3 Important Points for Moving Delicate Household Items

Moving homes can be very exciting, but it does come without its hassles and can be very exhausting. There are many variables to consider in order to execute a successful move, whether you're doing it yourself or using a moving company. The latter, of course, provides less hassle and can help to ensure a safer, more efficient move than the former. Tough furniture items like outdoor furniture can be loaded onto a moving truck as are, but you need extra caution for your delicate valuables if you want to hold on to them. This article provides tips for packing and moving fine wood pieces, antique furniture and electronics among other delicate items.

1. Collect packaging supplies

Gather your packaging supplies before the moving day so that you have all necessary items at hand. You will need moving boxes, packing paper, scissors, stretch wrap, markers, bubble wrap and lots of tape, depending on how much stuff you have. These can be easily bought from home improvement stores and self-storage offices. If using a moving company or removalist, they will probably have their own supplies, but it doesn't hurt to have your own in case they don't suffice for your delicate pieces. You can ask beforehand whether special consideration can be given to your delicate items. Make a note of each item and let them know beforehand so that they bring the right supplies to carry them.

2. Pack delicates before D-day

If orchestrating your own move, you can start packing weeks in advance, beginning with non-essential items and slowly reducing your D-day workload. You can also pack your non-essential delicate items. Electrical appliances and electronics are best packed in their original packaging, secured with the Styrofoam they came with (never throw this away). If this isn't possible, wrap moving parts using stretch plastic and the entire item using bubble wrap. Place in a snug-fitting box to avoid movement and tape it shut. Label appropriately. Extremely valuable items like antiques should be crated to ensure safe delivery. You can get crates in home improvement outlets. If using removalists, confirm that they have and can bring crates along (and any additional charge). And since you won't do your own packing, your job on D-day will be to ensure that your delicates are properly packed. After all, you can't attach a price to an antique piece that has been in the family for generations.

3. Secure antique and delicate furniture

You can secure antique or furniture items to make them less damage-prone. Put together any removable parts in a separate labelled cardboard box. Next, apply stretch wrap secured with masking tape over glass parts or doors to keep them shut. Use a moving blanket to pad the item all around and shrink wrap to secure the blanket. Finally, ensure they are carefully loaded onto the truck, and no undue pressure is put on them to minimize chances of breakage or damage.


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