How to Pack and Move Fragile Items

 In Moving

Moving fragile items? You need to pack them properly!

Moving house is a stressful enough process — the last thing you want is to arrive at the other end to find boxes of broken belongings. Sadly, if you cut corners and cross your fingers, your fragile possessions could end up paying the price.

We don’t want to see that happen, and that’s why we’ve pulled together this best practice guide. Read on to discover our 5 tips for packing fragile items so they get to your new home in one piece!

Packing fragile items — your PODS® guide

From packing glassware and other fragile items to the materials you’ll need to get the job done, we’ve got you covered!

 

1. Take stock of what you need

This might seem a little obvious, but we can’t stress it enough – don’t move any fragile items you don’t 100% need! Packing fragile items can be a time-consuming process, and fragiles boxes aren’t cheap.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting rid of those old plates or extra wine glasses for a while, now could be the time to make it happen.

List them on online marketplaces like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or do your good deed for the day and take the box down to your local charity shop. If less of your items are fragile, you’ll have an easier job getting them from A to B securely.

 

2. Grab the right materials

Don’t start packing glassware and other fragile items until you’ve got what you need to get the job done. If you try and make do with what you have, you’re taking an unnecessary risk – and we want to keep you 100% stress-free on the day of the big move!

Here’s your shopping list for moving fragile items:

 

a) Mid-sized cardboard/fragile boxes

Grab some of these online. You don’t necessarily have to opt for the specialist fragile box, but make sure what you do get is in great condition. This is especially true if you’re getting your boxes for free.

 

b) Bubble wrap 

A lot of people find it hard to know just how much they need. If you’re moving with PODS and are packing your container over a few days, we’d suggest starting with a 1-metre roll and buying more if you need it.

Tip: got young kids? Bubble wrap is fun. Buy a little more and involve them too!

 

c) Packing paper 

This is the bones of packing fragile items, so feel free to buy a bunch of this! Opt for an eco-friendly option wherever possible – packing paper is super cheap, so this shouldn’t cost much more.

 

d) Packing tape 

If there’s one thing we’d recommend you don’t cut costs on, it’s packing tape. Not only is cheap tape frustrating to use (there’s nothing more annoying than when tape tears down the middle), if it comes undone during the move, your efforts at packing fragile items will be for nothing. Packing tape doesn’t have to break the bank, but don’t go for the bottom-shelf stuff.

 

3. Take proper packing precautions

There’s more to packing fragile items than just rolling them up in bubble wrap and sending them on their way. Let’s do this right!

 

Set your packing station. This is where the work’s going to happen. It needs to be clean, flat and spacious enough to hold a couple boxes, so your kitchen side should do the job!

 

Keep box sizes small. Go too big, and you run the risk of items moving around inside and knocking into each other. Small boxes help keep things compact, and also make them easier to carry.

 

Wrap with paper first. Packing glassware? Wrap them in packing paper first, tape it down, and then add an exterior layer of bubble wrap to seal the deal.

 

Packing glassware with stems? Wrap these stems with bubble wrap before applying the first layer of packing paper.

 

Stack plates sideways. Wondering how to pack plates for moving? Sideways, that’s how! Not only will this maximise the space you have in your boxes, it’ll also help plates to absorb any undue shock that might occur during transit.

 

4. Pack into boxes

When packing fragile items, a fragile box isn’t going to do you any favours. Before putting your items inside, inspect the box for damage and as an added layer of security, tape over the bottom and any corners.

After you’ve added your belongings to the box, you want to make sure they’re secure. Fill any voids and empty spaces with packing paper, bubble wrap or, if you’ve run out, bathroom towels. A lot of breakages occur as a result of fragile items knocking into each other and by padding out your boxes, you’re preventing this from happening.

 

5. Looking for a fragile mover? Consider PODS

Stressed about the big move? Worried about getting your fragile belongings from A to B safely?

PODS is Australia’s favourite fragile mover, and we think we’ll be a great fit for you too. Here’s why:

 

Pack at your own pace

We drop your PODS container at your address and give you all the time you need to pack it safely and securely. Need a hand? Our packing professionals are here to help.

 

The perfect fit

With 3 different container sizes, we guarantee a snug fit for every home – from small apartments to 5-bedroom houses.

 

Designed for fragile items

No more unnecessary damage from boxes sliding around the truck. Every PODS container is fitted out with eye hooks, helping you to secure your load without having to pack things tightly.

Our PODZILLA moving trucks also come equipped with a hydraulic lifting system, guaranteed to get your container loaded up safely and securely.

 

Take the stress out of moving house

 

Whether you’re moving locally or interstate, PODS is here to help. Get your free, no-obligation quote now.

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