Best ways to protect and pack fragile items

Are you wondering what the best ways are to protect and pack fragile items? We prepared for you easy steps to follow to accomplish this task. Everyone knows that the relocation itself has a lot of layers, especially when packing fragile items. That is why you need someone with experience to give you the best ways to protect and pack fragile items, especially if you are shipping art across country. Dorothy & Martha Moving NYC are experts on the subject and especially known for their art handling, among others. We know the trust that you are giving us for transporting your beloved items.

Whether we are talking about that plate seat, your first painting, or just a non-conventional looking lamp, we’re here for you. Each and every one of these items has its own way of packing. We are here so you can have the best ways to protect and pack fragile items. Now, get that planner ready and write things down.

Create a plan in advance on how to protect and pack fragile items

Yes, start by making a plan, of course. The best way to protect and pack fragile items is good planning. That means planning way in advance. We’ll talk about the scissors and different size boxes later. Before that, it all comes to planning. That will ease the move itself and the packing. Nobody wants to pack in a hurry once the moving truck arrives. That’s why you need to start on time. That can include the decluttering part as well. Decide which items you need to carry with you. For sure there is a lot of excess baggage that you haven’t used in years. The more load you have, the higher the moving price gets.

A Moving Planner on How to Protect and Pack Fragile Items
Create a plan way in advance

Rather get rid of unnecessary items and donate them to charity or sell them in a yard sale. You can use those extra bucks for your moving expenses. Ask around and research to see who the best is when it comes to commercial movers Brooklyn. Make a list of the items and check the prices to protect and pack fragile items. Inquire with several moving companies to see what options are out there. That can go from the entire relocation to the best ways to protect and pack fragile items. Have in mind the dates and the reputation the mover has. Consider as well if you will need to use storage services. Some of the fragile items might require special conditions, like a temperature-controlled storage unit. Then head for the tools you need and the best packing options. Tape time!

Make an inventory of fragile items

Make a detailed list of all the things you would like to relocate. You do not want to pack the things on the day of the move and get confused among a huge number of items. And certainly, you don’t want to find one more valuable item that you need to protect and pack on that day. Make an inventory and put your priorities first. What’s essential for you to have it on the following day after the move? If you are an artist, the best ways to protect and pack fragile items are a must. If you have an important family heirloom, that will be on top of the list. By making an inventory of your items, you will have a better look at what you need.

Fragile Items Inventory List
Making an inventory of all the fragile items is always a good idea

It can also be a good tool if you decide to get insurance for your move. If by any chance it happens to get damaged, your moving company will cover the cost of the item. You can choose a traditional way and write down your items with a pen and paper. If you find it easier to use your phone, the good news is that many apps allow you to do so. Some apps for iPhone and android are designed specifically for making a home inventory. Furthermore, you can download them free of cost.

Get supplies to protect and pack fragile items

Some items are necessary to best protect and pack fragile items. Supply yourself with needed tools so that you can be operative on the following day. The tape is not the only supply you need to best protect and pack fragile items. Everyone knows that. It all depends on the item that you want to pack in the first place. You need to know how to prepare for a cross-country move if you have expensive wine glasses. Yet, if you have a bulky lamp, it will not fit in the same box size. One needs to have the right tools for the best ways to protect and pack fragile items.

Tools That Can Help Protect and Pack Fragile Items
Extra care should be taken when it comes to the tools and techniques you use to pack and protect fragile items

That’s where the bucket list comes handy. Once you know the items you want to pack you can extend that list with the tools you need for each and every one of them. In most of the cases, you will need a permanent marker, a lot of paper, different size boxes, scissors, and packing tape. Of course, the list should be extended. Let’s break down which tools you will need:

Boxes for protecting and packing fragile items

Do not forget about cardboard boxes for protecting and packing fragile items. Of course, you need to know what kind of moving boxes you need. You can purchase online a sufficient amount of boxes. For those on a budget, most local grocery stores will give away cardboard boxes for free. They usually discard those boxes after getting their delivery. If you prefer to pack eco-friendly, opt for recycled boxes. You can rent them and bring them back after you unpack and settle in your new home. When you are packing, do not over pack the boxes. Rather use several smaller ones and be sure that the items will be intact. If boxes are too heavy they might break and the content can get damaged or broken.

