Moving house is often a time to start fresh, but it can also stir up a lot of emotions -especially when it comes to packing up sentimental items and cherished keepsakes. Whether it’s a family heirloom, your favourite childhood toy, or photographs that have been passed down through generations, these items hold more than just material value; they carry memories and stories.
Packing sentimental items requires extra care and attention to ensure they arrive in your new home in perfect condition. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can protect these irreplaceable treasures during your move.
Here’s how to pack sentimental items and keepsakes without causing damage:
Step 1: Sort and prioritise
Before you start packing, take the time to sort through your sentimental items. Some may be sturdier and require less protection, while others will need extra attention.
Top tip: Create two categories:
High-priority items that need the most care (e.g. fragile heirlooms, delicate artwork).
Low-priority items that can be packed with other non-fragile belongings (e.g. old books, sentimental toys).
By identifying which items need the most protection, you can allocate the right amount of care to each
Step 2: Use the right packing materials
Choosing the right packing materials is crucial to protect fragile keepsakes. Here are the best materials to use:
Bubble wrap: For fragile, breakable items like vases, ceramics, or glassware. Wrap the item securely with a few layers of bubble wrap and tape it in place.
Packing paper: Ideal for wrapping up photographs, books, or non-fragile items. Use acid-free packing paper to prevent any discolouration or damage.
Foam sheets or foam peanuts: For delicate items like silverware, small antiques, or porcelain figurines. Foam sheets are ideal for adding cushioning around the item.
Tissue paper: For wrapping jewellery, delicate clothing, or precious trinkets. Use acid-free tissue paper to keep items safe from moisture and discolouration.
Cotton or felt: Soft fabrics like cotton or felt are great for wrapping delicate jewellery or vintage clothing.
Top tip: Always avoid using newspaper, as the ink can stain delicate surfaces over time.
Step 3: Invest in speciality boxes
Some sentimental items require extra protection during the move. Speciality boxes are a great investment for ensuring your most prized possessions are secure.
Photo boxes: If you have important photographs or albums, consider using a photo box with dividers. This will help keep the photos protected from bending or tearing.
Wardrobe boxes: For precious clothing or costumes that need to stay hanging (such as wedding dresses or old uniforms), a wardrobe box will keep them safe and in place.
Dish doxes: These are perfect for packing fragile dishes, glassware, or porcelain figurines. These boxes often come with extra dividers, providing extra layers of protection.
Top tip: Use smaller, sturdy boxes to ensure your items are snugly packed and don’t shift around.
Step 4: Don't forget extra cushioning
In addition to wrapping your items in bubble wrap or packing paper, it’s a good idea to use extra cushioning. This is particularly important for fragile or valuable keepsakes.
Packing peanuts: Fill the gaps in your box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to keep items from shifting.
Clothing and towels: For softer items like photo albums or small furniture pieces, you can wrap them in towels, blankets, or even clothing. This will provide a soft cushion without the need to buy additional materials.
Top tip: Always cushion the bottom of the box first, before adding the item, then cushion the top once it’s packed.
Step 5: Label each box carefully
Labelling your boxes is essential, but when it comes to sentimental items, consider adding extra information.
Write "Fragile" or "Sentimental Items" clearly on the box, so movers can be extra careful. For extra protection, create a detailed inventory list of what’s inside each box. This can be especially helpful if you need to unpack specific items quickly.
Top tip: Use colour-coded labels to indicate which boxes contain your most valuable or fragile items. This will make it easier to prioritise unpacking.
Want to learn how to label like a pro? Our expert guide has got you covered.
Step 6: Make sure you can access sentimental items
While it’s important to pack sentimental items carefully, it’s also crucial to keep them accessible when moving. Consider the following:
Carry them yourself: If possible, take your most cherished items with you in the car, especially if they are extremely fragile or irreplaceable. This will ensure they’re always in your possession, and you can keep an eye on them during transit.
Essentials box: Create an "essentials box" that contains important sentimental items like family photographs, jewellery, or items that bring you comfort. Keep this box with you, so you can easily access it at your new home.
Step 7: Take photos of your sentimental items
Before packing up your keepsakes, it’s a good idea to take photographs of them. This will help you track your belongings and can be valuable if any items are lost or damaged during the move. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the memory of your items before they’re packed away in boxes.
Top tip: Take photos of particularly fragile or rare items in case you need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
Or why not leave it to the experts?
If you have particularly valuable or fragile sentimental items (such as art, antiques, or delicate furniture), it might be worth investing in professional packing services. The experts at Saint Removals can handle your precious items with the utmost care, using specialist techniques and materials to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.
Get in touch today
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and let us take care of all your labelling and packing needs. You can sit back, relax, and focus on the more important parts of moving house, like what colour to paint those lovely new bedroom walls.
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