One thing people fear the most when moving into a new apartment or house is that their stuff will wind up at the new location broken, damaged, or completely destroyed. This fear rings true, irrespective of whether you decide to move or hire professionals. Avoiding damaged items is a priority for all movers.
We sat down with FlatRate’s Head of Mover Training, Vladimir Cvijovic to get an inside look at the items that are most likely to break and what YOU can do to protect them.
Before any move, make sure you understand the worth of your items by conducting an insurance valuation.
For people who decide to pack themselves, here are the items that typically get damaged in a move.
Moving Electronics
- Electronics should be packed in double-layer cardboard china boxes; linen boxes should be utilized for large printers.
- Go extreme on the cushioning. Protect the bottom and the top of the box, as well as in between each individual electronic piece. Don’t be stingy with packing paper and bubble wrap and be sure to wrap each electronic device separately.
- Remove all cords and wrap them individually.
- TVs should only be packed in original boxes. Professional movers will use special plasma boxes and moving blankets positioned in specific ways to prevent damage. Also, the base of the TV should be removed prior to wrapping.
- COMMON MISTAKE TO AVOID: Because some electronic devices look very sturdy, people tend to stack them on top of each other inside boxes and use pillows for top and bottom cushions. In our experience, damaged items often result from this ill-advised method.
Moving Kitchenware
- Utilize china boxes since they are double-layered.
- The heaviest items should be packed on the bottom (plates, bowls) and the lightest items (wine glasses or small decoration figurines) on the top. All items should be packed standing up and positioned like in a dishwasher.
- COMMON MISTAKE TO AVOID: Keep your pots and pans and other non-breakable items (like books) in separate boxes.
Moving Lamps & Lamp Shades
- Always remove the lampshade from the lamp to transport them safely.
- Use a box that is close in size to the lampshade and use a copious amount of packing paper and bubble wrap all around.
- Label the box “FRAGILE, NOTHING ON TOP” to avoid crushing your lampshade.
- COMMON MISTAKE TO AVOID: Surprisingly, people will often try to force a lampshade into a box that is too small which puts it in a precarious position.
Taking Your Time to Pack & Unpack Carefully
If you do decide to pack yourself instead of hiring professional packers, it is imperative to give each individual item immense care. Take your time to wrap each item individually and you will be a happy camper when it’s time to unpack!
Packing Picture Frames
One of the other items that many people tend to lose in a move because of poor packing is picture frames. It’s a good idea to remove your photos from frames and transport them separately, as frames can be replaced, but pictures can’t. Shattered glass can easily destroy a photo if the frame is damaged in transit. It’s essential to wrap each frame individually with bubble wrap. It might take a bit longer, but this is key to preventing damage.
Packing Antiques & Collectibles
When it comes to antiques and collectibles you will likely want to consider a premium packing service (FlatRate can help!). However, if you decide to DIY, then it’s best to go with double layers. Use sturdy, ink-free paper to wrap your valuable item. Then, use a copious amount of bubble wrap. When using tape, be sure that you are not making contact with the item you are wrapping. A common packing mistake is people getting sloppy with tape and accidentally ruining the veneer or finish of an expensive item.
Trust FlatRate to Move Your Valuables Safely!
If you move with FlatRate, we know that we will keep your items safe and sound. Every now and then, life gets in the way. Should something break or get damaged during the moving process, please fill out a claim form. Also, be sure to brush up on your knowledge of moving company liability.
Remember that a few extra minutes of packing preparation can be the difference between preserving your stuff or opening it up and finding it in pieces.