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How to Pack and Move a Chandelier |
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Chandeliers are ornate and expensive light fixtures that make an immediate aesthetic impact on any room. If you are moving, you're probably going to want to take these expensive fixtures with you. Unfortunately, chandeliers are also one of the most challenging things you could pack and move. Hiring professional movers to do the job may be a good idea. However, it is possible to do it yourself.
Materials
Packing a chandelier takes some time, so make sure you have all of the necessary materials. You will need:
- A ladder
- Foam pads (not Styrofoam, it is too hard)
- Bubble wrap
- An appropriate screwdriver (check the screws on the chandelier)
- Packing tape
- Twist ties
- Packing peanuts/paper
- A few sealable plastic bags
- An appropriately sized cardboard box (measure the dimensions of the chandelier and allow a few extra inches for packing material)
Taking down the chandelier
- Make sure there is a clear work-space set for when you take down and disassemble the chandelier.
- Cut the power to the room containing the chandelier to avoid shock.
- Use a ladder to reach the chandelier--even if you think you are tall enough to reach it without one. You want to be eye level with the top of the chandelier to comfortably remove it.
- Have a helper below you support the chandelier as you unscrew the metal hook that goes into the ceiling.
- Carefully disconnect the electrical wires going into the chandelier from the ceiling.
- Make sure everything is untangled and disconnected before lowering the chandelier with your helper's aid.
Preparing the chandelier
To prepare your chandelier for a move, remove what you can from the chandelier and wrap those pieces separately.
TIP: Chandeliers get dusty, so take this opportunity to clean the separate parts before packing them.
- Gently rest the chandelier on your work surface and assess the job.
- Unscrew anything screwed onto the chandelier using your screwdriver.
- Some parts may be secured by wires, nuts, or hooks, so be sure to keep all small connecting pieces together in a plastic bag.
- Light bulbs will need to be removed, wrapped, and packed separately. Dispose of old ones.
- Wrap all crystal and glass pieces in bubble wrap and seal them with packing tape.
- Wires and cords should be wrapped up and tied off using twist ties or tape that doesn't leave a sticky residue.
Packing the chandelier
- Wrap the main body of the chandelier thoroughly in packing paper and bubble wrap, securing it with packing tape.
- Place a foam pad that is at least three inches thick on the bottom of your measured cardboard box. Cut the foam to match the size of the box. You don't want extra space.
- Gently place the body of the chandelier in the the box, on the foam.
- Place the separately wrapped pieces (most of them should be in bags, or in bubble wrap) inside of the box in the negative space.
- Pack light bulbs in their own separate box.
- Fill the empty space in the box with packing peanuts or packing paper. This is done to minimize movement that may cause damage during transport. If you hear rattling when moving the chandelier, you need to add more cushioning.
- Use the second three-inch-thick-foam pad to cover the top of the box before sealing the flaps with packing tape.
- Label the box indicating that the package is fragile and which side is up.
Hiring Movers
Tip: Unless you are transporting the chandelier yourself, you should photograph the chandelier and make an inventory of all of its parts before packing them. That way you can be covered should anything get lost or damaged by the movers.
If all of this sounds too complicated or dangerous for you, you should hire professionals to pack and move your chandelier for you. Most moving companies have some experience handling chandeliers and if you purchase full value protection, you should be reimbursed if anything happens to your chandelier during the move.
Browse our database of moving companies and see if they have experience moving chandeliers. Be sure to ask them if they can do the job before hiring them. Always get at least three quotes from three companies. |
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Author : Mike Sannitti
on September 17, 2014
TopMoving.ca - Moving Expert
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