WHICH ITEMS OFTEN GET BROKEN/DAMAGED DURING A MOVE?

If you are moving to a new house or apartment, be advised: Some things are made to be broken. When it comes to moving, you' have got to be extra careful. If you are one of those on the move or planning to move apartments, we want to help you protect your precious belongings and make your move a smooth one!

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of careless packing, a couple of overlooked safety tips and a deceitful sense of overconfidence to turn a smooth and hassle-free move to a new house or apartment into a disastrous relocation attempt with plenty of troubles and headaches.

Before you start to pack, make a proper plan. Which of your items are fragile? What will you need to pack them such that they are padded or well protected against shock? From several years of experience helping people achieve their premise/apartment move, we know which household items are most likely to break and typically aren't packed properly. Not surprisingly, we would say let the experts do the packing for you. However, for those "do-it-yourself" individuals, we have compiled a list of the "Top Eleven Items Damaged When Moving." It's surprising what items make the list. Not only have we complied the most breakable list, we have included tips on how to protect them properly so you can "break" this pattern.

Which items are among the most likely to get smashed and dashed at moving time?
 

#1. GLASSWARE (PLATES & DRINKING GLASSES)

It is no surprise this is placed as number 1. Glassware and dishes are among the most easily broken items during a move. The biggest moving crime – drinking glasses and plates are often placed in boxes without enough padding. But, with simple steps you can ensure they arrive in one piece. These pieces are extremely fragile and can shatter when they are packed together like sardines.
 

Protection Tips: 

To keep plates from breaking, first wrap each plate in packing paper. Repeat 3-5 times with more sheets of packing paper until the plate is properly secured & cushioned. Label your little plate package: "Plate." Again, use a secure dish-pack box. Always, use plenty of tape on the bottom and tops of every moving box, just don't use one strip of tape, use multiple strips and run the tape both directions to make sure that box is secure. Before placing any of the wrapped plates in the box, cushion the bottom of box with crippled packing paper. Then place the wrapped plates vertically in one layer in the box. After completing one layer, place packing paper on top. Repeat these layers until the box is full. Once the box is full, fill any remaining space with crumpled packing paper.

#2. ELECTRONICS

Computers, TVs, and home entertainment systems such as audio stereo are among the most likely victims of breakage when it is time to move. If you drop electronics carelessly and with much force, the sensitive and delicate internal electronic components like the resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits (ICs) can suffer major damage due to externals shocks. Another reason stereo and audio equipment get damaged is because most people stack a few electronics equipment in the same box and they do not put any layers of padding in-between the pieces of equipment.
 

Protection Tips: 

If possible, pack your electronics equipment in their original cartons. Save the boxes and packing materials that originally came with the items. When the time comes to transport the items to your next home, re-pack your gadgets in the boxes and materials the way you purchased them. If you did not keep their original boxes, use a dish pack box. Remember, dish packs are specially designed boxes to handle and protect fragile items. If you can't find dish packs, use double corrugated boxes. After double taping the bottom of the box in both directions, pack the bottom of each box with crumbled packing paper for padding. Wrap each electronic component separately in eco-bubble wraps. Pull the wrap over and tape it all together. Make sure the item is completely covered. Place it up right, vertically in the box. Repeat this process for the next big item then place it vertically in the box next to the first item. Do not stack! Stuff packing paper in open spaces and on top for extra cushion.

#3. MIRRORS

Mirrors are very fragile and extra care must be taken when moving them around. The big mistake with mirrors is that people pack them in picture boxes without any eco-bubble around the mirror. If the front of the mirror faces the wall of the box without protection, it will break. Mirrors also can be prone to breakage because the frames holding them can't withstand the force of being dropped or jostled.
 

Protection Tips: 

Use a flat box or have your movers pack the mirrors in a custom wood crate to provide extra protection. If you are doing the packing, line the flat box with crushed packing paper to create a padded bed for the mirror. Wrap the mirror completely in multiple sheets of paper or eco-bubble wraps. Tape the wrapping tightly around the mirror and place the mirror in the box. Fill any gaps with more crumpled paper. Only pack one mirror to a box.

#4.   GLASS FRAMED ARTWORK

Glass picture frames are easily broken if not packed in the right box. I bet you want to keep those precious memories in one piece! Paintings and artwork are subject to various kinds of damage during moves if you drop them or pack them next to objects with sharp edges.

Very many times, frames are very ornate, expensive, and easy to crack. People try to pack things tight in a truck and they put boxes on top of paintings. If you do that, it's easy to put holes in them. Glass artwork often breaks because there is not enough cushioning in the moving box and the top of the box is left with a gap. The top of the box then collapses and the piece of art breaks.
 

Protection Tips: 

Use a picture box. Line the bottom of box with crumpled packing paper. Wrap each picture frame in packing paper or eco-bubble and pack each frame in the box vertically. Stuff packing paper in between each picture and on top, making sure nothing will shift.

#5. YOU (YOUR BODY)

Back pain, pulled muscles, and broken bones are among the physical injuries you can suffer by trying to move that deep freezer or furniture item without the right equipment or people power.
Moving is hard physically and emotionally. From the physical standpoint, moving is a strenuous activity that adds a measure of danger when you have to move items up flights of stairs or repetitively lift heavy objects. On top of that, you are asking for trouble if you try moving things by walking backwards. Believe it or not, the most precious entity during a move is… YOU.
 

