Moving can be daunting, and packing your lamps and light fixtures for the big move may seem impossible. However, you can pack these fragile items safely if you take the necessary precautions. To ensure that your lamps and light fixtures survive the journey intact, follow this comprehensive guide on how to pack them properly for moving.
Gather Supplies
Before packing, you must gather supplies to protect your lamps and light fixtures during the move properly. Here’s a list of items you may need:
Packing paper
Wrapping your lamps and other fixtures will require a lot of packing paper. Avoid using newspapers if you value your belongings, as the ink can be transferred to them.
Bubble wrap
Extra padding and protection for your lamps and light fixtures can be found in bubble wrap.
Packing tape
Securely seal your boxes with thick packing tape.
Lamp boxes
Lamp boxes are specialised shipping containers for transporting lamps and other light fixtures. Because of their height and thin width, they are ideal for transporting lampshades while keeping them upright.
Box cutter
A box cutter will be useful when unpacking your light fixtures and lamps.
Ensure you have enough boxes and packing materials to transport your light bulbs and fixtures safely.
Remove Lamp Shades and Light Bulbs
The first step in packing your lamps and light fixtures is to remove the lamp shades and bulbs. Carefully remove the lampshades and wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap. Label them as delicate and store them in a separate box
Take the light bulbs out of all of the lamps and chandeliers. Put the light bulbs in a separate box or container after wrapping them in packing paper or bubble wrap. Light bulbs can easily break. Therefore, be sure to mark the box as delicate.
Take Photos Before Disassembly
Before you begin disassembling your lamps and light fixtures, taking pictures is a good idea. This can help you track where different pieces go when reassembling them after the move. Additionally, you can reference the photos when ordering replacements if any parts are missing or damaged during transport. Taking photos before disassembly can save you time and stress in the long run.
Disassemble the Lamps and Fixtures
Disassemble your lamps and light fixtures before packing them. This will make them easier to transport and reduce the risk of damage during the move. Begin by unscrewing any bases or supports from the fixtures. If you have trouble removing certain screws or bolts, use a lubricant such as WD-40 if necessary. Keep the screws and bolts safe in a designated container or bag.
Lamps and light fixtures typically come with either an owner’s manual or instructions that may be found online. If you are unclear on how to remove and pack your lamps and fixtures, consider hiring a professional mover.
Wrap Your Lamp and Light Bulb
After disassembling your lamps and other light fixtures, wrap them securely for transport. Beginning with the lamp’s base or body, wrap it in packing paper. This will protect it from scuffs and scratches during transport. Then, use bubble wrap to protect the lampshade or other detachable components.
If you’re using tape to fasten the wrapping, be careful not to get any tape on the surfaces of the lamps or light fixtures since this could ruin the finish.
Pack Your Lamp Shade and Light Fixtures
After wrapping, it’s time to pack your lamps and light fixtures securely in boxes. Use boxes designed explicitly for lamps, light fixtures, or a standard moving box large enough to hold your items safely.
Place your wrapped lamp or light fixture into the box, making sure it’s snug and won’t move around during the move. Use more packing paper or peanuts to fill any space in the box.
Pack the Table Lamps and Floor Lamps
After you’ve packing floor lamps or fixtures, it’s time to pack the lamp shades and incandescent bulbs. Place the lampshades in a separate box or container, and add padding or packing peanuts around them. Label the box as fragile and mark which end is up. You can use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill empty spaces in the box.
Next, pack the light bulbs in a separate box or container. Label the box as fragile and mark which end is up. Make sure to wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking during transport.
Label Your Moving Boxes
Once you’ve finished packing, it’s important to label your boxes. Use labels or markers to indicate which box contains lamps and light fixtures. You can also use coloured tape to distinguish fragile and non-fragile items in each box. For example, write “Fragile Lampshade” or “Fragile Light Fixture” on one side of the box. On the other side, write “Handle With Care” or another reminder for movers. This will alert movers to take extra care when handling the box.
Protect Your Lamp Shades
Lamp shades require extra care when packing, as they are easily dented, scratched or crushed. After wrapping the lamp shades, you can also add additional protection by packing them inside a separate box filled with packing paper.
Wrap the lampshade and lamp base in a large plastic bag if you don’t have another box, then place it in the moving box. Be sure to avoid overpacking the box or crushing the lampshade during transport.
Transport Small Lamps in Your Car
For smaller lamps, like desk lamps or bedside lamps, consider transporting them in your car rather than packing them in a moving truck. This ensures they won’t get crushed or damaged during the move, and you’ll have them ready to use as soon as you arrive at your new home.
Wrap Pendant Lights Carefully
Pendant lights can be tricky to pack, as they may have delicate glass shades or intricate wiring. Before packing your pendant lights, remove the shades if possible and wrap them separately. For the fixture, wrap it carefully in bubble wrap, ensuring not to wrap the cords too tightly.
If you’re transporting multiple pendant lights, it’s best to pack them separately to avoid scratching or damaging each other during the move.
Consider Hiring a Professional Removalist
Moving delicate items, like lamps and light fixtures, is a tough job that requires special care to ensure they don’t get damaged during the move. If you’re uncomfortable packing or transporting your lamps and light fixtures, consider hiring a professional mover like Primove specialising in moving fragile items. This will ensure that your possessions are protected during shipping and arrive in the same shape they left.
Final Thoughts
Light fixtures and lamps can be difficult to pack and move. Still, with enough forethought and careful handling, you can make it to your new house without a scratch if you’re still feeling overwhelmed or don’t have the time to pack and move delicate items, consider hiring us at Primove to take care of the job. Our specialty is professional lamp and light fixture packing, shipping, and unpacking. With our assistance, you can rest assured that your belongings will be moved safely and delivered without a scratch.
Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience, but Primove made it much more manageable. My family and I recently booked them to help us move to a new house; from the beginning, it felt like we had nothing to worry about. The customer service was excellent – the team responded quickly to our questions and requests, despite how busy they were. They also took great care to ensure all our items were transported safely and arrived in the exact condition we left them in. Highly recommend Primove to anyone looking for an efficient, reliable and stress-free move!
Natalie Herber
