Moving is already a stressful experience, but adding fragile items to the mix can make it even more nerve-wracking. No one wants to deal with a box full of broken glass or ceramic when moving into their place, but it might just seem inevitable. After all, even on the smoothest of roads, boxes tend to shift while in transit. Now imagine how much bumping and jostling your boxes will go through while driving through the New Jersey streets.
Luckily, there are ways you can protect your fragile items so they have a greater chance of making it to your New NJ home in one piece. It may take you a bit longer, but it will be worth it. And if all else fails, you can ask NJ Great Movers to pack the fragile items for you.
Have the Right Materials
Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary items and have the right materials for each object. After all, packing a box of bowls is different from packing a TV. Some essential packing supplies you’ll need include:
- Packing peanuts – This fills in the empty space in the box and can withstand shocks and vibrations. It’s pretty much perfect for almost every item
- Bubble wrap – the bubbles come in different sizes, so make sure you choose accordingly. Use the small ones for things like cups or plates, and the larger ones for your bigger items
- Furniture pads – use these to protect oversized items like furniture or larger glassware like large vases, glass coffee tables, etc.
- Packing paper – the most cost-effective method of packing glassware, cups, dishes, bowls, and so on. You might be tempted to use newspaper or magazine pages, but remember that the ink from these pages will transfer to your items, which means you’ll have to wash everything again once you unpack
If you’re looking to save money, you can use items you have around the house, like pillows, socks, pillowcases, sheets, etc. to wrap up your fragile items. Just remember that these are not specifically made to absorb shock, so if you do go this route, there’s a higher chance your fragile items might end up breaking during transit. Still, if you’re just making a local move, it might not be a bad idea since you’ll be able to save money on materials while also saving yourself from messy cleanup.
Create an Inventory
Even if you don’t have any fragile items, you should still create an inventory of all your items. It will be a lot easier to keep track of all your belongings during your move. After all, you want to make sure everything arrives at your new place and doesn’t get left behind or left on the moving truck!
Fragile Items Inventory Checklist
| Step | Task | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | List all fragile items in a spreadsheet or notebook | Keeps track of what needs special care and ensures nothing is forgotten |
| 2 | Assign a unique box number or label | Makes unpacking easier and helps match items to their boxes |
| 3 | Take clear photos of each fragile item | Provides proof of condition before moving for insurance or claims |
| 4 | Note any existing scratches or cracks | Helps distinguish old damage from new during inspection |
| 5 | Back up your inventory digitally | Prevents loss of records and allows quick access during your move |
When taking inventory of your fragile items, always make sure to take pictures of each item. You want to record its state before the move, so if something does get damaged or broken, you have evidence of what it looked like beforehand. This will be important if you need to file a claim against your moving company if anything gets damaged or broken while in transit.
Pack Properly
Packing is an art, one that everyone can be good at, so long as you follow a few simple rules:
- Always place the heaviest item at the bottom. You don’t want to crush your smaller items, right?
- Use smaller boxes for your fragile items. The less stuff you have in a box, the fewer opportunities there are for them to knock into each other. Plus, smaller boxes are easier to handle.
- Consider buying specialty boxes. You can find boxes for glassware, dishware, and much more. These boxes have little holders for your glasses and vertical holders for your dishes.
- Fill in any extra space with lots of padding. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, paper, whatever you have on hand, to prevent the items from getting jostled
- Don’t overpack your boxes! Not only do you want to avoid items from knocking into each other, but you also don’t want to overload your boxes to hold more weight than necessary
Label Your Boxes
You don’t want to go through all the trouble of packing everything properly and then not label the boxes properly. Take your time and make sure to clearly label every box that has fragile items. That means writing the word fragile on the boxes and also indicating which side of the box is up.
Fragile Box Labeling Guide
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write “FRAGILE” clearly on all boxes containing delicate items | Alerts movers to handle with extra care |
| 2 | Mark the correct upright direction with arrows | Prevents boxes from being placed upside down |
| 3 | Group all fragile boxes in a separate area | Ensures they are moved carefully and not stacked under heavy items |
| 4 | Inform the movers about the fragile boxes and special handling instructions | Reduces the risk of damage during loading and unloading |
| 5 | Consider full valuation or third-party insurance for high-value, fragile items | Ensures compensation in case of damage beyond standard coverage limits |
Oh, and speaking of valuation coverage and insurance, in general, your claim won’t be accepted if you packed the boxes yourself unless you’re able to show that the moving company was negligent in their handling of your boxes. That’s why it’s a good idea to let the professionals pack your fragile items, as then they will be held liable.
Protect Your Fragile Items
Hopefully, the tips above can help you pack your fragile belongings with ease. And if you’re short on time or feel overwhelmed, let NJ Great Movers do the work for you. We offer full and partial packing services, so if you want help with specific items or areas, we can do that. Our goal is to provide you with a move that suits your needs and budget.
FAQ
Do I need to wrap every fragile item?
Yes, wrap every single fragile item separately! If there are any loose pieces like lids, remove them and wrap them separately. Finer items like China should be wrapped in bubble wrap.
Can I purchase separate inserts for my boxes for glassware and/or dishes?
Yes, you can buy inserts for both glassware and dishware. Make sure you measure your boxes properly so you purchase the right size.
Should I load the bottom of my box with packing material?
While not necessary, it’s not a bad idea, especially for glassware. Use soft packing material like styrofoam or even towels.