5 Items That Frequently Get Damaged During A Move

How to Pack Your Possessions for a Safe Trip

There are typical items you expect might be damaged when you move; items such as glassware, dinnerware, antiques and collectibles. For these fragile possessions, it pays to use the correct packing materials including, medium (not large) dishpack boxes with double-thick walls, soft packing paper to avoid scratches, and plenty of bubble wrap for stemware and layering between pieces. When possible, you might want to keep valuable items with you and transport them yourself during the move. These items were deliberately omitted from our list. Instead, here are items that might be at risk because people tend not to realize how easily they are damaged and they receive less care when you pack.

Lamps and Shades – Awkward shapes mean that lamps don’t always get packed correctly. Here’s what you should do:

• Remove bulbs before packing.
• Use a separate box for the lampshade(s). You can nest lampshades together if they fit correctly. Be careful not to bend or force fit the shades.
• Pack the lamp base upright with plenty of packing paper to keep it from moving within the box.

Electronic equipment such as computers, stereo equipment, DVD players, and printers are valuable items that deserve care:

• Remove disks, toner cartridges and batteries from all items.
• Use original boxes if possible.
• Use anti-static bubble wrap – foam peanuts conduct electricity!
• Pack remote controls, cables, and other accessories with the equipment it belongs to. Label everything to easily match it with the right device. Also, be sure these items are securely wrapped to reduce the risk of damage.
• Don’t pack electronic items together by “stacking” them without putting considerable padding between each item. Use towels and blankets to separate them (and you have less linens to pack!).

Books can be mistakenly thought of as easy to pack. But if it’s done incorrectly…

• Pack them too tightly and the edged will get folded, warped, and creased.
• Pack them too loosely and they will shift around causing friction damage.
• Alternate the bound edges of stacked books to avoid damage.
• Valuable books should be wrapped with paper before packing.

Sports equipment can be both odd-shaped and expensive – and can actually do more damage to other items in the moving van if they’re not properly secured.

• Whenever possible, use original cases or boxes – for example for bowling balls, ice skates, and sports shoes.
• Invest in the right sized boxes to secure your tennis racquets, golf club, baseball bats, and even skis.
• Use plenty of padding around items – such as helmets, baseball gloves, and golf clubs to avoid scratches and breakage.

House plants. Here’s what you should do if your living pants need to be transported with the movers:

• Avoid watering your plants few days before the move so that the box doesn’t leak and damage other items in the moving van.
• Tie the loose branches and provide stakes to support high stems.
• Transport large plants in a spacious container where its leaves won’t touch too much of the other things in the van.

A reliable mover will be able to provide the tools and materials you need to safely transport all of your possessions to their new home.