5 Steps for Packing Lamps When Moving

December 11, 2022
Ella Martin
Ella Martin

You have a moving day coming up, and there is still so much to accomplish. Then you realize that you still need to box up every lamp. Lamps are simple to take for granted because they are constantly present in the background of your house, but proper packaging is necessary to guarantee their safe transport.Fortunately, with a few packing items, you can pack them up quickly. This five-step approach will show you how to pack lamps for moving.

1. Gather the appropriate moving boxes

The key to securely and effectively packing table lamps is to purchase the proper boxes. Lamps are fragile, which makes damage during transport a possibility; thus, you must purchase or locate moving boxes that are suitable. Use boxes with the right height as your starting point because standard table lamp bases are around 30 inches tall and lamp shades are typically 24 inches tall. Lamp boxes, which are normally sold for around $5 apiece and make it simple to pack the lamp without disassembling it, are available from some moving companies.

2. Safeguard the plugs

Invest in a pack of foam plug protectors to protect the plugs on the electric cable of your light from damage while being transported. These useful covers, which range in price from $5 to $10 per box, fit over the two metal prongs. As an alternative, you may glue a tiny piece of bubble wrap to the plugs to seal them off.

3. Pack the light bulbs

If your lights have been running, disconnect them and let them cool for at least five minutes before you begin packing. After that, take the light bulbs out of all of your lights. Use a moving box (or an extra box) to transport your light bulbs.

Two methods exist for storing light bulbs:

1) Invest in box dividers that have slots for each bulb. These are $10 to $20 each.

2) Bubble wrap: Wrap each bulb individually in bubble wrap before stacking them in a small- to medium-sized box.

If they make use of specialty bulbs, designate which lamp each one belongs to with a label, a marker, or a piece of painter's tape. In either scenario, cushion the edges of the box with newspaper or packing peanuts before labeling and sealing it. There shouldn't be any room for light bulbs to move about.

4. Wrap the lamp shades

Next, wrap each lampshade in packing paper and secure it with tape. Avoid using newspapers for this phase as the ink may bleed onto your lampshade due to the travel conditions, such as extended heat while in a moving vehicle. Place smaller lampshades inside larger ones to maximize storage space and minimize the number of boxes. Only stack them if the fit is natural; don't push them to be on top of one another. Inside each box, enclose the blinds with packing peanuts or another type of insulation. In a pinch, you may also use tiny towels or sheets.

5. Organize your lamp bases

Lamp bases are frequently constructed of delicate materials like glass or porcelain; thus, carefully wrap them in bubble wrap and secure them with tape before moving them. One lamp base per box is ideal, but if you must double up, use packing peanuts or newspaper to create a space between the two bases. They shouldn't ever make contact with the box inside. Finally, add a label to the box's outside and tape it shut.

DIY Moving Lamp Packing vs. Hiring a Professional

Lamp packing is a simple process that may be completed with the aid of a few packing items. If the lights are vintage, pricey, or have sentimental significance, you might want expert assistance with the packaging procedure. It will save you time if you choose to pack and move your belongings with the help of a local moving company.