How to pack delicate items: tips for plates, glassware and more
Getting ready to move some delicate items? Learn 7 tips to ensure they reach their destination safely.
Moving house? Then you're likely to be taking some fragile or delicate items with you: plates, glassware and even family heirlooms that need that extra bit of care on the move.
Here are seven tips to help you get your delicate items from A to B without tears. We also share some thoughts on whether to hire a man with a van or just a van. We hope it helps!
1. Fill 'em up
When boxing up fragile items, make sure you've filled the box with polystyrene, bubble wrap, scrunched-up paper, packing peanuts or another kind of padding material. This will cushion the blow if the box gets knocked.
2. Make good use of labels
When moving house, the worst thing you can do is throw your possessions into unmarked boxes. It's not just that you're creating an unpacking nightmare at the other end. It's also that fragile items can get handled without due care.
For this reason, you should always label a box containing delicate items. "Fragile", "Handle with care" – however you phrase it, it decreases the chances of damage en route.
Once you've packed your box, check to see if any gaps need to be filled. Empty spaces are your foe.
3. Don't skimp on tape
Your box needs to be securely fastened with tape. That means tape across the top and the side edges. This helps protect your items should the box fall over.
4. Pack heavy items first
Packing delicate items into a box isn't unlike packing your shopping at the supermarket. Heavy items go on the bottom and light items on top.
5. Pack delicate items one by one
If you have a collection of glasses, plates or other fragile items, you should always pack them one by one. This creates extra cushioning between the items.
5. Pack plates vertically
Plates are much safer in transit when packed vertically – and as with all delicate items, they should be completely surrounded with bubble wrap and packing materials.
Special plate boxes are available. Sometimes marketed as "dish barrel boxes", they're reinforced boxes with slots for your plates.
A similar product is available for glasses. They look similar to wine boxes: reinforced cardboard with gaps for your glassware.
These specially made boxes are useful but not essential. You can safely transport your delicate items without them – just make sure they're tightly packed.
6. Give paintings and prints proper protection
If you're transporting art prints, you want to make sure they arrive unscathed. To achieve this, use boxes with packing paper and bubble wrap.
Framed pictures or paintings can be wrapped in a blanket or towel for extra protection. Make sure the box is full of packing materials and securely taped up.
Oil paintings can be wrapped in glycerin or another type of wax paper to ensure moisture doesn't reach them.
7. Go the extra mile for mirrors
If a wine glass shatters, it's a nuisance. But if a mirror shatters, you've got a lot of cleaning up to do (and potentially seven years of bad luck to deal with…)
For this reason, mirrors should be packed in a specific way. Typically, this involves applying masking tape to the upper surface in an "X" shape. This will stop the mirror from shattering in the event of a bump, knock or other impact.
Some people, however, protect the mirror itself but forget to protect the frame. This is a mistake. The frame keeps the mirror in place – and, in the event of an accident, it serves as an extra bit of protection.
So, as well as applying masking tape to the mirror surface, use corner protectors on the frame. If the frame lacks right angles or has an unusual shape, you should also use bubble wrap.
Hiring a van for house removals: your options
If you're moving house, you'll almost certainly need to transport delicate items. This is a separate issue from packing them. It's all about safely loading the van or car to make sure those items don't get knocked about.
There's a broader question when it comes to house removals, however. Should you hire a man with a van – or just a van?
In theory, hiring a man with a van means you get a professional service. But it also involves relinquishing control of your household items – including those on the delicate side.
For this reason, many renters and homeowners choose to hire a van and drive it themselves. This means they get full control over loading and transporting, as well as packing. At a time when stress is typically running high, this can provide extra reassurance that your fragile items will arrive in one piece.
If you do decide to go down the DIY driver route, you're going to need a van. What should you look for in a hire vehicle? There are two main considerations: first, the vehicle itself, and secondly, the firm you work with.
What to look for when hiring a van
When hiring a van to transport delicate items and other household goods, your main priority is size. You need to figure out the capacity you need – otherwise, you'll be paying fuel costs for unnecessary trips.
Of equal importance, however, is the firm you work with. You want to make sure that your rental firm is reputable and experienced.
A good litmus test is how a firm responds when you ask for details. If they're evasive, look elsewhere. You should also check for a wide range of vehicles, flexible booking options and transparent fuel policies.
Choosing the right hire firm can be the difference between a smooth move and a needlessly stressful experience. Choose with care!
Are you looking for affordable
van hire in the North East? Call MVH Rental today on (0191) 4888 700 or
check out our fleet online.
