How to Pack Large Items for Moving

Do you need to move your parents’ precious grandfather clock from their house to your apartment? Or, do you need help moving two sets of dining chairs and tables to your house? One of the trickiest steps of moving is packing large items, whether fragile or standard furniture.

The good news is that the internet is rich with tips, tricks, and explanations for packing. Below, we’ve got all those and more. Continue to read our guide on how to pack large items for moving.

What You Need When Packing Large Items

Before we discuss packing methods, let’s discuss what you need. Your packing materials need to be thick and strong. You can find many moving boxes designed for holding heavy items during a move.

As a note, avoid skimping on packing materials for large and heavy items. Skimping is never worth the risk of breaking something expensive or beloved. You may think you’re saving money by getting the cheapest options. Yet, later, if a heavy yet priceless item breaks, you’ll regret the decision.

Ensure you have high-quality padding, boxes, and other packing materials for large items. Crumpled paper won’t be enough to cushion heavy items. Use sturdier cushioning like foam padding or corrugated cardboard instead. Get heavy-duty packing tape to reinforce the boxes.

How to Pack Large Furniture for a Move

Let’s start with something everybody has in their house: furniture. To be specific, we’ll focus on large furniture.

One thing to remember about furniture is that it’s often large and heavy. Some pieces are fragile or have surfaces prone to scratches, dents, and other damage. Thus, you need to give your utmost attention and care when packing furniture.

Start by inspecting and cleaning your furniture for signs of damage before the move. Take photos of marks or damage with your phone whenever you can. This way, you’ll know if anything happened to the pieces during the move.

Next, remove any removable glass and other delicate items. Place them in separate and more secure wrapping.

Place thick cardboard over and around the corners. It keeps them from being damaged when bumping into things. Do the same for the legs of your furniture pieces. Also, secure any moving parts.

How to Pack Heavy Items for Moving

Carelessly packing heavy items can result in a disastrous moving experience.

To ensure your items stay intact and safe, remove all detachable parts. It’s also wise to dismantle an item and pack it properly whenever possible. Don’t forget to place the bolts, detachable parts, and other pieces in a bag.

Use a sturdy but padded box when you’re packing a heavy yet fragile item. Place it in a box that’s just right for its size. Having less space around it prevents it from moving in its box during the move, reducing the risks of breaking.

Fill in any extra space in the box with padding. Make sure you put enough padding to cushion and immobilize the item from moving in the box. Place extra protection around the most vulnerable or fragile parts of a heavy item.

How Do You Pack Long Moving Items?

Not everything in the house can fit a standard moving box. You’ll most likely also face the challenge of packing an oddly or awkwardly shaped item. Often, these oddly shaped items are longer.

Disassembling the long pieces whenever possible is a smart way to pack them. Keeping long pieces connected can cause them to break. Protect each piece with padding materials and packing tape.

Consider buying boxes with modified shapes or sizes for fragile and important items. Getting boxes with the right fit is the best option to reduce the risks of damage. You also use less packing material with custom-sized boxes.

Place labels or instructions for items or boxes that need to stay upright. Use the brief but clear instruction, “this side up.” Don’t forget to write in big and bold print.

What Should You Not Pack When Moving?

Now, you know how to pack large, fragile, and heavy items properly. Now, here are some don’ts to remember when packing.

Don’t pack furniture or large items until you know you have enough packing supplies. Don’t pack furniture without cleaning it first. Dust and dirt can damage the surface of the item during the move.

Also, don’t pack anything that runs the risk of breaking from the action alone. Instead, hire a professional to pack anything old or damaged. Do the same thing if you need to move a large, fragile item that’s difficult to carry alone. Professional packers and movers have the training, skills, and knowledge required to ensure your items are safe, secure, and delivered intact.

Contact Flash Moving when you’re ready to hire Boston movers to help you move large or heavy items. We’ve got the best quotes, friendly movers, and more.