Tips on How to Protect Fragile Items from the Moving and Storage Experts at L&J
While moving and storage companies promise extra care with fragile items, accidents do happen during packing and moving. The teams of moving and storage experts at L&J Transportation have some tips and tricks to protecting the items most commonly damaged during a move. Many of these tips have to do with packing, so you can also consider using the packing services from L&J for your next move to be sure that each item in your home is packed correctly and with care. If you prefer to self-pack, consider the following items and how to protect them.
Glassware. This is the number one most commonly damaged item during moves. Particularly if you own glassware that is antique, thin, fluted, or other unusual shapes, it’s of critical importance to pack each piece of glassware with ample layers of protection. You should dedicate boxes solely to glassware, because the best way to protect the glass is to fill the bottom of each box with several layers of bubble wrap or packing peanuts. You should fill in around the sides of the box as you place items in the box, as well. Each piece of glassware should be protected with separate pieces of bubble wrap. Leave space for additional bubble wrap at the top of the box, and fill in any void spaces with packing materials as well.
Antique or wooden furniture pieces. These furniture pieces make the list most often because people don’t take adequate caution when packing or wrapping them, or fail to wrap them at all. Damage can also be caused when drawers aren’t emptied and removed. Be mindful of any detachable parts as well, such as table leaves, chair legs, shelves and other inserts. Smaller pieces of furniture can be wrapped in bubble wrap. Antique or heavy items should be wrapped in heavy-duty moving pads.
Electronics. With their combination of fragility, thinness, and glass screens, electronics are often at risk during a move if not packed carefully. Start by detaching any cords, or secure those that are part of the item with a rubber band or packing tape. If there are mobile or moving parts on the item, secure those with packing tape as well. Whenever possible, use the original box that an item came in, and fill any void spaces with packing materials. If using a box other than the original, be sure to use layers of bubble wrap around the bottom and sides of the box, fill in any void spaces, and tape securely.
Lampshades. Many folks might not consider lampshades for the list of household fragile items, but due to their size and shape, lampshades can be easily damaged if not packed and moved correctly. Don’t try to move lamps with the lampshade attached. Remove the lampshade (and the lightbulb) and use a box big enough to allow for padding at the bottom and around the sides of the shade. Filling in the void spaces in a box for a lampshade means filling in the center of the shade, as well; you might want to reserve towels, small blankets, and other soft items from packing your linen closet for this use.
Artwork. Depending on the size of each piece of art, how it was made, and how old it is, art presents a varied challenge for packers. For heavier, older, or valuable pieces, you’ll want to use a wooden crate that will provide absolute protection for the shape of the piece. If the artwork contains glass, use multiple layers of bubble wrap before filling in the crate with packing paper. Smaller pieces can be packed in boxes; be sure to stack the artwork vertically, standing on its side, and not flat or horizontally.
The best tip from the moving and storage experts at L&J is to take advantage of packing services from our teams. The expertise of each of our movers helps them make sure that every item in your house is taken care of in the right way.
For more information on the comprehensive packing and moving solutions offered to you by L&J, contact us today.