There are certain items that require special attention when being wrapped up and packed away. These fragile, oddly shaped, and potentially dangerous items need to be packed in the best possible way to ensure that they arrive in your new home intact and free of any damage.
Before you start packing, though, you will need to have the right packing materials. The materials you are likely to use as you go about packing everything up are:
- Bubble wrap
- Unprinted newsprint
- Tissue paper
- Old towels or blankets
- Styrofoam peanuts or popcorn
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing tape
- Labels and stickers
- Black marker
Once you have acquired all of these materials, you will be ready to pack your individual items.
Coffee mugs and teacups
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Photo by porah, sxc.hu |
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The first step in wrapping your coffee mugs and teacups is to protect the handles. Crumple up a piece of newsprint and stuff it into the hole in the handle, which will provide support to this most fragile part. Then place the mug on its side on top of a piece of newsprint. Carefully roll the mug or cup forward, wrapping it with the paper as you go. You can then fold up the paper near the bottom and stuff the excess paper at the top into the opening. If your items need extra protection, you can also put a layer of bubble wrap over the newsprint. |
Once the mugs and teacups are sufficiently protected, place them into a box lined with newsprint or bubble wrap. If there are any openings in the box, put some crumpled pieces of newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts in to provide some cushioning. Once the box is fully secure, tape it shut and label it as "Fragile."
Wineglasses
Wineglasses are even more fragile than your mugs and teacups, and they require the use of tissue paper and multiple-celled boxes. First, crumple up some unprinted newsprint and stuff it into the globe of the glass. Although you want to fill the globe completely, don't pack the paper in too tightly. Lay the glass on its side on top of two or three pieces of tissue paper. The glass should be lying perpendicular to the corner of the paper. You should then wrap the glass in the paper, tucking the corners into the globe and ensuring the stem is completely wrapped. At this point, put the glass into a celled cardboard box, stem first. After all of your wineglasses are put into the box, fill in any openings in the box with some additional packing materials. It is a good idea to put some bubble wrap on top of the glasses to ensure that everything is secure and well cushioned. You can then close and seal the box and label it as "Fragile."
Knives
Though there are plenty of different methods for wrapping and packing your knives, the goal is always the same – protecting your knives and yourself. One way to wrap up your knives is to use knife guards, which fit over the blades of your knives. Your knives might have come package in these when you bought them. However, if you can't find them or didn't have any to begin with, you can buy knife guards online or at a kitchen supply store. After putting the knife guards onto your knifes, wrap them individually with newsprint. |
| You can also buy a knife roll to pack up your knives. Knife rolls are sheets of canvas with built in placeholders for all of your knives. After placing each knife in the canvas, you can conveniently roll it up to safely pack your knives away. If you don't have a special knife roll, you can make one yourself with an old towel. Simply place a knife at the edge of the towel and roll it forward a little. Then, put the next knife on and roll the towel again. Keep doing the process until all of your knives are safe and secure inside the rolled up towel. |
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Photo by alaasafei, sxc.hu |
Once the knives are packed up, put them in a small box with plenty of newsprint. Make sure you clearly indicate that the box contains knives. This way, when it comes to unpacking, you will be prepared to unload your knives.
Plates and dishes
Whether you need to pack an antique china collection or just your everyday dinner plates, the process will be pretty much the same. You should begin by wrapping each plate individually with bubble wrap or unprinted newsprint. If using the newsprint, remember to use two or three sheets to prevent the plates from getting chipped during the move. For extra cushioning, line the bottom of the box you plan on putting your dishes in with layers of newsprint or bubble wrap. When putting the dishes into the box, place them vertically, which will make them even more break-resistant. Make sure to fill in any gaps in your box with more packing material. Once you close the box, remember to seal it properly and, of course, label as "Fragile."
It is very important to properly wrap and package all of your belongings. It is better to take the time to do this before the move, rather than have to replace damaged items that weren't wrapped properly. By following the advice in this guide, you can be sure that your goods will make it through the move in good condition. |
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