So you’re moving house. Exciting times! A fresh start, a new space, and a whole future to enjoy.
But before you can settle in, there’s the reality of the move itself… And that includes packing all the delicate, valuable items you’ve collected over the years.
Whether it’s that antique sideboard, your 55-inch TV, or the cabinet full of fine china making you nervous (and rightfully so), you can rest assured.
Here’s a foolproof guide on how to pack fragile items safely and efficiently, so you can avoid bumps, dings and breakages along the way, packed with tips from our experienced team at Soldiers On The Move.
(Oh, and if you find yourself yearning for more removals wisdom. We’ve also written a blog on 11 handy moving tips to help you get settled into your new property. Give that a read by clicking here.)
Give Yourself Plenty of Time.
What’s worse than taking apart an antique cabinet? Having two hours to do it!
Take your time and plan ahead. Start by gathering all the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Having everything ready before you begin means you won’t be scrambling halfway through and risking unnecessary damage.
Next, sort your fragile items by type. Group your glassware, ceramics, electronics, and ornaments separately. Not only does this make packing more organised, it also helps you determine what kind of protection each item needs.
Remember, wrapping each piece individually is key. Bubble wrap & packing paper can prevent scratches and cracks. Fill any gaps in the box with padding so nothing can shift during the move. The more thoughtful you are at this stage, the less likely you are to encounter breakages.
How to Pack Plates, Bowls & Ceramics.
Plates and bowls are stronger on their edges than lying flat, so pack them vertically in boxes rather than stacking them. Wrap each piece carefully, and place cardboard or foam sheets between them.
Small decorative items like vases or figurines should be individually wrapped and nestled into padding. Avoid leaving empty spaces in the box, and don’t overpack. Overcrowding fragile items is just as risky as leaving them too loose.
how to Pack glassware for a home move.
Wrap each glass individually, covering the bowl and stem completely. Place glasses upright in the box whenever possible. Fill any empty space with packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels/fabric. Avoid stacking glasses on top of each other, even if they seem light enough to hold.
Electronics & Cords.
Electronics need care too. Remove batteries from devices to prevent leaks and wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper. If you still have the original boxes, you might want to make use of them!
Keep cords and accessories in small, labelled bags so you don’t lose anything. Pack electronics in boxes with enough padding to prevent movement, and avoid putting anything heavy on top.
how to pack Picture Frames, Mirrors, TVs and Artwork for a home move.
Large flat items like mirrors and framed artwork need protection on all sides. Wrap them with bubble wrap or packing paper and use corner protectors if you have them. Place each frame in a box slightly bigger than the item, with padding all around. Mark the box clearly with “fragile” and indicate which side should face up.
For things like TVs and expensive mirrors, we always recommend investing in the right boxes. When customers choose to move with Soldiers On The Move, we’ll always factor in additional box requirements anyway to ensure your TVs and mirrors stay protected.
Moving Expensive Furniture.
If you can dismantle your furniture, we always recommend doing this first.
Removing drawers, shelves, legs, or detachable parts makes wrapping much easier and reduces the risk of damage during transport. Keep screws and small fittings in clearly labelled bags so nothing gets lost.
Another top tip is to take pictures of how furniture items are setup before you initially disassemble them. This way, reassembly at your new home will be straightforward and you’ll have a point of reference to ensure you’ve re-assembled the furniture correctly.
Moving Expensive Furniture Overseas.
Moving expensive furniture overseas or across the country requires more than just a blanket and a few straps. Export wrapping is the key to making sure your valuable pieces arrive at their destination in perfect condition. From antique dressers to designer sofas, careful preparation, wrapping, and protection can save you a lot of stress and expense.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to export wrap expensive furniture safely, using tips from our experienced team at Soldiers On The Move.
Packing Clothes & Delicate Garments.
When it comes to packing clothes and delicate garments, the goal is to keep them dust & dirt free and protected from damage.
For everyday items, folding and placing them in sturdy boxes works fine, but for delicate dresses, suits, or fabrics that crease easily, wardrobe boxes can make a real difference.
These tall boxes come with a hanging rail, so you can transport garments straight from your closet without having to fold them. Cover items in tissue paper or garment bags for extra protection, and make sure the boxes are clearly labelled. This approach keeps your clothes in great condition and makes unpacking much easier.
Choose a Company You Trust.
If you feel a little overwhelmed by this guide, or perhaps you didn’t quite realise how much preparation goes into moving house… Then never fear. The stresses of moving from one property to another can be entirely alleviated by using a removals company you can trust in.
Our team have years of experience when it comes to using the adequate packing materials to protect your valuables, and we’ll supply everything you need from boxes for general goods to wardrobe and TV boxes to make your transition into your new home as streamlined as it could possibly be.
So, if you’d like a free, no obligation quote from Soldiers On The Move, please click here to speak to our fantastic team and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate your removal needs.
