Step by Step Packing Instructions for Fragile Items

Packing Fragile Items for Your Move

Writing “fragile” on the box is no guarantee that you fragile goods will arrive safe and sound at your new destination. There is nothing more heart breaking than discovering that items of sentimental or monetary value have been broken during transit when you relocate to a new home. Thankfully, with some careful planning, this can be avoided or at the very least, kept to an absolute minimum.

You will need lots of open space to pack away your fragile items. Working on the floor is recommended as there is less opportunity to bump items over and have items fall to the ground. Glassware can scratch surfaces too, so be careful if you opt to work on a table.

Packing Fragile Items – Getting Your Packing Supplies Ready

Invest in a proper plastic storage box rather than use the traditional cardboard box to pack your heavy china items. The bottom of the box could fall out and this will cost you much more than the price of a good storage box. Plastic boxes are more durable and will last longer than ordinary moving boxes.

Ensure that the box you buy is not too large. This is to keep the weight (after packing) manageable. As far as possible, endeavour to keep the weight below 20 kg.

Collect and shred as much newspaper as you can get hold off. This can be used as fillers as well as to line the storage boxes. Supplement this by having enough Styrofoam peanuts.

Have on hand too some bubble wrap as well as adequate supply of packing tape.

Avoid using newspaper as your first layer of wrap as this is sure to mark your fine china. Instead, try using brown paper.

Once you have gotten all the packing supplies you need, we suggest you scan through our packing tips first for a good overview of the packing process. Thereafter, you can begin by following the step by step packing instructions outlined below.

Packing Step 1: Line your storage box

Begin by lining the storage box first with newspaper or adequate bubble wrap and then with shredded paper on top. Ensure that this layer of lining is flat as it will form the base of your storage box. This precaution is to limit any damage to your goods should the box be inadvertently dropped. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Packing Step 2: Pack saucers, plates and other flat items first

Saucers and plates should be packed first. A good rule of thumb would be to place the largest and heaviest ones at the bottom of the box and the lighter and smaller ones on top. That said, common sense should also prevail; items that are more fragile should always go on top while those that are less likely to break should stay below.

Before placing them in the box, each item should be wrapped individually in brown paper, followed by two layers of newspaper paper. If the item is extremely fragile, you may wish to have an additional layer of bubble wrap just to play safe. Each item should be stacked one on top of the other. The paper and bubble wrap will protect the plates from banging against each other while in transit.

Packing Step 3: Fill out all empty space to ensure tight packing

Once the items are inside the box, you can surround them with shredded paper as well as the Styrofoam peanuts you have prepared. Ensure all visible space is filled and that the items are packed as tightly as possible to keep any movement during transit to an absolute minimum.

Packing Step 4: Place wine goblets and other odd shape items on top

Wrap your wine goblets and other glassware the same way i.e. in brown paper first followed by two layers of newspaper and then if necessary, bubble wrap. Thereafter, you can place them on on their sides near the top of the box.

Packing Step 5: Line the top before sealing

Once all items are in, add more shredded paper and Styrofoam peanuts to ensure once again that all items are tightly packed to minimise any possible movement while on the road. Thereafter, ensure that no item is protruding out before securing the lid tightly.

Packing Step 6: Label box as fragile

Once the packing is complete, it is very important to label the box as fragile. It is also good practice to indicate the top of the box. For this, you can get some “Fragile – This Side Up” stickers from your mover or stationery supply shop. Be sure to stick them both on the top and sides of the box.

So there you have it – simple step by step packing instructions for fragile items, proudly brought to you by Movers Singapore, a provider of reliable and affordable house moving services. If you are ever in need of a quality Singapore house mover, we are only a phone call away.