Are you part of the 9.8% of Americans that move each year?
If so, you’ve got a lot of packing to do. Figuring out the best way to wrap breakables can make packing a little easier and cut down on broken belongings.
The key to packing breakables is using the best packing material for fragile items.
Keep reading to learn how to pack fragile items well.
Prepare Sturdy Boxes
Picking the right moving boxes is the first step in protecting breakables.
Choose a sturdy box with thick cardboard that won’t buckle or tear. Thicker cardboard helps protect the items if something hits the side of the box.
Smaller boxes are ideal for breakables so you can put fewer items in the box.
Packing in smaller boxes keeps them lighter, so they’re less likely to break or get dropped.
It also puts less pressure on the items in the box. If you load it with lots of breakables, the items on the bottom might crack or get damaged.
When assembling the boxes, use plenty of tape to prevent the box from breaking open.
Use Packing Materials
The first option for wrapping breakable items is typical packing material.
Newspaper or tissue paper is often used to wrap up items. If you start collecting newspapers early or ask other people to collect theirs, it’s a free wrapping option.
The drawback to using newspapers is the messy ink that gets all over. It also isn’t as cushioning as some other options.
Bubble wrap adds more cushioning around breakable items without adding much weight.
Use Materials Around the House
Another option is to use soft, padding materials that you have around the house. You’ll need to pack those items anyway, so you might be able to save some space by using them as packing materials.
Towels, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and clothing items can work for this purpose. Plan to wash the items before using them after you unpack.
Wrap Pieces Individually
For the best protection, wrap each breakable item individually. You might need to wrap multiple layers around each piece to provide enough protection.
If something is particularly fragile, cut pieces of cardboard to fit around it. Tape the cardboard around the item before placing it in the larger box.
Pack the Boxes
Start with a layer of padding at the bottom of the assembled box. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspapers are options.
Place individually wrapped breakables into the box, starting with the heaviest items on the bottom.
Add more packing material in any spaces around the items. Continue filling the box, adding cushioning layers between if you want extra protection.
Leave space at the top of the box for more padding before you tape it closed securely. Label the box clearly to ensure everyone who handles it knows that the contents are fragile.
Discover the Best Way to Wrap Breakables
When figuring out the best way to wrap breakables, consider the specific pieces and the packing supplies you have available. Careful wrapping of each piece increases the chances of everything arriving without breaking.
If you’re moving soon, check out our moving services and let us help you make the move easier. We’ll help you pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings for local and long-distance moves.
