Moving is a challenge that can make even the most experienced packers break a sweat. While books and clothes are relatively straightforward to pack, there are real “problem children” in the household that require special attention: fragile mirrors, delicate lamps, and living plants. This is where the art of packing comes into play. Targeted techniques and the use of special materials are crucial to ensure that your delicate items survive the transport undamaged.
Mirrors and Pictures: Banishing the Risk of Breakage
Mirrors, framed pictures, glass plates, and works of art are extremely susceptible to breakage and scratches. Proper cushioning and stabilization are key here.
- Clean and Protect: Thoroughly clean the surface of the mirror or picture before packing to avoid scratches from dust particles.
- Tape Crosswise: Tape the glass surface of a mirror or picture crosswise with painter’s tape or special cross-weave tape. This not only prevents shattering from shocks but also holds the shards together in case of breakage and minimizes the risk of injury.
- Protect Edges: Edges are particularly vulnerable. Use edge protectors made of styrofoam or cardboard and secure them carefully with tape.
- Multiple Layers of Padding: Then wrap the mirror or picture in several layers of bubble wrap. For very valuable pieces, you can additionally use a layer of corrugated cardboard or special picture packaging from a specialist store.
- Sturdy Moving Boxes: Choose boxes that are only slightly larger than the item. Special mirror or picture boxes, cut to size and offering additional protection, are ideal. Fill any empty spaces in the box tightly with packing paper or styrofoam chips to prevent slipping.
- Clearly Label: Label the box on all sides with “Caution Glass!“, “Fragile!” and an upward arrow (for correct orientation).
- Transport mirrors and pictures upright and secure them in the moving truck to prevent them from falling over.
Lamps: Safely Packing Delicate Beauty
Lamps are often made of various sensitive materials such as glass, ceramic, or fine metal.
- Disassembly: If possible, disassemble lamps into their individual parts (shades, light bulbs, bases, suspension).
- Remove Light Bulbs: Remove all light bulbs and pack them separately, preferably in smaller, padded boxes.
- Lampshades: Wrap each lampshade individually in bubble wrap or tissue paper and place them in boxes where they cannot be crushed. Loosely fill the space with packing paper.
- Lamp Bases and Arms: Also carefully pad these parts with bubble wrap. For floor lamps, the disassembled base can be transported in a padded box, while the stand is well wrapped in blankets and secured separately.
- Ceiling Lamps: Carefully wrap the disassembled parts. Small individual parts (screws, brackets) go into labeled zip-lock bags, and these go into the box with the corresponding lamp part.
- Padding in the Box: Place the packed lamp parts in sturdy boxes and generously fill all empty spaces with packing paper or chips to prevent any slipping.
Plants: Safely Moving Living Treasures
Plants are living beings and react sensitively to changes, temperature, and transport.
- Preparation: Water plants only moderately one to two days before the move, so that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This makes them lighter and prevents water from leaking out.
- Check for Pests: Inspect plants for pests and remove them if necessary.
- Protect Leaves and Branches: Gently tie large or sensitive leaves and branches together with raffia or soft string to prevent breakage.
- Secure Pots: Place the pots in sturdy moving boxes. Fill the gaps with packing paper, newspaper, or blankets so that the pots are firm and cannot slip or tip over. The soil should not fall out.
- Ventilation and Temperature: Do not cover plants airtight. If it’s cold outside, also wrap the plants and boxes in fleece or old blankets to protect them from frost. In very cold temperatures, a heated transport space is essential.
- Short Transport Routes: Try to load plants last and unload them first to keep the time in the moving truck as short as possible.
- In the New Home: Place the plants immediately in a suitable location and water them if necessary. Give them time to adjust to the new environment.
Professional packing of delicate items is an art that requires precision and the right materials. If you feel unsure or own particularly valuable or irreplaceable items, you should leave the packing and transport to an experienced moving company. Many companies offer special services for sensitive goods and have the necessary know-how and equipment to safely transport your treasures to their destination.