Tips for Protecting Breakables When You’re Moving

One of the most worrying things about moving home is losing or breaking our possessions in transit. That’s why we’ve put together a guide for protecting breakables when you’re moving.

Losing items during a move is not a pleasant experience, so read on to find out our 9 tips on how to protect valuables and breakables when you’re moving home.

1. Create an inventory.

Don’t underestimate how valuable an inventory will be in keeping track of all your items. Make a list of everything you pack in each box – it might be a good idea to make a separate list and keep it in the box.

If you haven’t got time to make an inventory, take photos of your possessions before packing them away.

2. Travel with your jewellery.

Jewellery and other small items can easily get lost or broken when it’s packed away in large boxes. Keep it in a bag with you so you know that it’s safe. It’s also a good idea to keep important paperwork with you so you can locate it quickly.

3. Wrap china and glass in newspaper and bubble wrap.

Your dinnerware, vases other glass and china items are the most common things to break during a move. Wrap each item in a few layers of newspaper or bubble wrap to keep them safe. Stack plates and bowls so they have extra protection during transit.

4. Tape picture frames and mirrors.

Tape a large cross in masking tape across your picture frames and mirrors to protect them from shattering. Not only will this create a mess, but it can also be dangerous.

5. Get help with large items.

Protecting breakables isn’t just about the small items. Bigger items like mattresses and pianos need protecting in transit too. Don’t try to move these items yourself – get professional help, or at least rope in a few friends.

6. Get good boxes…

It’s great if you can get free boxes from the supermarket, but make sure that they’re sturdy enough to hold your belongings. Removal companies will provide you with good quality boxes that will be great for the job.

7. …And don’t overload them

Protecting breakables is much easier if you don’t overload your boxes. You’ll not only prevent yourself from getting back injuries, but you’ll also lower the risk of dropping the boxes. And you’ll stop the items from falling through the bottom.

If a box starts getting heavy but you don’t want to waste room, consider packing lighter things like pillows and blankets.

8. Get insurance

protecting breakables with good removal company It’s not always possible to protect all your breakables, so make sure you’ve got the right insurance. Any good removal company should have Goods in Transit insurance.

And if you’re planning to do the move yourself, check that your home insurance policy covers this. If not, take out a new policy. It’s better to be safe.

9. Choose a reputable removal company

If you’re worried about protecting breakables, you could hire a removal company to do the entire thing. They can do everything from packing your possessions up to unloading them at the end of the day.

Just fill in the form below and we’ll put you in touch with up to 4 removal companies who can give you a quote for the different levels of their services.