Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet challenging experience, and ensuring that your delicate items, like lamps, are safely packed is essential for a successful transition. I’ve helped countless clients pack and move their lamps without a scratch. In this blog post, I’ll share my tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you securely pack your lamps for your upcoming move.
Gather your packing materials:
Before you begin, gather all the necessary packing materials. You’ll need:
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Scissors
- Ziplock bags or small containers
- Permanent marker
Disassemble your lamps:
Start by unplugging and disassembling your lamps carefully (take a photo of the assembled lamp with your phone). Remove the light bulb, shade, and any removable parts. Keep the small parts in a Ziplock bag or small container, and label them accordingly. You can either sellotape this bag to the lamp or place it in the box. This will make reassembling your lamps easier when you arrive at your new home.
Pack light bulbs separately:
Wrap each light bulb in packing paper or bubble wrap and place them in a small, sturdy box. Make sure the box is well-cushioned to prevent damage during the move. Label the box clearly as “Fragile – Light Bulbs.”
Wrap the lamp base:
Cover the lamp base with packing paper or bubble wrap, ensuring all surfaces are protected. Secure the wrapping with packing tape. For larger or unusually-shaped lamp bases, you may need to use additional layers of bubble wrap for added protection.
Choose the right-sized box:
Select a box that is slightly larger than the wrapped lamp base. Fill the bottom of the box with a layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to create a cushion.
Pack the lamp base:
Place the wrapped lamp base in the box and fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. Ensure the lamp base is snug and secure, without any room to shift during transit. Close the box and seal it with packing tape. Label the box as “Fragile – Lamp Base.”
Wrap the lampshade:
Carefully wrap the lampshade with packing paper, making sure not to crush or bend its shape. If you have multiple lampshades, you can nest them together, with the smaller shades inside the larger ones, to save space.
Pack the lampshade:
Place the wrapped lampshade in a box, preferably separate from the lamp base, as heavy bases will likely crush the shades. Fill any gaps with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent the shade from shifting. Seal and label the box as “Fragile – Lampshade.”
Load the boxes carefully:
When loading the moving truck, place the boxes containing lamps and lampshades in a secure location, away from heavy items that could crush them. Ensure the boxes are not stacked too high, and ensure that they’re labeled clearly so that anyone handling them knows to be cautious.
You’re Ready To Move:
Packing lamps for a move may seem daunting, but with these expert tips and tricks, you can ensure that your lamps arrive at your new home in perfect condition. Take your time, use the right packing materials, and follow these steps to make your moving experience a breeze.
More Moving Tips
Finding free cardboard boxes can help you save money during your move. Here are some places where you can potentially get free boxes:
- Local grocery stores or supermarkets: These establishments receive regular shipments and often have an abundance of empty boxes. Visit your local store and ask the manager if they have any extra boxes available.
- Liquor stores: Liquor stores usually have sturdy boxes with built-in dividers, which are perfect for packing fragile items like glassware. Drop by a nearby store and ask if they can spare any boxes.
- Retail stores or shopping malls: Retailers, particularly large chain stores, receive daily shipments and may have spare boxes they’re willing to give away. Visit the stores during off-peak hours and ask a staff member or manager about any available boxes.
- Friends, family, or neighbors: Reach out to your network and ask if anyone has recently moved or has extra boxes lying around. You might be surprised by how many people are happy to help.
- Online platforms: Check social media groups, classified websites, or local community forums like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle, or Nextdoor. People often post about free moving boxes
No Packing Materials? Don’t worry, here are some alternatives
If you don’t have access to traditional packing materials, you can still protect your Lamps and Light fittings by using alternative items that you might already have around your home. Here are some suggestions:
- Old newspapers and magazines: Crumpled newspapers and magazine pages can be used as cushioning material in boxes or to wrap around fragile items. Just be cautious with items that can be stained by newsprint ink.
- Towels, blankets, and bed linens: Use these soft items to wrap fragile items or as padding between layers of items in a box. You can also use them to fill gaps in boxes to prevent items from shifting during the move.
- Clothing: Socks, t-shirts, and other soft garments can be used to wrap small breakables, while bulkier items like sweaters or jackets can provide additional cushioning for larger, fragile pieces.
- Bubble wrap alternatives: If you don’t have bubble wrap, you can use aluminum foil, plastic grocery bags, or even popped popcorn (placed inside sealed plastic bags) to provide cushioning for delicate items.
- Egg cartons: These can be used to store small, fragile items such as lightbulbs.
- Reusable shopping bags: Sturdy, reusable shopping bags can serve as makeshift packing material for larger, oddly-shaped items. Fill the bags with other soft items, like clothing or linens, to create a cushion around the item.
- Paper plates: Place paper plates between stacked dishes or glassware to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Toilet paper and paper towel rolls: These cardboard tubes can be used to protect long, thin items like posters, artwork, or even cords and cables. You can also stuff them with paper or fabric to provide extra cushioning for fragile items.
- Resealable plastic bags: Fill resealable plastic bags with air and seal them tightly. Use these makeshift air pillows to fill empty spaces in boxes and provide cushioning for your belongings.
Remember, while these alternative packing materials can be helpful in a pinch, they may not provide the same level of protection as traditional packing supplies. If you’re moving particularly valuable or delicate items, it’s always best to invest in proper packing materials to ensure their safety during transit.
