When you are organizing for a move, safeguarding your belongings from harm is always a top priority. Here are a few tips on how to protect your breakables for a stress-free moving experience.
Safeguard Your Valuables with Foam
Packaging foam is an ideal material to prevent your belongings from being damaged during a move. There are a few ways you can use foam to keep your precious goods safe from accidents during transport:
Wrap Items in Foam
The first tip to protect your breakables is to wrap them in foam. Foam is ideal for packing because you can easily wrap a range of different items in it.
Foam offers stability and cushioning so that your items are supported and padded. Foam also absorbs vibration caused by impact, so the foam will take a majority of the blow instead of your items.
Use Foam Bumpers on Harder to Pack Items
Foam is also great for those harder to pack items. For instance, foam bumpers are ideal for protecting items during moving, including: framed artwork, glass tables, and mirrors. The foam bumpers rest on the edges and corners of the fragile item to provide extra protection against damage. This type of solution isn’t just for breakables; it can also be used on the corners of furniture to avoid scratches.
Use Anti-Static Foam for Sensitive Items
Foam bumpers are ideal for breakables, but electronic items may need anti-static foam. This foam provides ample cushioning while also minimizing electrostatic charge. This unique foam safeguards the item from building up electricity and static shock. Best of all, this option comes in eggcrate and pick and pull options for even more versatility.
Consider a Custom Moving Case for Certain Valuables
When moving certain valuables, such as firearms or musical instruments, the need for extra protection is paramount. If the item needs stronger protection, a custom foam case may be a good idea. A custom cut case insert can be tailored to the exact size and measurements of the item for maximum protection. This will help make this move and any future moves easier for long term items.
Use Several Solutions for Maximum Protection
When moving valuables, it is best to mix and match packing solutions to meet your needs. Foam is a versatile solution that offers stability, so feel free to go a little overboard to safeguard your breakables.
The Outside of Your Packages are Important, Too!
Choose the Right Box Size
While the right foam is key to protecting fragile pieces, the right box is important, too! If items are placed in a box that is too large, they can roll around a bit which puts these items at risk of being broken.
Make sure you have a variety of box sizes on hand to accommodate a range of items. If you have a box that is too roomy for an item, you can also add some foam blocks or bolsters to stop items from rolling around.
Use Extra Tape
While most people use tape to seal the top of a box shut, this isn’t always enough when dealing with breakables. With heavier and more breakable items, you should tape both the top and the bottom of the box. Doing this will give the box more stability and support for a stress-free move.
Stay Organized and Have a Plan
Place Fragile Boxes Closer Together
When boxes are being placed in the moving truck, you want to make sure the fragile boxes are grouped together and well marked. This will ensure that extra care is given as boxes are being loaded and unloaded. You also want to avoid gaps between boxes to further support them and stop them from being jarred loose.
Moving can be a hassle, but with our tips for moving breakables, it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right foam solutions and a little planning, your items can arrive at their destination in one piece!
