One of the biggest reasons that moving is so stressful has to do with packing up your belongings. In particular, preparing breakables and antiques is especially critical. Whether or not you’re moving with the help of professional movers, a poorly packaged item may not make the trip in one piece. These tips will help you protect your most precious items so that they make it to your new home undamaged.

4 Tips for Packing Fragile Items

1. Pad the Box

Most people over-pack their boxes, hoping that it will save work for their movers, but this is a costly mistake. While the box may be sturdy enough to handle the weight as movers transport the crates, too many objects can cause breakables to get crushed in transit. Instead, pad the bottom of the box with newspaper, foam popcorn, or bubble wrap. Similarly, leave a few inches of space at the top, which you should also fill with padding. This technique will serve as a buffer when the boxes get jostled around on the road.

2. Cover Each Item

To package each piece, lay newspaper or bubble wrap on a flat surface. With one corner pressed against the item you are wrapping, roll it towards the opposite corner. Once you roll the item in the wrapping, tape the exposed edge down and cover the excess newspaper at each end. If it’s a cup or bowl, use crumpled paper or bubble wrap to fill the hollow area. For especially fragile or delicate items, add additional layers of wrapping.

3. Use Various Boxes

If you’ve ever watched professional movers work, you might have noticed that the boxes they use are not the same sizes. The reason for this is that it’s easier to create an interlocking pattern with different sized boxes. Conversely, workers must stack identical cases in the van in the same way. This situation makes them less sturdy and increases the risk that a bump in the road will cause the boxes to topple over.

4. Hire Movers to Help

Many professional moving companies also offer packing services, so it is helpful to find a company that does this. The movers have training and experience in packing fragile items, so they know how to protect your antiques and glassware. In addition to giving you the peace of mind of knowing professionals have packed your delicate belongings, this will also free up your time to tend to the other details of the move.

Firefighters on the Move is a moving company that was started by real firefighters in Omaha, NE. When you need movers, you can rely on their moving team to help you pack and relocate to your new home. The services they offer will alleviate much of the stress and work involved in your move. To learn more about this moving company, visit their website, or you can call (402) 651-6029 to request an estimate.