DIY Network

Moving Awkwardly Shaped Items Moving Awkwardly Shaped Items From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-109

How much easier moving would be if all our possessions were square and rectangular! But since they're not, here are some tips to help you pack everything else.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Lamps: Make sure the box is reinforced with tape. Place the shade in a box that is padded on the bottom, and place additional padding on the top of the shade (figure A). Use paper, bubble wrap or toweling as a packing medium. Several shades can be safely stacked together this way. Remove bulbs and lamp harp if necessary, but pack together in the box for easy reassembly. Wrap the lamp base in bubble wrap and place in a second padded box. Label boxes.

• Electronic equipment: Pack in the original box with the original packing if possible (figure B). If you think you might be moving again in the near future, save the boxes and the packing. Break down the boxes for easier storage if you need to, since having them available for a move can save money on repairs and replacements.

• Artwork and mirrors: Cover the surface of the object with a sturdy packing material, such as cardboard, to help prevent breakage or damage (figure C). Specialty packing boxes for mirrors and artwork are also available from moving companies.

• Dressers: There are two schools of thought here, the first being to remove the clothes from the drawers and bag them to use as padding in the boxes. Other experts recommend removing the drawers with the clothes in place, loading the dresser in the moving van, then replacing the drawers in the dresser and thus eliminating the need to unpack the clothes upon arrival at the new home. Bubble-wrap or pad the dresser with a moving pad to prevent drawer shifting or damage to the edges of the dresser.

• Furniture: Disassemble furniture if possible for easier moving (figure D). If hardware is removed, place the pieces in a baggie and tape the baggie to the furniture so it's easy to find when it's time to put the furniture back together.

• Linens, blankets, pillows and towels: Place in garbage bags and use as a protective filler around the furniture during the move.