Lamps and lampshades add both aesthetic and practical value to our homes. Unfortunately, they are not as practical (or pretty!) to move. Their shape and size make them awkward to pack, and the fact that they are often made from ceramic or glass adds an element of fragility to the mix. Not to fear though, lamps are easier to move than it might first appear.
To pack lamps and lampshades for the big move,
- Remove lampshade and finial.
- Clean lampshade.
- Remove lightbulb.
- Wrap lamp in paper and bubble wrap.
- Pack in secure box.
- Label box.
1. Remove Lampshade and Finial
First things first, remove the lampshade and finial (the screw that can be found on top of the lamp). Some lampshades will come off with a simple lift, and you won’t need to remove the finial at all.
2. Clean Lampshade
Before you do anything else, give your lampshade a good clean to avoid taking dust, germs and other grime into your new space. Depending on the last time you cleaned it, this might just be a quick dust (which you can do with a duster or hoover attachment).
If your lampshades need a deep clean, double check with your manufacturer (or Google) on how to clean the particular material in question. Fabric lampshades will have a much different process to glass lampshades, for example.
3. Remove Lightbulb
Next, remove the lightbulb. How you do this will depend on the style of lamp, but most just require you to twist the bulb anticlockwise until it comes loose from the socket.
You should also remove the cradle (or harp), which is the frame that surrounds the bulb and holds the lampshade in place.
4. Wrap Lamp in Protective Materials
With your lamp disassembled, you can wrap it and its parts in protective materials. One layer of packing paper followed by a layer of bubble wrap should suffice, but you can add more depending on how fragile your lamp is.
Secure the protective materials with tape.
5. Pack
Next, get a high-quality, triple-walled box. These are custom designed boxes with three layers of corrugated cardboard that offer unparalleled protection.
To put the box together, do the bottom of the box up with a professional adhesive tape (your movers can do this step for you), and turn it upside down. You should then add a layer of packing paper and bubble wrap to the bottom of the box.
This forms the cushioned base of the box which you can now put the lamp (and its parts) in. If there is lots of space left in the box and the lamp is at risk of flying around, fill the gaps with more bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
Use multiple boxes if there isn’t room for all of the parts in one.
6. Label Box
Finally, tape up your box and label with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” if your lamp is delicate. This will remind you (or your movers) to take extra care with this box.
To learn more about our removals service or purpose-built storage facilities, take a look at out our website or contact Nathan. At Falconers we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your lamps, lampshades and other valuables are moved and kept in perfect condition. Rest assured that your move will be completed with expert precision.
