Creating a Quick Home Sale

How To Keep Your Collectibles Safe During A Household Move

9 March 2015 by Lillian Bishop

Packing collectibles for a move isn't easy, especially if you have them arranged for display. But, putting a little planning into packing these items is necessary if you want them to arrive safely. Most people know the basics of putting packaging peanuts or balled up newspaper in the box, but you should go beyond that. Here's how to safely package your collectible items when you're moving your household:

Tip #1: Pack As Air Tight As Possible

If your collectibles are smaller, place them in resealable plastic bags. If they're larger, tie them up in grocery store bags or wrap them in shrink wrap before you package them. When you're moving, it's easy for liquids to spill, and leak in to other boxes, or to accidentally expose a box to rain.

Nothing can ruin a move worse then a prized possession being destroyed. If your item has a layer of waterproof protection inside the packaging peanuts, you're providing the best protection possible.

Tip #2: "X" Marks the Spot

If you're packaging an item that's in a glass frame, put an "x" or an asterisk with masking tape over the frame edges and the front of the glass. This serves two purposes. It helps prevent the glass from shifting in transit, reducing the chances that it will shatter. And if the glass does crack or shatter from something being placed on top of it, the masking tape pattern helps stop that glass from falling out and in to other items.

Tip #3: Don't Wrap Them in Newspaper

One of the more ubiquitous images of someone moving their household is wrapping up delicate items in newspaper. But that's actually a pretty bad idea. Because of the physical properties of newspaper, the ink transfers off pretty easily (think about the Silly Putty trick when you were a kid).

If you wrap an item in newspaper, there's a good chance the ink will rub off. While it's usually not too hard to clean this transferred ink, if it's on the right surface, it could be permanent. It's best just to avoid using newspaper. Use packaging and shipping paper, or use blank newspaper. You can sometimes get blank newspaper on a roll (called an "end roll") at your newspaper's office. 

Of course, if you want to make sure your collectibles are packaged and transferred safely, the best way to do that is to trust the professionals. A household moving service likely has years of experience, and has seen plenty of situations just like yours. To learn more, contact a company like Wheaton World Wide Moving with any questions or concerns you have.

Share

Search