If you love a beautiful house as much as we do, your home decor items are treasures. You have likely chosen them individually with care, each item telling a story or holding a message. Moving houses can be hard enough, but the prospect of damage to these treasures is particularly unnerving.
The weeks leading up to moving day are reminiscent of numerous boxes and bubble wrap. Items overlap in haphazardly bundles; broken coffee mugs lie on the floor. Is there a way to make things less traumatic and ensure that delicate items aren’t damaged?
Here are some cost-effective ideas for packing and moving fragile or awkwardly shaped interior decor items. You can recreate the beauty of effortless charm in the new house.
Explore Custom Crating Options
A regular cardboard box may seem like the first choice while moving homes. However, cardboard may not be sturdy enough for heavier items. Custom crates can be excellent choices for decor pieces with awkward shapes. Think of that gorgeous lampshade you keep in the living room. Or the elaborate dreamcatcher that is prone to getting tangled up and tearing.
Crates offer more strength and space to store items like decorative plates from your kitchen or large paintings in frames. They are also more durable. These benefits make them cost-effective even if their initial investment is higher.
Another bonus of crates is a lower risk of water damage than cardboard boxes. If you are shifting to a coastal city like Baltimore, you may find the air is more humid. Moreover, Hurricane Helene has brought considerable rain to the area. Considering this, local movers in Baltimore may provide this option depending on their experience and expertise.
You can also use fragile-only packing services for items like a Victorian dinner set you love gazing at. The packaging industry has opened up a whole realm of possibilities for those who appreciate nuance.
Add Protection With Stretch Wrap
You are probably familiar with bubble wrap, the go-to option for packaging delicate things. However, a stretch wrap may be more up your alley if you are passionate about stocking beautiful decor items.
These stretchable plastic wraps resemble kitchen wraps. But don’t underestimate their capacity to tackle heavy-duty loads. They are perfect for packing multiple items together, even if their shapes differ. Besides protecting against breaking, stretch wrap keeps out dust and moisture. In some cases, it can also fight off UV rays.
Movers can use these wraps for mirrors and ceramics. They are also ideal for antiques and artwork that need careful handling. You can seek professional help to find the right gauge size and width.
You can choose wraps in various colors based on your needs. For example, you can color-code decor items from the bedrooms and the kitchen. Darker, opaque wraps may be better at UV protection.
Get Insurance Cover for Precious Items
The Guardian recently featured a beautiful story about how moving houses means going away from familiar paths and dealing with internal baggage. You are probably feeling anxiety, uncertainty, and excitement – a confusing mix of emotions. Why add the loss of a loved item to the list?
Cautious packing and safe transport are mandatory for anyone who cherishes their belongings. However, getting insurance coverage is a sensible approach for unprecedented or unforeseen circumstances. It may not repay an item’s emotional value, but you will at least receive financial compensation.
Over the years, you may have collected home decor items that are now rare. Many enthusiasts collect travel souvenirs like soft furnishings and paintings. Seeing them around your house is a great way to revisit your experiences and inspire future travels. It would be a pity to lose these memorable items to a sudden torrent of rain.
You can consult a specialty insurance provider to get coverage for expensive artwork or valuable antiques. A logistics professional can help you with valuation insurance options.
It is crucial to clarify the included services when entrusting a moving company with your valued possessions. According to 495 Movers, transparent communication will prevent you from hidden charges at later stages. It is always safest to get a documented estimate and an all-inclusive quote.
Declutter at Every Stage
Finally, you can reduce the stress of moving by perceiving it as an opportunity to declutter and purge. There is a thin line between decor enthusiasm and hoarding. You may habitually collect new items without tossing, donating, or recycling old ones. A house – your new home included – can only hold so much.
While packing decor items for moving, consider which ones have outlived their importance. Some people find it daunting to ditch anything. Moreover, items like books and paintings can be hard to give up.
The Verge recommends being responsible during the process and finding recycling partners in your area. The local Goodwill store may accept more than you imagine. You can also consider selling some stuff to make extra cash by organizing a garage sale.
Once your items reach the new place, be careful when unloading and unpacking them. Not being careful can cause damage, wasting your efforts while packing. For example, you can remove stretch wrap with a regular box cutter. Tighter packaging may require a heat gun or dish soap to soften the film.
Extra effort makes complete sense when it comes to items you hold dear. Many home decor lovers go the extra mile to create a beautiful, relaxing environment that resonates with their families. It may seem like subscribing to a consumerist mindset, with the end goal of appearing on the cover page of architectural magazines. But in reality, holding on to and caring for things that matter to you is entirely human.
