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How To Pack Fragile Items For Self Storage

January 27, 2017     Packaging Self Storage

Protecting your delicate belongings starts with knowing how to pack fragile items effectively. Whether you’re looking for short term storage when moving house or need a secure space for long-term storage, proper packing is key to keeping your fragile items safe from damage. Exeter self-storage units offer the ideal solution for safeguarding delicate items, whether you’re renovating your home or transitioning into a new office or work space.

Essential Packaging Materials For Fragile Items

When it comes to packing, not all packing materials are equal. For fragile items, choosing the right packaging is crucial. Here’s a list of high-quality materials you should consider:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Boxes
  • Markers
  • Packing peanuts or foam inserts
  • Towels or old rags
  • Packing tape

Shallow Focus Photo of Furniture With Bubble Wrap

How to pack glasses for moving house?

Delicate glassware and kitchen items can be particularly vulnerable when moving house. Here’s how to pack them safely:

  • Wrap each item individually – use packing paper or bubble wrap for each glass or cup
  • Create layers in the box – place one item at a time, adding more cushioning (such as paper) between layers
  • Use dividers – cardboard dividers are ideal for keeping glassware and plates separated
  • Packing wine glasses – Wine glasses are especially fragile due to their thin stems. Wrap each glass individually and fill the interior with paper to prevent breakage. Use extra cushioning around the stems to ensure they are fully protected during the move

How to pack antiques & artwork for moving?

Antiques and artwork need extra attention to ensure they stay safe during a move. Fragile pieces, especially those with glass coverings, require careful packing:

  • Wrap mirrors and paintings – use bubble wrap first, followed by a thick blanket
  • Use a picture box – purchase boxes designed for large, delicate items like artwork and line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper
  • Add fragile tape – Mark with an ’X’ on the glass surface to protect it
  • Label clearly – mark the box as fragile and indicate which side is up

For more information read our article ‘How to safely store antiques.’

antiques

How to pack lampshades & awkward-shaped items?

Awkward-shaped items like lampshades need individual attention:

  • Wrap each shade separately – use bubble wrap to cover the entire shade
  • Fill the shade with paper – to prevent movement inside the box
  • Use individual cartons – for best results, pack each lampshade in its own box

For more information, see our blog post, ‘Our 10 steps for packing your items for self-storage’.

Our Tops Tips For Labelling & Securing Fragile Items For Moving

Once your fragile items are packed, it’s crucial to secure and label your boxes to ensure safe handling during the move:

Secure the box

Start by reinforcing the bottom and corners of your cardboard boxes with tape. This step adds extra stability, preventing the box from weakening or breaking under the weight of its contents. For electronics like TVs or monitors, use the original packaging if available, as it offers the best protection during the move. Read our article ‘how to pack and organise your Exeter personal storage units’ for more information.

Create a padded base

Before placing any items in the box, line the bottom of the box with bubble wrap or packing peanuts to absorb shocks and protect fragile items. This soft base will help absorb shocks and impacts during transit, ensuring the safety of your fragile items.

Individually wrap each item

Wrap each item separately using bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels. For smaller fragile items like glasses and vases, use smaller boxes for added safety.

boy and girl packing things in big boxes

Layer items strategically

Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Use packing paper between plates or bowls and seal stacks with tape. This will ensure that smaller and lighter items are not crushed during the packing process.

Add a top layer of protection

Before sealing the box, it’s important to add a final layer of protection, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, or even soft towels. This extra cushioning on top helps absorb any pressure or impacts from above, especially if other boxes are stacked on it during transit.

Label boxes clearly

Use large, bold black or red writing to mark boxes as “Fragile” and indicate the correct side up, so that it is handled with care. For electronics, be sure to label them clearly and handle them with extra care.

fragile items at self storage

Document and insure valuables

Before packing any valuable items, such as antiques and heirlooms take clear photographs from multiple angles. This documentation will serve as proof of their condition before storage, which can be useful in case of accidental damage or loss. It’s also important to ensure these items are properly insured, especially if they hold significant sentimental or monetary value.

Secure & Flexible Exeter Self Storage For Fragile Items

At Your Store Exeter, we offer quick, easy and long-term storage solutions designed to protect your fragile belongings, ensuring they stay in perfect condition for as long as you need. With a variety of unit sizes available, we can accommodate delicate items of any shape or size, keeping them secure and well-protected.

If you’re unsure how much space you need, our friendly team is always ready to assist you in finding the right solution. Rent storage space in Exeter for peace of mind and secure storage solutions. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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