Top Tips for Fragile Items and Valuables!

The thought of packing up your treasured possessions – delicate glassware, precious artwork, or sensitive electronics – can send shivers down anyone’s spine. Will they survive the journey? How do you ensure they arrive at your new home in one piece?

At Whiteley Removals, based in Eastleigh, Hampshire, we understand these concerns. With years of experience moving everything from antique heirlooms to modern home cinema systems across the UK, we’ve honed the art of protecting fragile and valuable items. While we offer a comprehensive professional packing service designed for ultimate peace of mind, here are our top tips if you’re tackling some of the packing yourself.

The Golden Rules for Packing Fragile Items:

1. Gather the Right Materials:
   • Sturdy Boxes: Double-walled boxes are best for fragile items. Avoid using old, flimsy boxes.
   • Plenty of Packing Paper: Unprinted newsprint or specialist packing paper is ideal. Avoid newspaper directly on items as the ink can transfer.
   • Bubble Wrap: A must-have for cushioning.
   • Packing Peanuts/Foam: Excellent for filling voids and providing extra shock absorption.
   • Strong Packing Tape: Don’t skimp on tape!
   • Markers: For clear labelling.
2. Reinforce Your Boxes: Always double-tape the bottom seams of your boxes with strong packing tape. For heavier fragile items, create an extra layer of cushioning at the bottom with crumpled paper or bubble wrap.

3. Wrap Everything Individually: This is non-negotiable for fragile items. Each piece needs its own protective cocoon.

4. Fill All Voids: Movement inside the box is the enemy of fragile items. Use crumpled paper, packing peanuts, or even soft towels/linens to fill every gap and prevent shifting.

5. Label, Label, Label! Clearly mark boxes as “FRAGILE,” indicate “THIS SIDE UP,” and list the contents. This ensures our team (or yours) handles them with the utmost care and knows where they belong in your new home.

Specific Tips for Different Fragile Items:

Glassware (Glasses, Plates, Bowls):

• Plates & Bowls: Wrap each item individually in several layers of packing paper. For plates, stack them on their edge (like records in a crate) in the box, rather than flat. This provides more shock absorption. Place a layer of bubble wrap or cardboard between each plate for added protection.
• Glasses & Stemware:
  • Crumple a piece of paper and gently place it inside the glass bowl.
  • Lay the glass diagonally on a sheet of packing paper.
  • Roll the glass from one corner, tucking the paper around the stem and bowl as you roll.
  • Add a layer of bubble wrap for extra cushioning, securing it with tape.
  • Place glasses upright (mouth down for stemware) in the box, filling all gaps. Consider using “cell” boxes (like wine bottle dividers) for extra security.

Artwork & Mirrors:

• Small/Medium Framed Art/Mirrors:
  • If the item has glass, tape an ‘X’ across the glass with masking tape. This won’t prevent breakage but will hold pieces together if it shatters.
  • Wrap the item entirely in packing paper.
  • Then, wrap generously in bubble wrap, securing with tape.
  • Place in a sturdy box, ensuring it fits snugly with cushioning. For multiple items, pack them vertically (on their edge) within the box, with cardboard dividers between them.
• Large/Valuable Artwork: These often require specialist boxes or custom crating. If you have particularly valuable pieces, it’s highly recommended to use our professional packing service, as we have the appropriate materials and expertise. Always stand artwork upright, never flat.

Electronics (TVs, Computers, Stereos):

• Original Boxes are Best: If you still have the original packaging, use it! It’s designed to protect the item perfectly.
• Back Up Data: For computers and hard drives, always back up your data before packing.
• Disconnect & Organise Cables: Unplug all cables, coil them neatly, and secure them with twist ties or Velcro straps. Place them in a labelled Ziploc bag and tape the bag to the corresponding device. Take photos of connections before dismantling to help with re-assembly.
• Remove Discs/Batteries: Eject any discs from consoles/DVD players. Remove batteries from remote controls and devices to prevent leakage.
• Cushioning: Wrap larger electronics (like TVs) in anti-static bubble wrap or specialist moving blankets. For TVs, pay special attention to protecting the screen. For computers, use anti-static bubble wrap.
• Padding: Place electronics in sturdy boxes, filling all empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement. Clearly label as “FRAGILE – ELECTRONICS.”

Jewellery & Valuables:

• These are best transported with you personally, not on the moving truck. Important documents, passports, cash, and very high-value jewellery should always be kept in your immediate possession.

The Whiteley Removals Professional Packing Advantage

While these tips will certainly help, the ultimate way to ensure the safety of your fragile and valuable items is to let the professionals handle it. Our experienced team uses high-quality packing materials, proven techniques, and meticulous attention to detail to protect your possessions. From delicate china to cumbersome antiques, we treat your belongings as if they were our own.

Opting for our full packing service not only gives you unparalleled peace of mind but also frees up your valuable time to focus on other aspects of your move.

Don’t leave the safety of your most cherished possessions to chance. Contact Whiteley Removals today to discuss our professional packing services and get a free quote for your upcoming move!