How to Make Sure Your Breakables Are Safe when Packing

You've probably heard of it before and probably experienced it yourself the first time you tried. At least one breakable item will surely shatter when packed. Blame it on the movers or on dear fate, but, somehow, you still try to think that there must be some other way to protect your fragile valuables when packing.

Do not get frustrated for the loss just yet, because you may simply be missing a thing or two in your packing technique and strategy. It is possible to travel with a lot of fragile items, without breaking a single one. The process of making sure your breakables are safe when packing is relatively easy, if you follow these guidelines.

1. Take your time. Gather all the needed items, like boxes or crates, heavy duty tape, tie rope, bubble wrap, newspapers, markers for labeling, and a pair of scissors to save time and energy. Do not rush while packing to avoid overcrowding the boxes with a lot of stuff. Start packing the least often used items first and save all the breakables for last. It is advisable to spread heavy items to be placed in several boxes.

2. Categorize. Put away the breakables, which are to be packed separately from the unbreakable objects. You may also want to make use of a checklist, so that you're sure which box you placed a breakable in, as well as all other items already packed. This will give you an easier time unpacking later on.

3. Safeguard. Use the bubble wrap and newspapers to pack fragile items before putting them in the box. Remember to wrap around the whole item, especially the edges and contours. Be careful not to smudge light colored items with newsprint.

4. Seal. Use well-built boxes and secure the bottom lids with heavy duty tape to keep them from giving way when lifted.