background

10 Tips on How To Pack Lamps & Lampshades For Moving

    BOOK YOUR MOVE

    503-960-0544

    Moving to a new home can be exciting, but packing delicate items like lamps and lampshades can often feel overwhelming. 

    Most of these things are awkwardly shaped and fragile, so they may be damaged if not correctly cared for. Table lamps, floor lamps, and chandeliers require careful handling to ensure they keep the move intact.

    Don’t worry; in this guide, we’ll share some simple and practical tips to help you confidently pack your lamps and lampshades for a smooth, damage-free move.

    couple sitting in floor packing boxes

    Gather Needed Supplies to Pack Lamps for Moving

    Before packing your lamps and lampshades, ensure you have the right materials to keep them safe. Using proper supplies will help protect these delicate items during the move and make the process much easier. 

    Here are the essentials you will need:

    • Sturdy boxes that are big enough to fit your lamps or lampshades without being too loose. Durable boxes provide better protection.
    • Bubble wrap to cushion lamp bases and fragile parts. It absorbs shocks and helps prevent scratches or cracks.
    • Packing paper is used to wrap lampshades and fill empty spaces in the box. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can stain your lampshades.
    • Soft fabric or blankets to add extra padding around lamps or fill gaps in the box for more cushioning.
    • Packing tape to secure the boxes tightly and keep them from opening during the move.
    • Labels or markers are used to mark each box as fragile and specify if it contains lamp bases or lampshades. This ensures careful handling and makes unpacking easier.

    How to Use Labels and Tape Boxes

    Proper labeling and securing boxes are essential for keeping your lamps safe and organized during the move. Mark each box clearly as “Fragile” and include a brief description of its contents, such as “Lampshades” or “Lamp Bases.” This will help movers know how to handle the boxes carefully and make unpacking easier. 

    Use strong packing tape to seal the boxes securely, focusing on all seams to prevent them from opening during transit. Properly labeled and sealed boxes reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your items arrive in perfect condition.

    10 Tips on How To Pack Lamps & Lampshades for Moving

    To say that packing lamps and lampshades for a move can feel tricky is an understatement, given their fragile nature and shapes. Without proper preparation, they can easily get scratched, bent, or broken during transit. 

    To help you avoid damage and pack with confidence, here are ten practical tips to keep your lamps and lampshades safe throughout the moving process.

    1. Dismantle everything first by taking apart your lamps, including removing lampshades, light bulbs, and any detachable pieces. This reduces the chance of fragile components breaking under stress.
    2. Wrap lampshades separately using soft fabric or packing paper. Avoid using plastic, as it can trap moisture and damage delicate materials.
    3. Pack light bulbs carefully by wrapping them in bubble wrap and placing them in small boxes. Clearly mark the boxes as “Fragile” for extra caution.
    4. Secure lamp cords by coiling them neatly and fastening them with ties or tape. This prevents tangling and keeps the cords safe during the move.
    5. Use the right-sized boxes for each lamp. Choose boxes that fit snugly without being too tight or oversized to minimize shifting during transit.
    6. Protect lamp bases by wrapping them thoroughly in bubble wrap, especially around fragile parts like ceramic or glass sections.
    7. Nest lampshades when possible. If your lampshades are similar in size, stack them carefully to save space and maintain their shape.
    8. Label everything clearly. Mark each box with “Fragile” and specify whether it contains lampshades, light bulbs, or lamp bases for better organization.
    9. Avoid overpacking boxes to reduce the risk of breakage. Use bubble wrap or other padding to fill empty spaces without making the boxes too heavy.
    10. Double-box fragile lamps by placing them in a smaller box first, then packing that box into a larger one with added padding for extra protection.

    How to Pack Ceramic Lamps

    Ceramic lamps are more fragile than other types of lamps because the material is brittle and prone to chipping or cracking. That said, they require extra precautions during packing to prevent damage. Here’s how to pack them correctly:

    • Wrap the entire lamp in multiple layers of bubble wrap, focusing on particularly delicate areas like the neck and base.
    • Line the bottom of a sturdy box with packing paper or soft fabric to provide cushioning.
    • Place the wrapped lamp inside the box, ensuring it fits snugly. Fill any gaps with additional padding, such as packing paper, foam, or soft towels, to prevent the lamp from shifting during transit.
    • Seal the box securely with packing tape and label all sides as “Fragile – Ceramic Lamp” to ensure it is handled with extra care.

    How to Pack a Chandelier

    Packing a chandelier is also tricky, but with the right approach, it can be done safely:

    • Disassemble the chandelier by removing light bulbs, detachable arms, and small components.
    • Wrap each piece individually with bubble wrap or packing paper to avoid scratches or breakage.
    • Use a specialized box, like a double-wall box or crate, for the main body of the chandelier.
    • Surround the chandelier with extra padding, such as foam or blankets, for added protection.
    • Clearly label the box as “Fragile” and include a note that it contains a chandelier.

    Bonus: How to Pack a Lamp in a Suitcase

    When no boxes are available, you can use a suitcase to safely transport a lamp:

    • Wrap the lamp with soft clothing, towels, or blankets for cushioning.
    • Place the wrapped lamp snugly in the suitcase, ensuring there is no room for it to shift.
    • Fill any gaps with more clothing or padding to keep the lamp secure.
    • Double-check that the lamp is stable before closing and transporting the suitcase.

    portland moving truck and team

    Make Packing and Moving Easier with Redefyne Moving

    Packing lamps and lampshades can seem complicated, but with the right preparation and materials, you can keep your items safe and secure during the move. However, if the thought of packing fragile items feels overwhelming, why not leave it to the professionals?

    At Redefyne Moving, we specialize in stress-free packing and moving services. Whether it’s delicate ceramic lamps, intricate chandeliers, or an entire household of items, our skilled team handles everything with care and precision. Fully licensed, insured, and trained in the best packing methods, we’ll ensure your belongings arrive safely at their destination.

    Say goodbye to the hassle of DIY packing and let us make your move effortless. Contact us today or request a free moving estimate, and let us redefine your moving experience with our trusted packing and relocation services!

    Our Blog

    19

    Dec
    How Professional Movers Can Help You Settle Into Your New Home

    How Professional Movers Can Help You Settle Into Your New Home

    Relocating to a new home in Portland can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger space, moving closer to work, or finding a family-friendly...

    17

    Dec
    Downsides of DIY Moving in Portland: A Professional’s View

    Downsides of DIY Moving in Portland: A Professional’s View

    DIY moving in Portland might seem like a cost-effective choice, but it often comes with unexpected challenges. While saving money by going solo can be tempting, the physical strain,...

    12

    Dec
    Moving to Portland? Tips to Master Your Relocation Mindset

    Moving to Portland? Tips to Master Your Relocation Mindset

    It’s natural to have a lot of questions as you plan moving to Portland. From wondering about what the area has to offer, to making sure your belongings are...