Items Most Likely to Break During Your Move

Moving is a mindful process that requires attention to detail, especially when dealing with delicate possessions commonly labeled as breakable items. From glassware to cherished keepsakes, each fragile item holds significance. This makes it essential to adopt strategies that ensure the safe arrival of your fragile items at your new home.

Today, we will discuss some common household items you may have to transport when you move to your new home. We will also explore some key packing strategies and considerations to ensure the safety of these delicate items during transit.

Key Takeaways

What Qualifies As Fragile Items?

Before exploring the specifics of moving delicate, breakable items, it's crucial to identify what qualifies as fragile items. Due to their delicateness, these possessions can easily break, crack, or damage. Common household items include glassware, ceramics, electronics, artwork, and sentimental items.

Recognizing the broad spectrum of items that qualify as fragile is the foundational step toward ensuring their safe transit to a new home. Each category demands a tailored approach to packing and handling. 

Common Fragile Items and How to Safeguard Them

Knowing what classifies as breakable items can help you strategize your packaging. Here’s a list of items and how to safeguard them when you move.

Glassware and China

Fragile items, like glassware and china, are prone to breaking. Use dividers to separate the items after carefully wrapping them in bubble wrap. Pack them in a vertical orientation to reduce the likelihood of their breakage.

Electronics

Electronics, including laptops, tablets, and other breakable items, demand more attention than other devices. Use the original packaging for the product. If you don’t have them, arrange them in well-padded boxes and wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap.

Artwork and Mirrors

Use picture boxes or create a protective barrier using cardboard and bubble wrap to safeguard fragile items like framed artwork and mirrors. Fastening them in a vertical orientation is the most effective method for preventing them from damage. Therefore, you should avoid stacking them flat.

Ceramics and Pottery

Ceramics and pottery are quite delicate items that require careful handling. Prioritize individual wrapping with layers of bubble wrap, securing each item before placing it in a sturdy box. Provide additional padding within the box to absorb any external shocks and vibrations, ensuring the safe transport of these breakable items.

Antiques and Heirlooms

Antiques and cherished heirlooms often carry sentimental and historical value. Ensure the protection of these breakable items by wrapping them with soft materials like tissue paper or bubble wrap. Choose sturdy boxes and fill any empty spaces with cushioning material such as foams to prevent movement and potential breakage during the move.

Lamps and Lampshades

Lamps and delicate lampshades are prone to damage during a move. Remove the lamp's parts and store them in a separate space. Use bubble wrap for the base and delicate components, while lampshades can benefit from a protective tissue paper or bubble wrap layer.

Packing Tips for Fragile Items

Now that we know the different types of fragile things let's uncover the effective packing strategies to ensure they make it to your new home unscathed.

Purchasing Packing Materials Of Superior Quality

Acquire sturdy packaging materials if you care about the safety of your fragile items during transport. Use robust boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and tape of a high grade when packing your fragile stuff. Proper padding is essential when it comes to reducing the likelihood of breakage.

Use Specialty Boxes

Consider utilizing specialized boxes built for specific shapes, such as dish barrels or glassware boxes, for fragile stuff. These arrive with additional layers of protection and provide a snug fit, reducing the movement in transportation.

Layering Technique

Layering is a technique that you should utilize when packing fragile items. Start by placing a substantial amount of packing peanuts or crumpled paper at the base of the box. Take the object and position it in the middle of the box. After that, surround it with additional packing material and close the box.

Labeling Matters

Have clear labels on any box that may contain breakable items. It serves as a reminder to the movers to handle these boxes with additional caution and notify them of the situation. Use prominent labels like "Handle with Care" or "Fragile."

Final Thoughts

Prioritize the protection of your fragile belongings as you get ready to move. By understanding the vulnerabilities of delicate items and employing strategic packing techniques, you can reduce the risk of breakage.

Remember, moving isn't only about getting your stuff from point A to point B; it's also about ensuring everything gets to your new place in one piece. 

FAQs

1. Can I use clothing to protect breakable items during the move?

While clothes offer some padding, dedicated packing materials like bubble wrap provide better protection against impacts.

2. Can I put my fragile items in standard newspapers for wrapping?

When applied to fragile surfaces, newspaper ink can transfer. For higher levels of protection, choose bubble wrap or unprinted packing paper.

3. Do I need to separate heavy and fragile items when packing?

Due to the additional strain on the packing boxes, the risk of breakage increases when heavier objects are packed with fragile ones.

4. Can I use old blankets or towels to wrap fragile items?

While blankets or towels provide some padding, they may not protect delicate items sufficiently. It's wise to use dedicated packing materials for optimal protection.