Professional packaging materials

Once you have the bucket list and the tools ready, think about the way you pack. You will want to start by placing the heavier items on the bottom. However, that is wrong. First, place an old blanket, or paper to cover the box. The most often first layer of protection is bubble wrap. Once the blanket is there, use the newspaper or packing paper to wrap the object. If it is really valuable, do it twice. Or anyhow, do it twice when packing fragile items. If there is an empty space in the box, fill it in with the protective paper. You can fill in small voids with paper and large voids with bubble wrap. Try to carry the boxes as steady as possible to protect and pack fragile items.

Bubble Wrap is a Must When You Want to Protect and Pack Fragile Items Properly
Bubble wrap is an essential part of fragile items packing equipment.

You can also get some cost-effective professional packing materials from your moving company. They will give you a good deal on those if you purchase from them.

Sum-up of tips to protect and pack fragile items

Label the boxes with fragile items

The unconditional piece of advice to protect and pack fragile items is to label the box. Write down that it is fragile, everywhere. The best option is to use bright-colored tape (preferably the red one) and make it stand out from the rest of the boxes. If you hired movers, communicate to them which boxes require special attention. One wouldn’t like to plan the move in a rush. We all know the result of jiggling the boxes, but do you know who made that packing peanut?

Remember to Label the Boxes With Fragile Items
It is extremely important to label which boxes have fragile and breakable items

So, to sum it up, have the plan, get the right tools, and pack. Adjust the packing to the item that you have. Place a blanket or old paper on the bottom of the box. Wrap the items two times, once it is in the box, fill in the empty space. Then add the lighter items on the top, never vice versa. Of course, wrap every item individually. Use that tape twice and write down FRAGILE. Of course, make a list of content. It is better to have several boxes than one big one.

A Protective Box for Fragile Items
You can have the custom made boxes also to help you pack and protect fragile items

Make sure that your fragile items are protected

To ensure you have the best ways to protect and pack fragile items, you can use a pillow also. Place it on the top. Paintings should be placed vertically, that’s why you need to know how to pack paintings. For the vases and many other different items, you should apply the same principle to protect and pack fragile items. Play it safe, a lot of tape, paper, different boxes, and patience.

If you decide to hire full-service movers, you don’t have to worry about packing at all, because they will pack and transport your items. If you prefer to leave everything to professionals, inquire with your local companies about their packing services. Dorothy and Martha Moving is a reliable NYC based moving company that will help you with all your items, including fragile ones.

Moving from Miami to NYC

Moving from Miami to NYC will find you switching lazy afternoons in the sun for the fascinating ever-busy streets and snowy winters. Your journey will bring a great change of scenery and lifestyle.

These two cities are so different in their nature that you may experience a kind of culture shock once you unpack your moving boxes and start settling in. And speaking of moving boxes, you should prepare for the process of long-distance relocation as well.

Moving from Miami to NYC will take some time and effort, but if you plan ahead and get acquainted with your new surroundings in advance, you will be able to minimize both culture shock and moving anxiety.

Continue reading “Moving from Miami to NYC”

Pros and Cons of Moving During Summer

Moving is an undertaking that always needs to be handled carefully and accurately. When moving during summer, first you have to find ahead of time a new home that meets your expectation. The next step is hiring a moving company that will handle your relocation because many details during the process might come as a challenge. You can do one part of moving on your own, or you can hire full-service movers. Consider some of the local companies, as one of the moving companies Brooklyn. You want to prepare things in advance and avoid the stress that often comes with relocation. Depending on the season, you will encounter different benefits and downsides.
Residential summer relocation has ups and downs different than other seasons. If you are considering moving during summer days, take a look at the list below see what you can expect when moving in the summertime.

Moving During Summer Dorothy & Martha Moving NYC
 

Pros of moving in the summer

Yes to yard sales

Organize a Yard Sale for Your Moving During Summer

When planning a move, for sure you already know that an important step is decluttering. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, companies charge by a total load, so you can save money if you have fewer belongings. Second, you will save time afterward when you reach your new home. Why? Because you will only be left with things you will use and have less unpacking and organizing to do in your new residence. Last, but not least, once you declutter it will leave you with some household items you no longer use. Go ahead and sell them. Summer is the perfect time for this because yard sales are commonplace. Who doesn’t enjoy browsing through random and affordable items on a sunny day? Especially if you are the one making an extra few bucks. If you are feeling generous, donate those items that you don’t use to charity or your friends. Some of those things will make great goodbye gifts.

