Your Ultimate Guide to Prevent Things From Breaking While Changing Homes

March 3, 2023Moving Tips
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a stressful one, especially when it comes to the possibility of items breaking or getting damaged during the move. In this ultimate guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks to prevent things from breaking while changing homes, helping to alleviate some of the stress that comes with moving.

Whether it’s your fragile china or your expensive electronics, you want to ensure that everything arrives at your new home in one piece. From packing tips and strategies to transportation methods, we’ve got you covered to ensure your belongings arrive safely and securely. So let’s get started!

How to Prevent Things From Breaking During the Move – The Importance of Preparation

Relocating to a new state can be a stressful time, and one of the biggest concerns is the risk of damage to your belongings. However, with proper preparation and a few simple relocation tips, you can help prevent things from breaking during the move. One of the most important things is to start planning and organizing your move well in advance so you have plenty of time to pack your belongings. Create a relocation checklist and timeline to stay on track.

Now would also be a great time to choose a relocation company that will deal with your move. Aside from standard moving services that you will need, now is the time to consider other services such as open trailer car shipping or enclosed auto transport, packing services, storage solutions, and much more.

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Pre-Move Organization

The best way to move efficiently is to be well organized in your packing. But before you start packing, you will have to make some preparations. If you simply start packing all your belongings without any order, you will soon end up in chaos which will be hardly managed down the road and will produce additional (and very, very unnecessary) stress. So even if you are relocating at the last minute, never miss out on these preparation steps. It will save you a lot of time and energy.

Create an Inventory of Fragile Items

Creating an inventory of fragile items is important to protect your belongings during transportation. Items such as glassware, electronics, and artwork require extra care during the move, and by creating an inventory, you will ensure that these items are properly packed and labeled, reducing the risk of damage during transportation.

Declutter and Downsize

Decluttering and downsizing for a move is also an essential step. Relocation can be a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items and start fresh in your new home. It can also help you save money by reducing the amount of stuff you need to transport.

Start by dedicating one room where you will be doing all the sorting and, later on, the packing. Start with items you are not using at this moment, like winter clothing if you are relocating in the summer. Make two piles in each room to keep and get rid of and make sure you go through each pile a couple of times so you don’t end up throwing away something important.

Take your time and do each room day by day. If you rush things up, some items may end up in the wrong pile.

Person holding a box packed with clothing
Get rid of everything you haven't used for more than two years

Donate, Sell, or Dispose of Unwanted Stuff

Once you have gathered all the items you wish to get rid of, it is time to do another sorting. You can consider selling unwanted items online or holding a garage sale, donating to a charity, or disposing of them responsibly. Take time for this sorting because you may earn a lot of money by selling the items you don’t want. Take a look at this video for more tips on how to sort your clothing.

YouTube video

Gather the Proper and Essential Packing Supplies

So how to prevent things from breaking? Well, once you are done with the steps above, the next thing is to start to organize for packing. Once you know approximately how many items you plan to bring with you, you can accrue the necessary packing materials. High-quality packing materials are essential for preventing things from breaking. From bubble wraps to sturdy boxes, all of these materials are essential to have when relocating to another city or state. This can make a significant difference in preventing things from breaking during the move.

Bubble Wrap, Packing Paper, and Foam

Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam are vital for cushioning your fragile items during transportation. These materials provide an extra layer of protection and can help absorb shocks and impacts during the move. You can use just bubble wrap or packing paper, but the combination of both materials will bring the best results.

For example, packing dishes is best done with paper, especially if you are packing ceramic plates. On the other hand, packing glasses, especially wine glasses, is best done with bubble wrap as the air pockets in the bubble wrap will provide extra protection.

Sturdy Boxes and Specialty Containers

Packing clothes will be probably the easiest part and for this, you can use any kind of boxes you have. However, for fragile items, you need to acquire sturdy boxes and specialty containers. It’s important to use boxes that are strong enough to hold the weight of your items without breaking. Specialty containers, such as dish packing boxes and sectioned cardboard boxes for glasses, will ensure extra protection against breaking.

Also, before you pack any box, make sure you strengthen the bottom with duct tape and never load your boxes to the top. Leave the place for other cushioning materials you will use, such as foam or peanuts.

Utilize Household Items for Protection

When preparing for a move, utilizing household items for protection can help save you money on packing materials while also providing additional protection to your belongings. Here are some common household items that can be repurposed for packing and protecting your items:

  • Towels and linens – Instead of purchasing additional packing materials, use towels, linens, and blankets to wrap fragile items. They can provide extra cushioning and help prevent damage during transportation.
  • Clothing – Use clothing items like socks, t-shirts, and sweaters to wrap smaller fragile items. This will help protect them during the move and also save you space in your boxes.
  • Suitcases and bags – Utilize your suitcases and bags to pack heavy items like books or small appliances. They are sturdier than boxes and can help protect the items inside.
  • Pillows and cushions – Place pillows and cushions around larger items like furniture to protect them during the move. They can also help fill empty spaces in the moving truck to prevent items from shifting during transportation.
  • Plastic containers – Instead of purchasing specialty containers, use plastic containers that you already have at home to store and transport items. They can be useful for storing and organizing smaller items and also provide protection during the move.

