How to Safely Pack & Store Breakables
Posted on Wed, Sep 28, 2011
Fine china you never use, a chandelier that doesn’t fit in your apartment or creepy ceramic clowns from Aunt Edna are just some of the breakable items you may consider storing. Use these guidelines to ensure they stay safe in transit and during their self storage stay.
With your packing list in hand and your moving boxes taped up and ready to go, your next step is to gather the necessary packing materials. When storing and packing breakable items, you will need:
Use a large surface, like a table, as a packing station and lay out the supplies within easy reach. Begin packing a box by creating a cushion layer at the bottom from crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. In deeper boxes, use cardboard shelves to create sturdy dividers between layers. However, when layering, be careful not to make the box too heavy, which can increase the chance of someone dropping it.
For cups, vases and bowls, fill the open end with packing paper and wrap each piece in bubble wrap, taping it securely when finished. Wrap stemware by layering bubble wrap around the stem, filling the open end with packing paper and then wrapping the entire piece in packing paper.
For plates and serving items, individually wrap them in packing paper, and stack them with one or two sheets of bubble wrap between each item. For irregularly-sized pieces, wrap them completely in bubble wrap, with multiple layers and tape the ends tightly. Remember to leave space at the top of the box for additional cushioning material.
When a box is packed, fill the remaining crevices and gaps with packing peanuts and additional paper. If you can hear clunking noises when you gently move the box, then your items are not yet secure. Close and tape the box firmly to prevent unintended spilling or box breaking.
Mark the outside of the box “fragile” on at least three sides using a thick, black marker. When loading the boxes into a vehicle, be sure not to stack heavy items on top. Also, if possible, secure fragile boxes using cords and cables to prevent additional moving in transit.
For information on self storage units that can safely store your delicate items, visit Storage Post’s website at www.storagepost.com. We can also provide you with all of the packing supplies you need to ensure your items are protected and packed properly.