Moving is expensive, hard work, and no one wants to lose their investment by damaging their belongings during a move. And that’s not just money speaking: Protecting your possessions is also about protecting your sentimental memories. To that end, here are the items most likely to be damaged during your move and how to protect them.
Lampshades
To diffuse light into a space, lampshades must be made of a semi-permeable material that holds and spreads light simultaneously. These materials are usually a blend of papers, plastics, and fabrics. In other words, they’re pretty weak, meaning they’re often damaged during a move. Bubble wrap and stuff your lampshades, then put them in a box to keep them safe from being warped or damaged.
Liquids
When improperly sealed, harsh liquid cleaning supplies can leak. When they do, they can damage other items that you’re moving. Plus, they’re a nuisance to clean during unpacking, and they can be a health hazard.
Avoid wasting products and damaging your belongings by wrapping a piece of plastic wrap over the cleaning product bottle’s opening. Then, close the bottle cap, tightly over the plastic, as normal. To protect your possessions, take this step for all the bottles you plan to bring on your move.
Breakables
Fragile items, such as wine decanters, expensive glassware, and decorative plates, are unfortunately some of the most damaged during moves. Partitioned boxes with dividers designed specifically for transporting glassware and plates work great and add extra cushion for support.
Additionally, you should invest in high-quality bubble wrap and other packaging materials. To save space and cut back on costs, use your linen and towels as an extra cushion for your breakables and the boxes containing them.
Electronics
Especially large, bulky items like flat-screen TVs or stereo systems can present some serious challenges during a move. If you have the piece’s original box, take advantage of it; if not, use a similar box. Remove cords and store them separately, as they can get in the way and lead to accidents that cause damage. Use more padding than you think you’ll need, with bubble wrap and blankets on the outside of your boxes for added protection.
Plants
Stop watering plants a day or so before moving so that they’re lighter and less likely to leak. Leaky plants can damage paper boxes or electronics. Use securely tied bags and separate your plants to protect loose branches while transporting.
Furniture
Disassemble your furniture when and if possible. Wrap the individual pieces with bubble wrap to protect them from scratches or dents. This way, you’re less likely to put any holes in the walls with your furniture pieces as you move.
When you move table legs, couch corners, and sofa pieces from one place to another, through tight corridors, up and down stairs, you introduce all kinds of challenges into your move. You’ll need proper moving equipment and, in many cases, professional help. Plan your new layout before moving so that you’ll know which pieces you can and can’t bring with you.
What items were you most mindful of protecting when you moved last? Share your thoughts in the comments!
