You are moving. And if you’re anything like most movers, you are probably moving quite…
Dealing with a fragile package is one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of moving. Few things are more disheartening than opening up a box only to find your possessions cracked or completely shattered.
Fortunately, there are solutions that can help you create safe, stress-free, and effective ways of transporting your fragile belongings.
Whether you intend to hire a moving professional or do everything yourself, these solutions promise to be invaluable.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Fragile Items?
The cost to ship fragile items depends on various factors, such as the item’s weight and dimension, the shipping distance, and whether any extra services are needed to ensure safe shipping.
It will also depend on the shipping company you choose.
That said, the average cost of shipping fragile or special care items is around $2 per mile for distances under 100 miles and $0.39 each mile for those under 1000 miles.
Types of Damages of Fragile Items
Knowing all the potential damages is the first trick to safely learning how to transport a fragile package. By doing so, you are better able to come up with solutions that will help you avoid these situations.
While you can pack non-breakable items in boxes without worrying about damage, items like china, glass, and porcelain need a lot more care to keep them safe from:
- Chipping
- Cracking
- Breaking or shattering
Most of these damages tend to occur during specific situations.
For instance, your fragile items could bump against each other while in their packaging. Loading boxes improperly could place special care items under unnecessary pressure, while other cases of damage occur from the shock damage that results from dropping boxes.
Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent or safeguard against such scenarios. Read on to learn a few tips on packing fragile items safely.
How to Pack Fragile Items When Moving
While moving is already complicated, ensuring your fragile belongings get to your new place safely is even more frustrating. However, there are specific steps you can use to simplify the process and make it more effective.
Pick a Box That Is Slightly Larger than the Fragile Item
Avoid using oversized boxes that will leave too much space. This space allows your fragile item to move around during the move. Doing so greatly increases the chances of damage.
Instead, use a slightly bigger box than the item you are transporting.
Choose Suitable Packaging
Besides size, the packaging’s material significantly matters. For instance, though poly mailers are cheaper than boxes, they are far from ideal and will not provide your breakable items with adequate protection.
Some might go for poly bags since they come with bubble wrap padding. However, this padding doesn’t eliminate your fragile items’ cracking, chipping, or breakage.
Pack the Item on Your Own
Even if you are using professional movers, we recommend packing fragile items yourself. Doing so will ensure all your breakable items get the specialized attention they deserve.
Wrap Your Item in Cushioning Material
Before placing the fragile item in the box you’ve chosen, ensure that you wrap it with enough cushioning material.
Encase the Fragile Package in Foam
It is often best to create a foam enclosure for your fragile item, molding this foam to the item’s precise measurements.
While this step is impractical for large items, the additional protection it provides for small, and breakable packages can save them from damage.
Remember to Use Packing Peanuts or Air Pillows
After wrapping your fragile item or encasing it in foam and placing it in the box, remember to fill any empty space with packing peanuts, air pillows, or crinkle paper.
Place a “Fragile” Sticker on the Box
A “fragile” label lets your movers or carriers know they’ll need to handle the box with extra care. Feel free to use multiple stickers on each side of the box to ensure it’s hard to miss.
Label Which Side Is Up
On top of the “fragile” sticker, adding a label that lets movers know how to carry the fragile package might be helpful.
Contact Moving Services Today
Are you concerned whether your fragile items will make it through the move? The tips we’ve shared will go a long way in lessening your worries. These solutions can help keep your fragile packages safe from minor chip shatters and breakages.
On The Go Moving can offer you the reliable moving service you need. Contact us at 425-947-5713 to learn more about our services.
