While the moving process is nerve-wracking in itself, the individual nature of the items which have to be moved makes the process more tiresome. Ensuring that each item is packed, transported, and then unpacked safely seems like a Herculean task. Our guide on how to protect electronics and fragile items during moving is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to ensure their possessions arrive safely at their new home.
Which is why we have collected the best tips for keeping your electronics and fragile items safe during the entire packing and moving process. Begin by collecting the following materials first to be used in the safety process:
- PVC tape
- Permanent markers
- Anti-static packing material like bubble wrap
- Thickly made cardboard boxes
- Pliable cardboard
- Packing paper
- Strong packing tape
- Sealable bags
- Crumpled up balls of newspaper
- Labels (either self-made or purchased)
Then make a list of all the items that fall into the two categories. For both the categories, it is imperative that you mention the handling details properly so that the movers, packers, and your own family members do not end up breaking items when they thought they were doing it the right way.
Electronics
These items include stereo systems, tablets, video game systems, laptops, and PCs. Below are the important points that you need to keep in mind:
- For devices with complex connections, take pictures of how the cords are arranged and connected. This will make the set-up process easier at your new house.
- For fear of losing/ displacing the pictures, you can also label the wire with the connections it has to ports, plugs, switches, etc.
- Then disconnect and dismantle your electronic devices. If you have the manufacturer’s guide on how to do this, then refer to it. If not, get an online downloadable version.
- Tie the cables and wires with twist ties and place them in a sealable bag. Label these and keep them together in the same box as the device. Remove ink cartridges and toners from printers and put them in a sealable bag.
- Portable storage devices like CDs and DVDs should be removed from laptops and PCs and put in their cases.
- Wrap each individual device separately using bubble wrap so that no two of them rub against each other and are damaged. Avoid material that can conduct electricity.
- Put only 1 device in each box. Do not be skimpy here.
- Pad the bottom of the box with bubble wrap. Prefer using the original box if you have it. If not, use thickly made cardboard boxes.
- Fill the gaps in the box with more bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper so that there is no accidental wear and tear.
- Seal the box with tape. Label it ‘fragile’, ‘do not drop’ and ‘this side up’ with a permanent marker to clearly indicate how the box should be kept in the car/ truck.
Fragile
This category will include kitchenware, dishes, and decorative items like mirrors and figurines. Be mindful of the following:
- For large, oddly shaped items, you can first fill up the gaps (between the hands, the animal trunk, and antlers/ horns, etc.) with packing paper. After that, wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap. Then place it on a large, pliable cardboard piece and place a similar piece on top of it. Bend both cardboards so that they meet around the item and secure them with tape. Place the wrapped thing in a cardboard box, filling the gaps with bubble wrap or crumpled newspaper.
- Wrap picture frames in packing paper and keep them in a box that is padded with bubble wrap and the space filled with crumpled up newspaper. Same goes for framed art and mirrors less than 3 feet in size. Larger sized items should be wrapped in plastic, secured with a blanket, and moved separately.
- Plates and bowls should be wrapped in bubble wrap and secured with tape. Most importantly, place them vertically and fill the space between individual plates with paper. You might want to void newspaper since the print can rub off on the plates.
- For cups and glasses, use a divided box. Make sure they fit snugly and do not shift. Shifting can lead to breakage. Hence, whenever possible, use the original packing.
- Make sure to label properly. Give pointers like ‘fragile,’ ‘this way up,’ ‘do not drop,’ etc.
Following the above tips will more or less eliminate your moving woes and worries and make you a good guardian of your possessions. Implement these pointers to the T and have a relatively peaceful and exciting moving process. Good luck!