Yes to summer breaks

If you are moving with kids, the summer season can be a real lifesaver. This is the time when kids are out of school. If you are usually multitasking with a tight schedule and classes, a summertime break will be your ally. If your kids are old enough, they can even help with packing and carrying.

Yes to an easier schedule

Unless your work is seasonal, most likely your schedule will be easier to handle during the summer season. This is the time when you can take your days off and have sufficient time to pack. Furthermore, you can split those days and use half of them for moving and another half for vacation. It is a perfect chance to relax and shake off the stress that gathers during the moving process. Who wouldn’t want to rewind after successful relocation?

Yes to the blooming market

It's Easier to Sell Your Home During the Summer

The real estate market is strong during summer. That means that your house will be easier to sell and there will be plenty of options to choose from for your new home. Since it is the busiest season, make sure to act fast once you find something that works for you.

Yes to the weather

Nobody enjoys carrying and transporting their household items on a freezing rainy or snowy day. Summertime brings plenty of sunshine and gives you the chance to move without worrying about weather conditions. Days are longer so you will have more light time to move during the day. Enjoy the sunshine, just remember to protect yourself. On your moving day, it is best to wear layered clothes, use sun protection, and bring along enough water to stay hydrated.

Cons of moving in the summer

Challenge of season peak

Because summer is the busiest moving season, moving companies will have a lot of work. Also, the pricing will be higher. But this doesn’t mean you should give up on your favorite season. Once you find the right moving company, book them in advance to make sure they will be available at the given time. By doing so, you will be able to hire a moving company that you want, rather than choosing from the ones that are left when the summer comes. Another thing to consider is the service cost because it might be higher than usual. But let this not discourage you, because sometimes the price can be lower if you adjust your moving date slightly, as the cost is usually lower in the middle of the week. Many moving companies also offer a massive discount for booking in advance, so it might turn out to be affordable after all. You can always get a moving estimate and get an idea of the total cost.

Bother of a traffic jam when moving during summer

Traffic Jam

One of the downsides of the summer residential move is many people being out and about. Even though this is a nice thing to see, it comes as an obstacle when you find yourself on the road. People are on their way to vacations and highways are super busy. Traffic jams can come as a bother especially when you are looking to accomplish the move at a certain time limit. Deliveries might get slow or delayed due to the jams on the road. Navigating through dense traffic can be a challenge on its own. You will be happy to have professionals handling the transport part.

There are definitely downsides to the summertime relocation, but you can work your way around those challenges easier when the weather is nicer. Who doesn’t enjoy a sunny day when arriving at their new home? To make sure you are not breaking your budget, go ahead and inquire about your moving companies quotes. Summertime doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pay more. Research in advance and ask your movers about aspects that can lower the moving cost. Whatever you choose, remember to be patient because residential relocation is always a process and a big step. Contact Dorothy movers to get a free moving quote. Happy moving and happy summertime!

Tips for Moving a Piano Safely

We will be honest with you, piano moving is not a piece of cake. It takes time to organize everything down to the last detail, get the right moving equipment, and prevent any moving injuries. Of course, when relocating your favorite musical instrument, it is vital that it does not suffer any damages whatsoever. We have prepared a list of tips for moving a piano safely that will help you perform the relocation most efficiently. If, at any point, you feel like there is a risk of injuring yourself or damaging the instrument, simply call the piano movers NYC to the rescue.

Moving a Piano Safely
 

Before you begin moving a piano, inspect it thoroughly

Inspect every inch of your piano. Check if there are some existing scratches, marks, dents, or anything similar. Take photos of the piano as well. This will be an excellent indicator of whether some changes were made to the piano after the move. You will know exactly if the piano sustained some damage or not. In order to get better results, clean the piano first. Use only the cleaning supplies that you can find in musical equipment stores, as they will not damage the surface of the instrument.

Get the right equipment in order to safely move a piano

Packing Supplies for Moving a Piano Safely
 

Pianos are some of the heaviest musical instruments and therefore require special moving equipment. A grand piano, for example, can weigh up to 1,400 pounds. On the other hand, an upright piano can weigh as little as 300 pounds. Moving companies Brooklyn know this and are equipped to handle any weight. Find out how much does your piano weigh, and get the best moving equipment in order to perform a safe relocation. Here is what you will need to do this:

A skid board

Especially useful for grand pianos that are usually heavier.

