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Handle With Care: Phil’s “Absolute” Do’s and Don’ts for Fragile Packing

By Phil McLendon, Owner of Absolute Moving Services

Summer in the Mid-South is a beautiful thing, but if you’re moving, that July heat is no joke! When the temperature climbs, the way you pack your most delicate items becomes even more important. Whether it’s your grandmother’s fine china or your favorite Memphis blues vinyl collection, you want it to arrive at your new home in one piece.

Here is my “Absolute” guide to ensuring your breakables survive the move and the Memphis heat.

The DO’S: Packing Like a Pro

  • DO Use Professional Grade Supplies: Your grocery store egg cartons aren’t going to cut it. Invest in “Dish Packs”—these are double-walled corrugated cardboard boxes specifically designed for fragile items.

  • DO The “Burrito Wrap”: Wrap each individual plate or glass in clean packing paper first, then a layer of bubble wrap. For extra protection, place plates vertically (on their edges) like a dish rack. They can withstand more pressure that way than if they are stacked flat.

  • DO Consider the Temperature: If you’re moving items that can melt or warp (think candles, old photos, or electronics), pack them last and unpack them first. On a 90°C day in Memphis, the back of a truck gets hot fast. Keep these “heat-sensitive” items in your personal vehicle if possible!

  • DO Label Like Crazy: Use a thick marker. Write “FRAGILE” on at least three sides of the box. I always tell my guys: “If it’s marked fragile, treat it like it’s made of thin ice!”

The DON’TS: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • DON’T Overpack the Box: It’s tempting to fill every inch, but a box that’s too heavy is more likely to be dropped or have the bottom fall out. Keep fragile boxes under 30 lbs.

  • DON’T Leave “The Jiggle Room”: This is the #1 mistake. If you close the box and shake it gently, you shouldn’t hear anything moving. Fill the gaps with crumpled packing paper or even clean towels to keep things snug.

  • DON’T Use Newspaper for Fine China: The ink on the Commercial Appeal is great for reading, but it can permanently stain your dishes. Stick to ink-free packing paper.

  • DON’T Skimp on the Tape: Use high-quality packing tape and do the “H-Tape” method—tape down the center seam and then across both side seams of the bottom and top.

Let Us Take the Stress Out of “Fragile”

Let’s be honest: packing the kitchen is the part of moving everyone hates the most. If the thought of wrapping 50 individual wine glasses makes you want to cancel your move, give us a call!

My expert team at Absolute Moving Services doesn’t just haul boxes; we are experts in the art of packing. We have the right materials and the “white-glove” touch to make sure your valuables get from point A to point B without a single crack.

Ready to book your next move? Call 901-304-3470 now to receive your complimentary quote! Let Phil McLendon and his expert team show you why they are the ABSOLUTE choice in Memphis!

Corporate Moves

When the time arrives to move your business — whether a single office, an office suite, an entire floor, or maybe just relocating items within your building — we have the experienced team, top-of-the-line equipment, and assortment of trucks needed to get the job done efficiently, professionally, and promptly. We will orchestrate a plan of action for your specific project that works around your strenuous work schedule to complete your move without interrupting or compromising your business operations. We will work hand-in-hand with you to construct and execute a customized moving plan that fits not only your schedule but also your budget.

long-distance moves

At Absolute Moving Services, LLC, we truly understand how huge of an undertaking a long-distance relocation can be. It takes extra preparation, and every minute detail must be planned properly in order to make the move a success. We know this because we have successfully relocated clients to West Virginia, Texas, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia — just to name a few. We provide priority delivery or pick-up services for your shipment directly to your destination. No added stops. No additional cargo on your delivery. ABSOLUTELY No hidden fees. Our objective is to get your shipment safely to your destination ON TIME. Whether you are moving to a bordering state or across the nation, we know exactly what it takes to make your move a success.

In-home Furniture Rearrangements

Sometimes you don’t need a moving truck — you just need movers. Do you have heavy furniture that needs to be transferred from room to room or between levels in your home? Are you installing new flooring or refinishing your old flooring but your furniture is in the way? Do you need your attic cleared or re-organized for more storage? Does your furniture need to be moved away from the walls in preparation for a painting project? No matter what the task, we can provide movers and equipment to get the job done!