Most moving-out guides mainly focus on the essentials every family must pack when relocating from one area to another. However, discovering how to pack jewelry for moving is also vital because dainty and valuable pieces require careful organization and utmost protection.
While figuring out how to pack jewelry isn’t necessarily concerning or overwhelming, it can help you stay on top of things during the chaotic moving period. You don’t want to end up losing meaningful pieces that are also high-quality and last a long time, right?
This article reveals tips and techniques for choosing the best way to pack jewelry that will suit your preferences and align with the quantity and type of your jewelry collection.
Before the Move: Jewelry Packing Things to Consider
Learning how to pack jewelry for moving may be the most important thing for the majority. However, there are some things to keep in mind before starting the packing process that can help you move things in a faster and more organized manner.
Throw Away Unwanted Pieces
If you never wear certain jewelry pieces because they are no longer your style or have become damaged over the years, the likelihood of needing them in the future is slim. Thus, get rid of everything you don’t plan on bringing with you during the move, which can free more space for the jewelry that holds a special place in your heart.
Clean All Your Jewelry
Moving to a new home often means starting fresh and not worrying about cleaning your items as you unpack. For this reason, clean your jewelry before you pack it using a gentle cleaning solution and letting it air dry thoroughly.
Sort Out The Pieces
Lay out all the jewelry pieces in front of you and inspect their condition one more time. If they are tangled in certain places or need further polishing, take care of that before choosing a jewelry packing method that is most convenient for you.
Get or Make Protective Boxes
When packing jewelry for moving, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is putting everything in small jewelry boxes. Sturdy boxes can protect your jewelry from dusty particles, damage, and breakage during the moving process.
Often, when you purchase jewelry, pieces come in boxes you can later use for moving or traveling. These boxes don’t take up too much space among the other things you are transporting and can be easily found if you store them all in one place.
The best part about using protective boxes for jewelry storage and transportation is that you don’t have to purchase new ones specifically for moving. You can DIY them by repurposing clean, airtight carton boxes you already have.
Sunglasses
If you aim to protect your sunglasses from breaking during the move, the plastic covers just won’t work. Instead, you can use sturdier leather cases to keep your frames in place and shield them from damage. Additional tips for safer transportation include:
- Wrapping each sunglasses pair in bubble-wrap separately
- Using tissue paper around the frames to prevent breakage
- Slipping every pair in a different sock to avoid scratching
Rings
Since most rings’ designs prevent them from getting tangled with other similar pieces, they are the easiest to pack. You simply need a jewelry box to put them inside and not worry about losing them. However, you can also repurpose the following items for ring packing:
- A pill organizer
- An egg carton box
- Separate pouches
- Padded envelopes
Purchase or DIY Suitable Jewelry Organizers
Luckily, nowadays, you can find all different kinds of organizers to keep each jewelry type safe and easy to find. These organizers also prevent entanglement, especially for necklaces and bracelets.
Just like jewelry boxes, you can easily make your own organizers to help you keep everything in place, at least during moving. You will be amazed to discover what things you probably have at home can be used for this purpose.
Earrings
Whether they are small hoops, dangly, or standout pieces, earring pairs can be tricky to organize and store for moving. You can either purchase an organizer like a jewelry roll or use a foam sheet to pierce and secure them tightly. Other practical ideas include:
- Putting them in travel cases
- Securing each earring pair in ziplock bags
- Wrapping them in small cloths or towels
Necklaces
Delicate and bold chains are very modern for people of all ages and genders since they add style to the simplest outfits. But they can get tangled even when you wear them, let alone when you have to pack them for a move.
For this reason, it’s best to thread them through a straw or a tube for easier transport and a tangle-free experience. Of course, specialized necklace organizers like hanging holders are the most convenient, but they can be expensive. Here are some extra pointers for necklace packing:
- Using a paper towel roll
- Wrapping each necklace in plastic wrap
- Repurposing a toothbrush holder for extra security
Bracelets
Just like necklaces, bracelets can easily get tangled regardless of their shape and size. You can either use similar packing techniques as for necklaces or use some of the following ideas:
- Roll your bracelets in hand towels
- Place them in a tissue paper lined plastic or cardboard container
- Pack each bracelet in a separate small bag and put it in a jewelry box
Put Labels on Boxes and Organizers
Learning how to pack jewelry may not be overly complicated. However, if it’s not done right, it can cause a lot of problems and regret along the way. After all, certain pieces are heirlooms and valuable enough to be kept for a lifetime.
When repurposing boxes and organizers, such as carton boxes, straws, or toilet paper rolls, they can easily be mistaken for trash if they are not labeled. Thus, it’s crucial to clearly label each packing supply with a dark marker to prevent accidentally losing or throwing away valuable pieces.
The Importance of Protecting Your Jewelry When You Move
Due to their size and elegance, most jewelry pieces must be well-protected and kept safe. When packing jewelry for moving, it’s best to practice keeping these valuables within reach, ideally in your move-in day bag.
- Quality Maintenance: Improper packing and storage may lead to pieces rubbing against each other, causing discoloration, scratches, and tangles. This can negatively affect the jewelry’s quality and make it less valuable. To maintain the exceptional quality of your favorite gems during moving, you must ensure they are adequately packed.
- Value Retention: The most important reason why you should keep your jewelry with you during the move is temperature control. Metals react poorly to excessive humidity and direct sun exposure. Thus, place the bag with packed jewelry in an air-conditioned area, like the front seat of the vehicle, instead of the trunk.
- Damage Prevention: If you invest enough time and effort into learning how to pack jewelry for moving, you will successfully protect your pieces from damage. You can always purchase new jewelry, but you cannot replace the sentimental value they may hold.