People experience different kinds of unexpected move-out nightmares: broken glass, chipped vases, and even damaged equipment. When planning a move, whether across town or across the country, careful packing can protect delicate belongings from damage. Following these three tips provides peace of mind during this stressful experience.
Build a Barrier
When packing dishware, glasses, and other breakable items, forming a barrier of packing materials can keep individual pieces from bumping into one another during the process of relocating. If there’s audible rattling coming from a moving box, it’s likely that not enough packing material was used to protect the items inside. Plates should be individually encased in bubble wrap and stacked vertically in a small box. The same method is effective for glasses, but they should be filled with packing paper first to protect the entire surface area. Filling empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts also prevents items from moving around and cracking or chipping.
Label Breakables
Boxes containing fragile items should be clearly marked to alert the handler to take extra precautions. Whether hiring movers or relying on helpful friends, it’s a best practice to find people who will know to treat precious packages with care. As a bonus, writing labels that mark the box’s destination helps prevent important items from getting lost in the shuffle.
Use Specialized Boxes
Throwing items in any available cardboard box can greatly increase the chances of damage. Instead, opt for appropriate packing materials for fragile items and carefully pack by category. For example, wine and liquor bottles can be packed in divided cartons designed to protect them; these containers can be collected from liquor stores or nearby restaurants. Stereo equipment and electronics—as well as their components—should be stored for moving while packed in their original boxes whenever possible. Books can even get damaged if they are stacked improperly during a move, but a special book box can help keep them in place and prevent crumpled pages and bent paperback covers.
When the work associated with a move seems overwhelming, consider professional packing services from Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. We can facilitate a move from start to finish, from packaging items carefully in safe, appropriate materials to transporting and unloading them in your new home free from damage. For a free moving quote, call (504) 254-2950 or submit an online request today. We’ll be happy to answer every question about our process, whether you plan to move locally in New Orleans or require long-distance relocation services.