How to Pack Lamps for Moving
Moving day can bring many challenges, and packing lamps is a task that needs extra attention. Packing lamps may seem straightforward, but their parts and awkward shapes make them a trickier household item to safely move. Their slender bases, fragile shades, and bulbs need special care. If you take the right approach to packing your lamps, they will arrive at your new destination intact, and you can avoid the frustration of broken parts, missing pieces, and tangled cords.
Step 1: Unplug and Disassemble the Lamp
So it doesn’t break, remove the bulb carefully from the lamp first, and wrap it separately. Take off the shade and any removable parts like finials or harp brackets. Keep the screws or clips in a labeled ziplock bag. After you unplug the lamp, loosely coil the cord and secure it with a tie so it doesn’t tangle or strain the connection point.
Step 2: Wrap the Lamp Base
Cover all the lamp base surfaces evenly by wrapping it in a few layers of packing paper. Add bubble wrap for extra cushioning, especially around any corners or decorative edges. Secure the wrap with tape, but avoid taping on the lamp’s surface. Wrap heavy lamp bases burrito-style with paper padding. If it’s a glass or ceramic lamp, or made with another fragile material, use a soft cloth or foam sheets to prevent scratches. Then place the lamp base upright in the box. Add crumpled paper to cushion it and protect it.
Step 3: Box the Lamp Carefully
Disassemble the lamp and remove the shade, bulb, and any detachable parts. Wind up and wrap the cord. Pad the bottom of the box before putting the lamp in it. You may want to wrap the base in bubble wrap and secure it with tape before placing it in the box. Place the base upright and cushion around it with towels or paper. Seal the box and label it as fragile.
How to Pack Lamp Shades for Moving
Nest the lamp shade in a box that’s slightly larger than its widest point. Line the bottom with crumpled packing paper, then place the shade inside upside down. Fill the sides with more paper or soft items like towels or sweaters to cushion it and prevent shifting, and seal the box with tape. You can also nest several shades inside each other, from largest to smallest. Pad between each layer. Fill any gaps with foam peanuts or paper.
Step 1: Clean the Shade Before Packing
If your shade has been sitting unused for a while or has stains on it, clean it before you wrap it. This will prevent dust, grime, and odors from transferring onto other items during your move. Use your vacuum cleaner with an attachment or wipe it off. Cleaning it also reduces the risk of attracting moisture or pests during the move, especially when the climate changes or you’re moving long distances.
Step 2: Choose the Right Box
Measure the lamp height and width, and pick a box at least 2 inches larger on all sides that can cushion the lamp. If your lamp includes a wide lampshade, use a specialty moving carton. For heavier or fragile lamps, use double-walled corrugated boxes for more protection because they are durable for transit.
Step 3: Wrap and Cushion Properly
Unplug and disassemble the lamp. Wrap the base in layers of bubble wrap, then tape it. Consider wrapping the entire lamp in a blanket, securing it with stretch wrap. Place it inside a box with reinforced corners and dense padding. Add additional support around the neck of the lamp to prevent it from bending or snapping. Add foam padding, towels, or paper around it. Double layers absorb shocks when they’re being moved.
Extra Tips for Moving Lamps Safely
Label each box with the lamp type and orientation so movers handle it properly. This will reduce the risk of damage. Keep finials, screws, and harps in a separate labeled bag and tape it to the inside of the box so you don’t misplace them. If you’re moving during humid or rainy weather, add a plastic liner as a moisture barrier inside the box to protect the lampshade and metal finish from corroding or getting damp.
FAQS
Should I pack lamp shades with the lamp base?
Use separate boxes when packing lamp bases and shades to reduce pressure. Shades can be nested over the base and cushions inside one box, placing a soft wrap in between them. A divided box with inserts can ensure shade, and the base won’t touch.
What kind of box should I use to pack lamps for moving?
Use tall, double-walled cardboard boxes that cushion the lamp base and the shade. You can also repurpose wardrobe boxes or telescope two boxes together for custom height containers for floor lamps or unusually shaped lamps, so they can stay upright.
Can I use bubble wrap on a fabric lampshade?
You should protect a fabric lampshade so it doesn’t get damaged. You can wrap the shade in acid-free tissue paper and cushion it using bubble wrap. Or use a cotton sheet or pillowcase and add bubble wrap on the outside edges. Another suggestion is to nest lampshades in larger lamp packing boxes to maintain their shape.
Should I use custom crating for high-value lamps?
Custom crating is wise if the value of the lamp exceeds its replacement cost or if it’s unusually fragile, oversized, or made of crystal or antique glass. Custom crating will protect it from shifting, vibrations, and pressure that standard boxes can’t handle. It will provide better shock absorption and protect it from stacking and jostling during the move. Deciding whether it should be crated depends on how it will be transported. Expert movers like Lewis & Michael provide white glove service to protect your lamps.