A piano dolly

There are piano dollies that you can use for the relocation. However, make sure that you rent a dolly that will not collapse

under the weight of your piano.

Moving blankets

It is vital to cover all the parts of the piano with moving blankets. Here, you can use your old blankets and towels, just make sure they are thick.

Duct tape

You will need to secure the moving blankets with duct tape.

Screwdriver

For disassembling and assembling the piano.

Stretch wrap

Measure the piano, as well as the doorway and staircase

Measuring the Piano and Staircase

You need to plan the exit strategy, as well as the entrance strategy for your piano. Measure the piano precisely, and then move on to measure the doorway. If you need to take the piano down from the second floor, measure the width of the staircase. If the piano cannot fit, it can always be taken out from the window, or using some other strategy. In this case, though, it is better to use moving services Brooklyn, as they have the right equipment for this type of situation. Plan the entire route that you will use to relocate your piano. The same needs to be done in your new home, as you do not want to move the piano all the way there only to realize that it cannot fit through the front door.

Disassemble the piano

It is safer to relocate the piano if you disassemble it. You will pack the bench separately, of course, but you need to disassemble its legs as well. Have two people hold the piano while you unscrew the parts of the main leg. Prepare the piano dolly and the skid board and place it next to the piano. Once you disassemble the leg, carefully place the piano on the skid board. Since it will be placed sideways, you will be able to easily disassemble the other two legs from it. Keep all the screws in one place, preferably a plastic bag with a ziplock.

Wrap all the parts carefully to safely move a piano

Now that you have disassembled the piano and located it on the skid board, all you need to do is to safely pack all the parts. One by one, wrap the legs, the bench, and the main part of the piano into the moving blankets. They will prevent any scratches, and minimize the impact of moving. Next, secure the moving blankets by using the duct tape. Once you are certain that the moving blankets will not fall off, you have done the right thing.

As far as the main part of the piano is concerned, once you have wrapped it into the moving blankets, the cover is with a stretch wrap to prevent any damage. Here you should also use the duct tape to secure the moving blankets.

Place the piano inside the moving truck

Here comes the trickiest part. Make sure that you have at least three experienced friends or neighbors helping you get the piano out and in the moving truck. Make sure that your sneakers are stable and that you are wearing appropriate clothes. Use a safety ramp on the moving truck to safely load the piano inside. Make sure that you do not place anything over the piano, and that there is no risk of any items falling on the piano during the move. Place the piano first, and then you can proceed with loading other household goods into the moving truck. Go step by step, as your safety is your number one concern.

Hire professionals if necessary

Hire Professionals for Moving a Piano Safely

We already mentioned that pianos can weigh a lot. If you are inexperienced in moving bulky items, and you do not have reliable help, it is wise to hire professionals for your piano moving. Not only do reliable movers have the right skills, and know the right techniques to safely move and transport your piano, they will also offer you insurance. In this way, whatever happens, you can relax as you will be compensated. Plus, piano storage NYC is perfect for you if you need to store your beloved instrument for a few days, weeks, or even months.

Follow our helpful tips for moving a piano safely to make sure it’s done the right way. And, of course, good luck!

7 Advantages of Using Bubble Wrap for Packing

Moving in New York gives you endless options to choose from. When it comes to packing, there are two choices− hire a professional or do it yourself. If you decide to let a moving company handle your household items, opt for a reputable one. Search for one that is in your area and will be easy to reach, like one of the moving companies in Brooklyn. In case you decide to pack on your own, there are different packaging materials at your disposal. There are moving boxes Brooklyn, plastic carrier bags, paper rolls, foam edge guards, bubble wrap, etc. But how do you choose the best materials while being on a budget? Before you purchase all of the materials available, do a quick research and find out which of them are most flexible, and which ones you really need depending on your belongings. The first packaging material to look into is bubble wrap because it is very versatile and you can reuse it many times. Here are a few advantages of using bubble wrap for packing:

Bubble Wrap Roll

 

Bubble wrap keeps items safe

Your household belongings can get damaged during transport if not protected properly. Bubble wrap makes a good layer of protection since it is durable, yet soft because it is filled with air. It is strong enough to withstand most of the regular accidents that happen during the move. If the severe impact on the item happens, double or triple layer of bubble wrap should do the job. It can serve well for making cushions before you start placing items in a box, and fill in voids once it’s fully packed and works for any item type including fragile ones.

