The first thing to focus on is cushioning the item. Exactly what you’ll use will vary based on the item you’re packing, but as a general rule of thumb you want to choose a packing material that will give a little bit while still supplying some support. For example: many people try to wrap their valuables in several layers of paper – do NOT do this! Wrapping paper doesn’t give any real support to absorb impacts. Instead, crumple up that paper into balls instead – that will give them a “springy” property that will help cushion the item against any unwanted collisions. Other good packing materials are bubble wrap, air bladders, or styrofoam inserts (if you can get them).
If your item has an exposed “inside” (such as an open mouthed vase) try to stuff some packing material in there as well. If your item has any special environmental needs now is the time you’ll generally want to take care of that. For example, many electronic components are sensitive to static discharge and need to be transported in special insulating bags.
Once your item is nice and cushioned, you’ll want to surround it with some form of rigid container that will stand up to blows without giving way. Depending on your situation it could be as simple as a cardboard box or it could be a tougher plastic or metal container. Choose whatever option serves the needs of your item best – generally, if you’ll be giving it up to commercial transportation or shipping then you’ll want to opt for a more rugged container. Whatever the case, make sure your item is seated firmly in the container and that it’s surrounded with enough of your cushioning material so that it can move around slightly, but not much. Remember: if your package is dropped or subjected to collision the hope is that the container will take the brunt of the force and the springy cushion material will absorb the rest, leaving your valuables safe inside.
The final step is, unfortunately, not one you’ll always have control over: anchoring the package inside the transport vehicle. If your package is being shipped through a freight company or thrown into the cargo bay of an airplane then it’s out of your hands, but if you’re transporting the package yourself you’ll have a lot more flexibility. Your vehicle is, in a way, just another rigid container – you’ll want to secure your package inside with a little bit of give just in the same way you placed the item inside the package in the first place. There’s a few ways you can go about it – you can strap the package in with a seat belt, wedge it between a pair of seats, or stuff it in with other packages if you’re transporting multiple items. Either way the key is to give the item SOME room to move, but not much.
Ultimately, packing and moving fragile items isn’t hard, even if it can be nerve-wracking sometimes. As long as you remember to pack in a way that your materials absorb impacts properly, you should be fine.
At Nice Guys Movers; we treat your possessions with the same care as if they were our own, we offer unparalleled reliability and razor sharp punctuality for both domestic and commercial removal services. Get your free quote now! Call us at: 407-326-73111
