Storing Fragile Items

There are several reasons you may need to pack up items for fragile storage. Whether moving to a new home, undergoing a home renovation, or putting holiday decorations away, it is important to practice proper fragile item storage. Knowing the best way to store delicate items is key to their long-term preservation and to avoid any damage.

In New Jersey, Clifton Rt. 46 Storage is an excellent facility for fragile storage and removals. Here, we explain the best practices for effective storage when you rent a unit to place fragile items.

How to Pack Fragile Items

Packing items for fragile storage requires delicate care and planning, so you must take extra time to pack fragile objects. These guidelines will help you properly preserve fragile items as you move them from place to place:

• Pick a strong box: Any box you place fragile items in must be strong and sturdy, with the items stored corresponding to the box size.
• Add protection layers to the box: Every box needs cushioning layers, particularly at the bottom. Use material such as foam sheets or pads, crumpled packing paper or newspaper, or packing peanuts to create these layers within the box. Dividers or inserts can also provide additional protection. Apply multiple strips of packing tape to the bottom of the box for extra security.
• Wrap items individually: Wrap any fragile item individually before storing it. This keeps multiple items within a box from contacting each other. Cover a fragile object in multiple layers of bubble wrap and then seal with tape.
• Pack the box strategically: You should limit the number of items you store within a single box. If you put multiple items in a box, arrange larger items on the bottom, and gradually reduce the size of each item you pack, working your way to the top. Fill in empty spaces within the box with any material used to make layers to reduce the chance of items shifting. The tighter the fit, the better. Stop packing once you feel the box becoming heavy or full, and seal it with multiple strips of packing tape.
• Put a clear label or instructions on the box: After the box is secure, clearly place a “fragile” or “handle with care” label on it with a sticker or marker. You should also include any specific storage instructions you have for a box to prevent heavier boxes from crushing items.

After you finish packing the box, evaluate the security of the contents inside. Carefully move or shift your box and listen for sounds of movement or objects touching each other. If you hear anything concerning, add more protective materials to cushion the item or items. You may consider placing the box within a larger box with material around the smaller to add more protection.

Handling Fragile Items in Your Storage Unit

Be strategic in how you store boxes of fragile items within your physical storage unit. Consider the following tips for handling and storing fragile item boxes:

• Arrange boxes according to weight: Place heavier boxes on the unit’s floor to prevent them from falling over. Don’t stack fragile boxes on top of each other or underneath other boxes. You may consider an individual unit or shelves within a unit specifically for fragile item storage.
• Use assistance to carry or transport boxes: Consider using carts to carefully load or unload boxes with fragile items. Also, consider having others help you move fragile items in or out of a storage unit.
• Review unit policies: Make sure that you can store specific items within your storage unit. Customers storing items valued over $5,000 at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage should seek approval from our management team.

Store Fragile Items with Confidence at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage

No one wants a valuable, fragile item to break or shatter while it’s stored or transported inside a box. Proper planning and packing strategies can prevent mishaps. Consider using one of our units at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage in Clifton, New Jersey, for any of your fragile storage needs. We offer consistent and reliable rates and provide security measures to ensure your items’ safety. Contact us today to discuss our variety of unit options or our renting policies or to schedule a site tour.