It can protect oddly-shaped items

If some of your items are too large or odd in shape, bubble wrap will still be a good solution. It is versatile and able to protect any shape and size since it comes in various shapes and sizes. You can get a specific shape and size you need, or you can easily cut it with scissors or trimming machine to get the appropriate size.

It is fun

If any packaging material can be entertaining than it is definitely bubble wrap. Because its air bubbles can be burst, it makes it fun to pop them and it can also serve as a stress reliever. For those moments when moving gets stressful, go ahead and take a minute to play. This can be particularly beneficial if you are moving with kids, as popping bubbles is always interesting to them.

It is lightweight

Because it is filled with compressed air, bubble wrap has almost no weight. It is helpful in case you hired a moving company that charges by total weight of the load.

Bubble wrap is transparent

This advantage is important if any items need to be inspected. Instead of unpacking and wasting precious time, objects can be seen through it because it is transparent.

It is simple

Ease of use is something that all of us are looking for. Using bubble wrap is simple and it doesn’t require any special skill or preparation, just wrap your item and you are good to go.

It is economical

You shouldn’t try saving by avoiding materials when packing, but you can still stay on a budget by purchasing something economical. Bubble wrap is cost-effective because once you get it, you can use it over and over again.

Furthermore on the list of benefits is a fact that even complicated items or those that require extra caution can be wrapped and protected thanks to different types, shapes, and sizes.

Bubble wrap has different types:

General bubble wrap

It is the most common type and probably it will meet your needs for most of your belongings. Plastic is medium weight and it is sturdy enough to withstand smaller accidents.

Anti-static bubble wrap

Packing Electronics in Bubble Wrap

If you want some extra safety for your electronics, this type of bubble wrap is the most efficient one. Any item that has an electronic component in them will benefit from this kind of bubble wrap, so keep this anti-static bubble wrap in mind when packing and moving electronics.

Temperature controlled bubble wrap

Use it if some of your items can be affected by extreme temperatures. Whether it is hot or cold, it will maintain the temperature because it has a special type of cellular insulation.

High-grade bubble wrap

It is using for protecting very heavy items or in cases of the high possibility of dropping the item. Its plastic is stronger than the general one, and it is also known as a strong grade.

FDA grade bubble wrap

This type is used for protecting food from contaminating and bumpy roads. It is suitable for things like chocolate, fruit, or any type of gourmet food.

Foam-backed bubble wrap

For items with a sensitive finish, like high gloss paint, this is the right choice. The added foam layer takes up less space while being able to withstand some impact.

Environment-friendly bubble wrap

Packing Supplies for Electronics

If you decide to go green and be kind to the planet, choose this bubble wrap, as it will be easier to recycle.

Customized bubble wrap

You can make a special request and get your personalized bubble wrap, like a pink and heart-shaped one.

Bubble wrap comes in different sizes:

  • A small bubble−1/8 inch or 1/16 inch thick
  • Standard size medium weight items−3/16 inch thick
  • Medium size for voids and additional protection−5/16 inch thick
  • Large size for large items−½-inch thick

Bubble wrap also has different shapes:

Bubble envelopes

It is particularly suitable for shipping and protecting items fragile and small or highly valuable like jewelry, antiques, or CDs. If you need to move antiques, do not hesitate to contact antique movers NYC for any help or assistance you need!

Standard bubble wrap roll

It is used for protecting surfaces of the items that can get scratched and making a cushion for lightweight items.

Medium bubble wrap roll

This shape is suitable for making a cushion for medium weight items.

Heavy-duty bubble wrap roll

If items are extremely heavy, objects like valves, compressors, etc.

Plain bubble bags

They are good for general-purpose items, very quick and simple to use.

Seniors Packing or Unpacking Moving Boxes

To get optimum results, mix different packaging materials like a cardboard box together with bubble wrap and packing paper. We hope you enjoyed learning about the advantages of bubble wrap. If you decide to hire a professional, contact Dorothy to get the best price for moving services Brooklyn.

Free Moving Quote