According to a survey, nearly half (48%) of people have had breakages to items while moving home.
Whether you’re moving house, storing valuables, or packing goods for customers, it's essential to pack fragile items with utmost care. Negligence can be disastrous. Not only can it lead to the breakage of expensive items, but it can also harm people.
Every day, thousands of claims are made for broken items during removals and courier transit. Interestingly, most of these claims can be avoided only if one acts with care.
While packing like a pro seems far-fetched to most people, it is very much possible. You do not need any special training or experience. All it takes is the proper techniques and the right materials, and you can minimise breakage and avoid breakage costs.
Proper Packing & Cost Control
While protecting fragile items is the main reason why proper packing is indispensable, it is not limited to safety alone. Packing like a pro is also about cost control. It helps you save money in several ways. For example, you can save money by reducing insurance claims and also avoiding replacement costs. You will also save costs by preventing delays. Additionally, proper packing will allow you to reuse packing materials in the future, helping you save money. For retailers, professional packing means fewer breakages, which, in turn, leads to fewer refunds.
Types of Fragile Items
Fragile items are those that can break easily.
From glassware to pottery, mirrors to frames, these items must be packed with care, or they will break on the move. While most people consider fragile items to be limited to glass or ceramics, there is an extensive list of items that fall into this category and require proper packaging.
Here are some common fragile items that need to be packed and handled with care to avoid breakage:
- Mirrors
- Glassware such as wine glasses, vases
- Ceramics and pottery
- Crockery like plates, teacups
- Picture frames
- Bottles and jars
- Lamps and lampshades
- TVs & monitors
- Laptops, smartphones, tablets
- Cameras
- Artwork such as paintings, sculptures
- Antiques
- Light fittings, chandeliers
- Musical instruments
All these items need proper packing. Whether you are an individual moving to a new place or a retailer delivering goods to customers via a courier, proper packaging is critical.
Why Fragile Items Break: The Causes
Why do fragile items break? If this question is bothering you, as it does countless people, you must know that several factors lead to the breakage of delicate items.
In most cases, these items break due to impact. If they are dropped, knocked, or stacked, fragile items may be damaged by pressure during transport. Another reason they may fail is movement, as items keep shifting inside boxes. In addition, when heavy boxes are placed on top of lighter ones, the lighter ones are compressed, and items may break. Poor packaging materials are another factor that leads to the breakage of fragile items.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Packing Materials
According to a survey, about two-fifths (37%) of those who had experienced damaged items admitted they could have spent more time packaging their items properly.
One of the key steps you need to take to minimise breakage is choosing the right packaging material. While most people tend not to invest in the material, it can help you save far more than the cost of replacement.
Let us have a look at some of the best packing supplies that can ensure the best protection and safety of fragile items:
Types of Packing Supplies
The type of packing material you choose depends on the item you need to pack. Here are some of the most common and reliable packing options that you can choose from:
- Cardboard boxes (Double-walled)
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Foam sheets
- Packing tape
- Box dividers
Some packings are ideal for glasses, while others are best for electronics.
How to Wrap Fragile Items Like a Pro: 10 Essential Steps
Many breakages happen due to incorrect packing.
Packing like a pro means packing each item with vigilance. Here are 10 simple steps that can help you wrap fragile items like a professional and minimise the risk of damage that may cost you a fortune:
Step 1: Make a Safe Working Area
Before you start packing a fragile item, make sure you have a clear space where you can pack things without any hurdle. You can use a floor or a clean, clear table. Having a clear and neat area will help you pack fragile items safely.
Step 2: Collect the Right Packing Materials
Gather the appropriate packing materials. These include bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, cardboard boxes etc. Never use low-quality boxes or thin wrapping, as they are not safe for fragile items.
Step 3: Wrap Fragile Items Separately
You must always wrap each fragile item individually. As a rule, you must never wrap fragile items together so they touch each other within a box. The right way is to place each item in the centre of the wrapping material. Make sure it is completely covered.
Step 4: Cover Edges
Always remember that corners and edges are the most vulnerable parts of fragile items. That is why it is essential to add additional layers of bubble wrap or folded paper. These added layers are essential as they help absorb impact.
