How to Move Fragile Items

Not everything in your home can simply be tossed into a moving box without a second thought—everyone has fragile items that need to be handled and packed properly to ensure they’ll get from point A to point B safely. And the last thing you want is to think you’ve packed something properly, only to end up with broken plates, glasses, or other fragile items.

Find out how to plan your move safely and securely by contacting SMARTBOX today—our number is 301-683-6111!

Four Tips for Moving Fragile Items

At SMARTBOX, we’ve been helping people move and store their belongings for years, and we’ve come up with four tips for moving fragile items:

1. Take your time – when it comes to packing up your fine china and other fragile valuables, take your time! This is not the place to rush. Take the time to get the right supplies and pack each item carefully so it can’t be damaged in transit.
2. Have the right supplies– you’re going to need a number of different items, including:
   • Cardboard boxes in various sizes
   • Packing paper
   • Bubble wrap
   • Pliable cardboard and scissors (to make dividers—you can also purchase boxes with pre-made dividers)
   • Packing tape
3. Know how to pack your belongings– all of your fragile belongings are not created equally. Know how to pack each item safely:
   • Plates – plates should be packed vertically in small or medium boxes lined with crumpled paper on the top and bottom, rather than stacked on top of one another. Place a sheet of packing paper between each plate, as well, and be sure not to over-pack the box.
   • Glasses – each glass should be wrapped individually and filled with packing paper to reduce empty space. Line the box with crumpled packing paper for more padding.
   • Lamps – when packing your lamps, disassemble them for easier transport. Pack the bases in large boxes with bubble wrap, as necessary. The lamp shades should be packed carefully, flat side down, with lots of paper.
   • Pictures & frames – your pictures and frames should be packed in small or medium, paper-lined boxes. If they’re more than 8 inches tall, they should be stored vertically. Use crumpled packing paper in between each frame for cushion.
   • Specialty items – for oddly shaped items, such as an antique gravy boat, consider the size and shape of the piece before you pack it. Our best suggestion is to completely wrap your oddly shaped item in bubble wrap, and then place it on a piece of cardboard. Place an identical piece of cardboard on top of the item and fold the ends down to meet one another and wrap the entire thing with tape. This creates a small, safe space for your fragile items that is barely larger than the size of the object itself.
4. Label your boxes – there’s no point in being careful with your packing if you don’t label your boxes when they have fragile items in them. Write in large, clear handwriting on every side of the box that it contains fragile items and which side is up. This will let anyone who handles this box know that it needs to be handled with care and never placed at the bottom of a stack.

Reserve Your Boxes Today

Are you planning a local or long-distance move in MD, VA, or DC? Call SMARTBOX today! We can help you with everything from moving supplies and packing up your home to loading and unloading your boxes for delivery and arrival. Contact us online or by phone at 301-683-6111 to reserve your portable storage containers!

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George, Queen Anne, Saint Mary, Somerset, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Hyattsville, Rockville, Silver Spring, Wheaton.