We often hear the phrase ” handle with care” but don’t fully appreciate it until it’s time to move fragile items.
According to a new study by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), around 20% of all fragile belongings, like glassware, art, electronics, etc., are damaged during moves.
That’s a good chunk, isn’t it?
So, it’s no surprise that moving such fragile items can seem so overwhelming.
Picture this: you’re unpacking at your new apartment, happy to start fresh, when you see your favorite vase shattered into several pieces or your beloved TV suddenly has a cracked screen.
Heartbreaking, right?
But here’s the good news: Packing fragile items needn’t be a gamble. With a good approach, you can secure your belongings and get them safely without damage.
Packing fragile items goes beyond randomly wrapping them in bubble wrap; it requires understanding the process, the right materials, and the time to do it right.
After all, moving cross country can be stressful, and even if you’re only moving a few miles away, you don’t want to add “replace broken items” to your already long to-do list.
So, How do you pack fragile items like a pro to avoid damage?
Before you begin, always make sure you have:
Sturdy Boxes: Go for high-quality, corrugated boxes in various sizes.
Cushioning Materials: Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts are your best friends here.
Packing Tape: Strong adhesive tape to secure your boxes.
Markers and Labels: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items.
Clean and Inspect: Make sure that each item is clean and inspect for any existing damage.
Disassemble When Possible: For items like lamps, keep things in separate pieces to pack separately.
Use Appropriate Cushioning: Between items, wrap objects in bubble wrap or packing paper and tape them to stay put.
Fill Hollow Items: Stuff hollow items such as vases with crumpled paper to help support them.
Prevent Movement: Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper to fill gaps and prevent shifting.
Secure Closure: Seal boxes using the “H” taping method, taped along the center seam and edges.
Mark as Fragile: Clearly label boxes with “Fragile” and place them in the correct upright position.
Plates and Dishes: Stand plates on edge like vinyl records to lessen pressure.
Glasses and Stemware: Wrap individually and stand upright in their cells or divided boxes.
Electronics: Original packaging is preferred if it is available. Otherwise, wrap tightly and label clearly.
It is essential to choose a reputable moving company.
The best cross-country movers have experience handling delicate items and offer services tailored to your needs.
For instance, if you are relocating from Los Angeles, hire the best cross-country moving company with expertise in cross-country Los Angeles moves.
Alright, let’s discuss something we often overlook when planning a move: the cost of packing materials for fragile items.
You might think, “How expensive can bubble wrap and tape be?”
The answer depends on how much you need, the type of materials you’re using, and where you buy them.
When packing fragile items, there are some must-haves:
Bubble Wrap: This is your first line of defense for fragile items. On average, you’ll need about $10-$15 for a small roll (12 inches x 30 feet). A large roll for bigger moves might cost around $30-$40.
Packing Paper: A cost-effective option for wrapping dishes and filling gaps. A 10-pound bundle costs around $20-$25.
Boxes: Sturdy, high-quality boxes are non-negotiable. Prices depend on size and type:
Small boxes: $1.50–$2.50 each
Medium boxes: $2.50–$4.00 each
Large boxes: $3.50–$5.00 each
Specialty boxes (e.g., dish packs): $10–$15 each
Sometimes, fragile items require specialized materials:
Foam Sheets: Perfect for extra protection between items. A pack of 50 sheets costs around $10-$15.
Dish Packing Kits: These kits come with pre-sectioned boxes and foam for plates. Prices range from $15 to $30 per kit.
TV or Mirror Boxes: These boxes are designed for large, flat, fragile items and cost about $20-$40 each.
To prevent items from shifting in boxes:
Packing Peanuts: Lightweight and effective. A 14-cubic-foot bag costs $15–$25.
Air Pillows: These are eco-friendly alternatives. A pack of 100 costs about $15.
Securing your boxes and keeping track of their contents:
Packing Tape: High-quality tape costs around $3–$5 per roll. For a larger move, you may need a 6-pack, which costs $15–$20.