Protection Tips:

Observe the following moving safety tips which will guarantee your safety and that of the people around you:

Start your moving preparations as early as possible to keep stress in check developed via a last-minute pressure/rush;

Use proper moving equipment, such as a trolley, sliders, wedges, a set of hand tools, etc.;

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as durable work gloves for better grip and ultimate protection of your hands, no baggy clothes or jewelry) and comfortable shoes (closed-toe footwear, anti-slip soles);

Follow the Golden Rule when lifting heavyweight things: lift with your legs, not with your back;

Face forward when hauling heavy household objects to minimize the risk of accidents and to lessen your chances of falling.;

Nominate a spotter – a person to shout a warning in case of dangerous situations;

Haste makes waste – take your time and consider well all your available options before you act;

Ultimately, ensure you have First Aid treatment readily available; items such as iced cubes, pain killer/analgesics, plaster, bandage, methylated spirit, etc.

#6.  LIQUID CLEANING SUPPLIES

Most times, homeowners pack bottles of liquid cleaning supplies without sealing them properly. This causes leaks and damages things inside and outside of the box. Liquid supplies like liquid soap, bleach, hand sanitizers, etc., could be very destructive if they spill on other materials. Do not pack or move flammable supplies!
 

Protection Tips:

First, remove the cap from each bottle and place a small piece of plastic wrap (nylon, plastic bag) over the opening. Then tightly screw the cap back on. Use tape again to secure the cap to the bottle. Begin placing the cleaning products in a small book size box and check the weight as you go. You don't want to pack the box too heavy. When the box is full and not too heavy, place packing paper all around the bottles to keep them from shifting. And, this is important, remember on every box be sure to use more than one strip of tape on the bottom and top of the box and run the tape in multiple directions. When a box is not taped properly, boxes can open at the bottom and spill on the floor. Always, label every box with its contents, room in the new home where the box should go and directional arrows pointing up. Repeat the label on each and every side of the box. You will hate us for this tip while you are writing and rewriting the same thing over and over again and love us later when you have stacks of boxes and don't have to turn boxes around to find out what's what.

#7. WINE & LIQUOR BOTTLES

Wine and liquor bottles can easily leak or break, and damage items in and outside of the box.
 

Protection Tips: 

Use a divided/cell box you can get free from a specialty wine shop or liquor store, or purchase a cell kit from a moving store. Use smaller boxes so they are easy to lift and carry. Again, be sure you double and even triple tape the bottom of the box. If you're packing opened bottles, ensure they are properly sealed by tightening the caps. Tape the caps on to the bottles. Roll each bottle in packing paper with 3-4 layers of paper. Secure the wrapping with tape and make sure there are no loose ends. Finally, place the bottle into the box. If there is any space or gaps between the bottle and the divider, fill it with paper. Make sure the box is not too heavy.

#8. BOOKS

This one is a surprising one, but if books are packed improperly, they can actually get damaged. When books are placed too tight together the edges get folded and covers get damaged. Also, if books are packed with too many air pockets/gaps inside the box they can shift during transportation and get damaged (dog ears/smashed corners, wrinkled covers, etc.).
 

Protection Tips:

Use a book box. Place books flat, horizontally and stack them with the heaviest books on the bottom and the paperback books on top. Be sure not to make the box too heavy. Pack paper on top and sides if there are any air gaps.

#9. FURNITURE

Tables, stools, and television stands made of glass are all prone to getting cracked, shattered or broken along the way or during the process of moving them. Tables, stools and television stands made of glass are all prone to getting cracked or bumped along the way. Other non-glass furniture and furniture parts such as legs, corners, and sofa arms are prone to getting damaged, scratched or dented.
 

Protection Tips:

Whenever possible, disassemble your furniture before you start the moving process. Remove table and desk legs, sofa feet, and anything else that might break or be damaged if pressure is applied in the wrong direction. Wrap them separately and tape them together, then pack them near your furniture items. If you are moving a table or desk with legs that need to go in certain places, label each one as you remove it to make reassembling everything easier. Many moving companies will offer specialty services to take care of this for you, so consider this option if you have a lot delicate furniture. It is one less thing for you to think about when moving premises or apartments.

#10. HOUSE PLANTS:

House plants/flowers grown in clay or ceramic pots are prone to get cracked or broken during a move. Due to their often-round shape and smooth surface, having a good grip on flower pots could be difficult, hence; increasing the tendency of them getting broken.
 

Protection Tips:

Here is what you should do if your living pants need to be transported when moving apartments:

Avoid watering your plants few days before the move so that the box doesn’t leak and damage other items in the moving vehicle.

Tie the loose branches and provide stakes to support high stems.

Transport large plants in a spacious container where its leaves won’t touch too much of the other things in the vehicle.

#11. GLASS & CERAMIC FITTINGS

The last but definitely not the least is house fittings made of glass or ceramic. These include: bathroom and kitchen fittings such as glass bath chamber, wash basins, bath tubs, kitchen bowls; lightings fittings such as, chandelier, lamp stands, light bulb wall fittings. Items in this category are awkward in shape and large, making it difficult to pack. If not packed properly, they can easily be dented, cracked or broken.
 

Protection Tips: 

Wrap items like lamp shades, chandeliers, light bulb wall fittings in eco-bubble wrap, covering every inch. Then fill the interior cavity of the items with packing paper (do not use newspaper as the print may rub off onto your lamp shade). Fill the box with enough packing paper to keep the shade from shifting around inside. Do not place anything on top of them, not even soft items such as clothing materials. Use only packing paper to secure them from shifting.

CONCLUSION:

Of course, the most important step in preventing your items from being damaged is to hire experienced movers who will be professional and careful with your possessions. A reliable mover will be able to provide the tools and materials you need to safely transport all of your possessions to their new home.

Do you feel there are other items we have omitted? From your experience, feel free to share in the comment section, items you feel get broken during a move from one apartment to another.

Best of luck with your move!

This article was composed & written by:

Popoola O. Adedotun
mail@dotunpopoola.com
+234-813-737-8644