Top 10 Damaged Items and How to Properly Pack Them

The worst part of unpacking your belongings in your new home is finding them damaged. Not surprisingly, we know which household items are most likely to break and typically aren’t packed properly. The obvious suggestion is to pay a professional to pack these items. However, should you choose to do it yourself, here’s what you need to know.

  1. Drinking glasses: The most important factor in protecting your glassware is to use the proper box. Using a “dish pack” box provides extra protection with double thick walls. Cushion the box at the bottom with crumpled packing paper to begin. Glasses should be wrapped individually in moving paper, placing the glass at the corner and rolling across, tucking the excess inside the glass. This step should be repeated 3-5 times, and wrapped glasses should be placed VERTICALLY in one layer in the box. Place another layer of crumpled packing paper on top of the rolled glasses prior to starting another layer of glassware.
  2. Plates: The biggest issue with plates breaking is not using enough paper. Wrap each plate 3-5 times with packing paper until it is well-cushioned. Again, place VERTICALLY in a “dish pack” box. Place crumpled packing paper at the bottom of the box, and between each layer of plates until the box is full. You don’t want to hear the dishes rattle in the box.
  3. Artwork: To protect your artwork, place in a “picture box” lined on the bottom with crumpled packing paper. Glass often breaks because there is not enough cushioning in the box, so pack completely with crumpled paper or bubble wrap, leaving no gaps or wiggle room.
  4. Lamp Shades: Wrap lamp shades in bubble wrap, and stuff full with packing paper. Fill the box with enough packing paper so that the lampshade is snug inside. Do not place any additional items on top of the shade.
  5. Liquid Cleaning Supplies: To prevent a mess during unpacking, start by opening each bottle and placing plastic wrap over the opening. Then screw the cap back on tight. Use a small box to pack items together, checking them to make sure the box doesn’t become too heavy. Use packing paper between bottles to keep them from shifting around, and mark the outside with arrows making sure it stays upright during transport.
  6. Wine&LiquorBottles: Usingadividedorcellboxcanhelpprotect bottles from breaking. Each bottle should be wrapped with 3-4 layers of paper, and any loose ends taped down. Be sure to use multiple tape strips on the bottom of the box, and don’t pack it too heavy. If there are any gaps between the bottles and the dividers, fill with crumpled packing paper.
  7. Mirrors: Use a flat box, and wrap the mirror completely in multiple layers of bubble wrap. Tape the wrapping tightly around the mirror, then place the mirror in the box. Fill any gaps with crumpled wrapping paper, and only pack one mirror to a box.
  8. Glass Pictures: Pictures should be wrapped tightly in bubble wrap and/or packing paper, and placed in a picture box vertically. Stuff packing paper between each picture and on top, making sure nothing can move around in the box.
  9. Stereo/AudioEquipment: Themostcommonreasonthatstereoand audio equipment breaks during moving is that there is no cushioning placed between components as they are stacked in one box. If possible, stereo equipment should be packed in their original packages, or in dish pack boxes. Double tape the bottom of the boxes, and line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper. Wrap each component separately in bubble wrap, and tape down any loose edges. Place items VERTICALLY in the box. Fill in any gaps with additional crumpled paper.
  10. Books: You may be surprised to see books on this list, however, if not packed properly they can get damaged. Books should be packed in small boxes, to not create any heavy lifting. Pack heaviest books on the bottom and the paperback books on top.