Loss due to breakage in a move is heartbreaking. Below are some tips from industry experts on how to pack fragile items to reduce breakage during any move, in a moving van or a moving container.
The most important tip for packing and moving fragile items is to eliminate all empty space inside the packed box to prevent items from shifting during the move. A box that feels tight and solid, with no movement or rattling when gently shaken, is far less likely to result in broken items
Preventing Collision
When there’s voids in packing boxes, wrapped items can slide around and collide with each other or the box’s walls, transferring force and causing damage.
Absorbing Shock
The void fill (like packing paper, bubble wrap, blankets, towels, etc.) acts as a final layer of shock absorption. When moving, your packed boxes experience bumps and jolts. The dense, cushioning material absorbs this impact, protecting your fragile items inside.
Creating Stability
A fully packed box is a sturdy box. It is less likely to be crushed if another box is stacked on top because the tightly packed contents reinforce the structure.
Use the Right Materials
Sturdy boxes:
Never use old, worn-out boxes. Opt for new, double-walled boxes, which are specifically designed to withstand pressure.
Individual wrapping:
Wrap every single fragile item in a generous amount of wrapping paper, bubble wrap, or a soft cloth. This prevents items from scratching each other.
Protective padding:
Place a thick layer of cushioning, such as crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap, on the bottom and top of the box.
Dividers:
For items like glassware or plates, use a cell-pack box with built-in cardboard dividers. This creates individual, cushioned compartments for each item
Pack with a Strategic Method
Heavy items on the bottom:
Always place heavier items at the bottom of the box and stack lighter, more delicate items on top.
Plates vertically:
For plates and records, place them vertically on their side. They are much less likely to break this way than if they were stacked horizontally.
Fill hollow items:
For hollow items like glasses and vases, stuff the inside with crumpled paper to give them more structural support.
Remember, even if you pack well, empty spaces in your packed boxes can allow shifting and breakage. These tips hold true for packing to move in a K-BOX portable moving container. It is just like moving a great big packed box.
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