Let’s be honest – as exciting as it is, moving house can be a bit of a logistical headache. Both packing and moving present their own challenges, and if you’ve opted to pack yourself rather than booking a packing service, you’ll probably find that certain items are more likely to contribute to your stress levels than others. Bulky, fragile or strangely-shaped things can feel impossible to pack and transport safely, if you haven’t done it before.
Luckily, we’re here to help with this rundown of five particularly common packing culprits that should probably move up your packing checklist – and how to deal with them.
Lamps and lampshades
Lamps, especially floor lamps, are deceptively tricky. They’re awkwardly shaped, fragile and often come in multiple parts.
How to pack lamps
1, Remove the shade and bulb before packing the base. Wrap the base in bubble wrap, then place it in a sturdy box with crumpled paper or soft items to cushion it.
2, Lampshades should never be wrapped in newspaper, as the ink can transfer. Instead, place them in a box slightly larger than the shade and stuff the inside with clean packing paper or lightweight fabric to maintain the shape.
Mirrors and large picture frames
Glass items like mirrors, as well as artwork, are not only fragile and sometimes valuable, but often heavy and cumbersome too.
How to pack mirrors and picture frames
1, Use special mirror boxes or flat picture boxes, and line the inside with bubble wrap or foam.
2, Wrap the item in packing paper, then bubble wrap, and tape it securely.
3, For extra protection, place cardboard over the front and back of the mirror or frame before boxing it up.
4, Always store and transport mirrors and large pieces of artwork vertically, not flat, to reduce the risk of breakage.
Houseplants
Plants are living things, so they can’t just be shoved into a box any old how. Their size, shape and delicate nature can make them challenging to move, especially if you have a large collection.
How to pack houseplants
1, Water them sparingly a few days before the move so they’re not soggy on moving day.
2, Place smaller pots into open boxes lined with plastic or bin bags, and use crumpled paper to hold them in place.
3, For taller plants, secure the foliage gently with twine and wrap the pot to prevent breakage.
4, Avoid sealing them in airtight containers – plants need air and light.
TVs and large electronics
Flat-screen TVs and other electronics like sound systems are high-value, delicate and sometimes heavy, with multiple cables and accessories to consider.
How to pack TVs and electronics
1, If you still have the original box, that’s ideal for packing and transporting electronics.
2, If not, cover the screen in a soft blanket or bubble wrap, and place it in a sturdy box with foam padding or cushions.
3, Label cables clearly and pack them in a separate, clearly marked bag or box so they’re easy to find later.
4, Transport TVs upright and avoid stacking anything on top.
Musical instruments
Whether it’s a guitar, a keyboard or a violin, musical instruments can be fragile, expensive and often oddly shaped.
How to pack musical instruments
1, Always pack instruments in their original cases where possible, with extra padding around sensitive areas like strings or keys.
2, If no case is available, wrap the instrument in soft blankets or bubble wrap, and pack it in a box with ample cushioning.
3, Mark the box as fragile, and don’t stack anything on top.
If packing feels like a lot of effort, skip the stress and contact Spire Removals today to book packing and moving services.