Fragile Labels: These stickers are essential and cost about $5–$10 for a pack of 50.
Sometimes, the extras can make a big difference:
Stretch Wrap: Useful for bundling items together. A small roll costs about $10-$15.
Marker Pens: For labeling, a pack of markers costs $5–$10.
Box Cutters: To make unpacking easier, expect to pay $5–$10.
|
Material
|
Average Cost Range
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Bubble Wrap (Small Roll)
|
$10–$15
|
12 inches x 30 feet
|
|
Bubble Wrap (Large Roll)
|
$30–$40
|
Suitable for bigger moves
|
|
Packing Paper
|
$20–$25
|
10-pound bundle
|
|
Small Boxes
|
$1.50–$2.50
|
Great for books, dishes
|
|
Medium Boxes
|
$2.50–$4.00
|
Ideal for most fragile items
|
|
Large Boxes
|
$3.50–$5.00
|
For larger or lighter fragile items
|
|
Dish Packing Kits
|
$15–$30
|
Includes foam and section dividers
|
|
TV/Mirror Boxes
|
$20–$40
|
Perfect for flat, fragile items like mirrors and TVs
|
|
Foam Sheets
|
$10–$15
|
Pack of 50
|
|
Packing Peanuts
|
$15–$25
|
14-cubic-foot bag
|
|
Air Pillows
|
$15
|
Eco-friendly option
|
|
Packing Tape (Single Roll)
|
$3–$5
|
Invest in high-quality tape
|
|
Packing Tape (6-Pack)
|
$15–$20
|
Bulk pack for larger moves
|
|
Fragile Labels
|
$5–$10
|
Pack of 50
|
|
Stretch Wrap
|
$10–$15
|
Small roll
|
|
Marker Pens
|
$5–$10
|
For labeling boxes
|
|
Box Cutters
|
$5–$10
|
Handy for unpacking
|
Cost-Saving Tips
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re thinking, “That’s adding up fast,” there are ways to cut costs:
Reuse What You Have: Old newspapers, towels, or blankets can replace packing paper and bubble wrap.
Look for Free Boxes: Many grocery or retail stores give away sturdy boxes for free.
Buy in Bulk: If you’re moving cross country and need a lot of supplies, buying in bulk often saves money.
Eco-friendly packing methods not only safeguard our planet but can also be cost-effective and efficient.
Use Recycled and Recyclable Materials
Go for packing supplies made from recycled content, such as boxes and packing paper.
After your move, make sure these materials are recycled properly.
Repurpose Household Items for Packing
Instead of purchasing new packing materials, use items you already own.
Towels, blankets, and clothing can cushion fragile items, which lessens the need for bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
Choose Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Traditional packing peanuts are often made from polystyrene, a non-biodegradable material.
Switch to biodegradable alternatives made from cornstarch or wheat; they dissolve in water and are compostable, reducing environmental impact.
Rent Reusable Moving Boxes
Rent sturdy, reusable plastic moving boxes from local companies. These boxes can be used multiple times, decreasing the demand for single-use cardboard boxes and reducing waste.
Recycle or Donate Unwanted Items
Before packing, sort through your belongings and set aside items you no longer need. Donate usable goods to local charities or recycle them appropriately.
Wrap each item individually using packing paper or bubble wrap, securing it with tape. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty spaces with cushioning materials like packing peanuts.
Yes, clearly labeling boxes with “Fragile” and indicating the correct upright position helps ensure they are handled with care. This alerts movers to take extra precautions.
Absolutely. Using towels, blankets, or clothing can serve as effective cushioning, reducing the need for additional packing materials and promoting eco-friendly practices.
If possible, pack electronics in their original boxes with the original packing materials. If those aren’t available, use sturdy boxes and wrap each electronic item with anti-static bubble wrap. Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts to prevent movement.
Beyond proper packing, communicate with your moving company about which boxes contain fragile items. Provide clear instructions to make sure that movers handle these boxes with the necessary care.
Choose Cross Country Moving for your next move because of our expertise, comprehensive services, reliable team, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
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