The Art of Packing Ornaments: Tips for Moving & Storing

Ornaments hold sentimental value and add character and beauty to our homes during the holiday season. Whether you’re moving to a new place or just looking to store them safely, knowing the best way to pack ornaments is essential to ensure they remain intact. We’ll explore the art of packing ornaments and share some tips for a safe and stress-free packing process.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start packing your ornaments, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic containers with lids
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Scissors
• Labels and markers for labeling boxes

Having the right supplies at hand will make the packing process smoother and more organized.

Sort and Organize

It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself, “Does this ornament spark joy?” Now is the perfect opportunity to sort and organize your ornaments and get rid of any you don’t want anymore. Group your ornaments by size, material, or sentimental value. This will help you when it comes to unpacking and decorating in your new space.

Wrap Individual Ornaments

Each ornament should be wrapped individually to prevent scratches, chips, or other damages. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to encase delicate ornaments. Start by placing the ornament in the center of the paper or wrap, then fold the sides over and secure them with tape. For extra protection, you can use tissue paper or cotton balls inside the wrap for cushioning.

Create Dividers

To ensure that your ornaments don’t shift during transportation, create dividers within your boxes or containers. You can use cardboard or foam dividers to create separate compartments for each ornament. This will prevent ornaments from knocking into each other and getting damaged.

Layering Technique

When packing your ornaments in boxes, use the layering technique to maximize space and protection. Start by placing a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box to create a cushion. Then, arrange your wrapped ornaments in rows, ensuring that they are snugly fit but not overly crowded. Add another layer of cushioning material between the layers of ornaments. Continue this process until the box is full, and then add a final layer of cushioning at the top before sealing the box.

Label and Document

To make the unpacking process easier, label each box with a brief description of its contents. This will help you quickly identify which box contains the ornaments you want to display first. You can also take photos of the ornaments inside each box before sealing them, making it even easier to locate specific items when you’re ready to decorate.

Use Original Packaging

If you still have the original packaging for some of your ornaments, use it. The original packaging is designed to protect the ornament during shipping, so it’s an ideal solution. If you don’t have the original packaging, you can try to find boxes or containers of similar size and shape to keep the ornaments safe.

Temperature and Climate Considerations

Ornaments made from delicate materials like glass, porcelain, or ceramics can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you’re moving in cold weather, consider packing these ornaments separately and keeping them with you in a temperature-controlled environment during the move. Extreme heat can also be damaging, so be cautious of where you store your ornaments in hot conditions.

Fragile Labels

Clearly label boxes containing fragile ornaments. This will alert you and anyone helping with the move to handle these boxes with extra care. Additionally, it will remind you to place them in a secure location in your new home (or wherever you’re storing them for the season) to avoid accidental damage.

Transporting Ornaments Safely

When it’s time to move your packed ornaments, handle the boxes with care. Place them securely in your vehicle, ensuring that they won’t shift during transit. If you’re using a moving company, communicate with the movers about the fragility of the boxes so they can take appropriate precautions.

Packing ornaments can be a time-consuming but worthwhile endeavor. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cherished ornaments remain safe and intact! Remember to be organized, use the right supplies, and handle your ornaments with care during the packing and moving process. In the end, the effort will be well worth it when you see your ornaments safely decorating your new space.