Packing Techniques for Fragile Items

Packing fragile items requires careful attention and proper techniques to ensure they arrive at your new home in one piece. Here are some packing techniques to help protect your fragile items during the move.

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Wrap items individually Wrap each fragile item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. This will provide an extra layer of protection and prevent items from rubbing against each other during transportation.
Fill empty spaces Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move. This will help prevent damage from impacts or vibrations during transportation.
Label boxes Clearly, label boxes containing fragile items as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care." This will alert movers to handle these boxes with extra caution and ensure they are placed on top of other boxes in the moving truck.
Pack electronics carefully When packing electronics, remove any batteries or detachable parts, and wrap them separately. Use original packaging if possible or wrap electronics in bubble wrap and pack them in a sturdy box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper.

How to Safeguard Large or Bulky Items

When we think about items that need protection during the move, we mostly think about small fragile glass items; however, large and bulky items need protection as well. It’s important to take extra precautions to safeguard these items during the move.

Protect Furniture and Appliances

When relocating, packing furniture is something you need to be extra careful about, you will have to properly protect each piece of furniture with moving blankets or old sheets. If possible, disassemble all the parts of the furniture you can and pack those pieces separately.

Home appliances will need your attention as well. Use bubble or plastic wrap to protect the surfaces of appliances from any accidental scratches or breakage during transportation.

Many relocation companies will offer to deal with your large and bulky items free of charge as part of their moving services. One such company is USA Auto Transport, an auto transport company that also provides moving services. At this company, standard packing, which implies protection and packing of your furniture and large items, is included in the initial quote.

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Hire Long-Distance Movers That Provide Door to Door Auto Transport for Help

One of the ways you can ease the whole relocation process is to hire long-distance movers and a car shipping company for their services. If you have professionals handling most aspects of your move, such as shipping cars in the USA, you will be able to pay more attention to details and deal with your packing in a more efficient and safe manner.

Driving your car or truck to your new location can be time-consuming and costly, and may not be feasible if you are moving across the country. That’s where door-to-door auto transport services from long-distance movers can be a valuable help. USA Auto Transport offers both moving and car shipping services so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of navigating between an auto transport company and a moving company if you hire us. Also, there is the common option of terminal-to-terminal car shipping alongside other services.

Enjoy a Seamless Transition to Your New Home With Intact Possessions

Relocating to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to transporting your belongings. By taking the time to properly pack and protect your fragile items, hiring professional movers or specialty services, and being diligent when unpacking and inspecting your belongings, you can enjoy a seamless transition to your new home with intact possessions.

If you need help transporting your vehicle to your new home, consider hiring a reliable and experienced auto transport company like USA Auto Transport. We provide door-to-door auto transport services and can help you transport your vehicle safely and securely, no matter the distance. With our help, you can focus on settling into your new home and exploring your new neighborhood without the added stress of transporting your car.

FAQ

If you still have questions about how to prevent your belongings from breaking, take a look at some of the frequently asked questions on this topic, maybe you will find the answer you seek.

What Are the Best Packing Materials to Protect Fragile Items During a Move?

Soft, cushioning materials like bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts can help protect delicate items from impact and scratches. Wrapping the item in tissue paper or cloth before packing can also add an extra layer of protection.

How Can I Effectively Use Household Items for Additional Protection of Breakable Belongings?

Household items like towels, blankets, and pillows can be used to provide additional cushioning for delicate items. You can wrap fragile items in towels or blankets before packing them to add extra protection.

What Are Some Proven Packing Techniques for Fragile Items?

Some proven packing techniques for fragile items include double-boxing, using dividers or compartments, and packing items tightly to prevent movement during transit.

How Should I Properly Wrap and Secure Items Like Glassware, China, and Electronics?

Wrap glassware and china in bubble wrap or packing paper, and place them in sturdy boxes. Electronics should be wrapped in anti-static bubble wrap or foam and packed tightly in boxes with additional cushioning.

What Are the Best Methods for Packing and Protecting Large or Bulky Items?

For large or bulky items, it’s important to use sturdy boxes and packing materials like bubble wrap or foam. Disassembling the item and packing it in sections can also make it easier to transport.

How Can I Ensure Safe Transport of Valuable or High-Priority Items?

Consider transporting valuable or high-priority items separately in your personal vehicle. If you need to pack them, use extra care and cushioning materials to ensure their safety.

What Are Strategies for Loading a Moving Vehicle to Minimize the Risk of Breakage During Transit?

Loading heavy items on the bottom and lighter items on top can help distribute weight evenly and minimize the risk of breakage. Use tie-down straps or ropes to secure items and prevent movement during transit.

Should I Consider Hiring Professional Movers or Specialty Services to Handle Fragile or Valuable Items?

Yes, hiring professional movers or specialty services can be a good option for handling fragile or valuable items. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to transport your items safely and securely.

How Can I Carefully Unpack and Inspect My Belongings for Potential Damage After the Move?

Take your time when unpacking, and inspect each item carefully for potential damage. Take photos of any damage as evidence, and contact your moving company if you need to file a claim.

What Steps Should I Take if I Discover Broken or Damaged Items Upon Arriving at My New Home?

Take photos of the damage as evidence, and contact your moving company to report the damage and file a claim. Keep all relevant documents and paperwork related to the move, including your contract and insurance information.

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