1. Preparation is everything
With the proper steps taken in precaution of your breakables, you can move, worry-free about those glass, delicate items. Let's begin by making sure you have everything you need on hand to make your move, carefully. Start with lots of cartons or plastic bins, tape rolls, permanent markers, bubble wrap, towels and sheets, and lots of patience and you’re already off to a good start.
Make sure you have enough of the bubble wrap and tape to not have to be stingy with it when using a lot of the material wrapping fragile items. Know which items you have that are extra fragile and plan to pack them properly. You can even take them out and put them aside to keep things streamlined even if they aren’t from the same room or category.
2. Wrap every fragile item separately without giving up
It can be tedious and repetitive, but don’t get lazy and start wrapping items together. Each breakable needs its own bubble wrap, towel area, or padding material. The second you start getting lazy like I have, and only putting one bubble wrap layer between glass plates is the moment you know you won’t have a full plate set when you arrive.
3. Use special “fragile boxes” if you can
There are special boxes made with extra padding for exactly this reason to keep your goods safe. Ask your mover (or just check off the box on iMoving) saying how many fragile boxes you need and we’ll hook you up with whatever you need. These fragile special boxes are designed with dividers and foam to help keep things under wraps, literally.
4. Make sure to put a layer of padding on the bottom of boxes as well
This easily forgotten spot for padding is a sure fire way to end up with broken goods. Make sure to add extra padding at the corners which usually take in a lot of pressure as movers tend to lift boxes from the corner areas. The extra layer on the bottom of your cartons with breakables is important as the boxes will likely be moved around a lot by you and the movers and are likely to be jolted in the moving truck. Think of this layer of padding as your safety layer.
5. Fill the void
No, we aren't talking about the black hole in your heart that your ex-girlfriend left you with, but rather the empty spaces between fragile items in your cardboard boxes. When you have empty space, the items you might have packed well with extra bubble wrap then have room to roll around and get broken. Don’t play with fate here like you did in your last relationship.
6. Heavy items go in the box first
As is in life, the heaviest items should be dealt with first and foremost. Make sure each item that you load into your cartons goes by weight and size. Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the box and work your way up. As well, the former rule works here as well, there should be no gaps between items or they will likely roll around and break.
7. Layer after layer like a good chocolate cake
Everyone knows good things come in small packages. Just kidding also the big cartons are alright as well, as long as you layer your items. Make sure to have layers of towels, sheets or whatever padding material you choose in between layers of fragile goods. I personally used my surfing wetsuits a few times as stretchy thick padding material between breakable mirrors. Feel free to get creative here and use your yoga mats, towels, pillow and more.
8. It’s not rocket science- write “FRAGILE”
Don’t overthink it and don’t think you can write the word “fragile” too many times. It’s better to write this on every damn side and angle of the box than it is to break that giant ugly glass giraffe statue, so yes, write it one more time. If it’s not clearly marked, your movers might think it’s just another box of clothing and not pay extra attention when lifting it and putting it down.