Step 5: Double Wrap
Double wrapping is recommended for very costly items. For delicate goods such as crystal or antiques, it is best to add a layer of wrapping to maximise protection.
Step 6: Support Hollow Items Inside
When packing items such as vases, glasses, mugs, etc., make sure you fill them with packing paper before wrapping. This step is essential to provide internal support. It will help minimise pressure damage during carriage.
Step 7: Use Cushioning
To ensure the maximum safety of fragile items, you must use cushioning before placing wrapped items in a box. Always use a thick layer of cushioning on the bottom to help absorb shock if the box is dropped.
Step 8: Pack All Items Tightly
When you have to organise and arrange items, make sure you do it carefully. Always place heavier wrapped items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Additionally, make sure to fill all gaps with packing paper/bubble wrap.
Step 9: Select the Right Size of Box
The right-sized box is essential. It is always essential to choose a box that fits the items comfortably. Make sure the box has enough space so the fragile items fit properly and stay safe. If you select huge boxes, the items inside will move, potentially damaging them. Similarly, boxes that are too small will have little space for the items, increasing pressure and leading to breakage.
Step 10: Seal/Label
It is critical to seal all boxes safely using packing tape. You must always clearly label each box with “FRAGILE”. Clear labelling ensures safe handling, minimising the chances of breakage during transportation.
Common Fragile Items: Special Packing
Certain fragile items require additional care when packing. Here are some everyday fragile items that may need extra care:
Glassware
- Stuff glasses internally with paper before wrapping
- Use box dividers
- Pack plates vertically
Electronics
- Remove cables
- Pack individually
- Wrap screens with bubble wrap
- Place the screen facing inward
Bottles/ Liquids
- Place in sealed plastic bags before boxing
- Seal lids with cling film
- Keep upright
Professional Packing Companies
While it is possible to pack like an expert, partnering with a professional packing company has several benefits. Homeowners and retailers who need to pack fragile items can hire a professional packer to ensure their goods are protected and safe. Since these companies have highly trained staff, the right packing materials, and the skill, they can provide maximum protection for your items that require special care.
Benefits of Professional Packing Services
Whether you are moving to a new place or regularly pack goods for customers, a professional packing service can help. Here are some reasons why you should hire a professional service for handling fragile items:
- Minimise Risk of Damage. Since professional packing services have experience and expertise in handling fragile items, they can help you reduce the risk of damage. They know how to safely pack every fragile item, from electronics to bottles, helping you protect your goods while they transport. With the right packing materials, they skilfully pack everything, reducing the risk of breakages.
- Quality Materials. Another reason to hire an expert is that they use high-quality materials, including boxes and bubble wrap. These packing materials provide protection and safety far beyond what you can do with DIY approach.
- Time Savings. Packing an entire household can take days or even weeks. Hiring professionals frees up time and reduces stress, allowing homeowners to focus on paperwork, utilities, and settling into their new property.
- Lower Breakage. For businesses as well, partnering with a professional can provide peace of mind in addition to the sale of their goods. By preventing damaged goods, professional packing services help you avoid refunds and replacements. They minimise risks of breakage during shipping, helping your business protect profits.
- Cost Control. Though some people assume that hiring a professional means added cost, this is not the reality. An expert, in most cases, enables you to minimise overall costs by reducing breakage and waste.
- Higher Efficiency. While you can pack a few items on your own, hiring a professional packing service is best for higher-volume orders. Particularly during peak seasons such as Christmas or promotions, a professional packing service can be a lifesaver, providing you with timely, professional packing.
- Consistent Packing. As professional packing companies follow fixed standards and processes, they allow you to achieve consistency across all your orders. They will help you pack fragile items using the same quality materials and methods.
- Insurance. You can save considerable money by hiring a professional packing service, as many offer insurance-backed services. It means that if a fragile item is broken, you can claim and avoid financial loss.
Whether you have domestic or commercial packing needs, a professional packing company can offer several advantages. As a home mover, hiring an expert means improved protection and reduced stress, while businesses can avoid returns, save on undue costs and increase customer satisfaction.
Pro Packing: Minimising Breakage, Maximising Savings
Fragile items need extra attention, but packing them is no less than a skill. Though you can easily learn the art of packing, there are times when hiring a professional is the best option. Professional