removals today.
