How To Pack Lampshades – Tips for Packing Lampshades
22nd June, 2018
Learning how to pack lampshades correctly will prevent them from being damaged and avoid the accumulation of dust. Packing lamp shades are often low on people’s’ lists but they are actually one of the items that require the most attention when moving house.
Packing Lampshades for Moving
When asking how to pack lampshades, the first part of the process is identifying how many lampshades you need to move, as well as the types of lampshades. The material and shape of lampshades will affect the packing process and should be accounted for.
Things You Will Need
The most important packing supply is the moving box itself. Kent Removals and Storage offer a specially designed moving box for lampshades called the ‘Shade-Pak’. The Shade-Pak has “Crush resistant carton ensures maximum protection for delicate lampshades of all shapes and sizes.” If you are planning to move independently of a moving company then you will need to acquire to appropriate boxes.
You will also need to get some packing tape, soft paper or bubble wrap to help secure the lampshade into position and protect the item during the moving process.
How To Pack Lampshades
Step 1: Detach Lampshades From Base
Step 2: Remove The Bulb
Step 3: Clean Lampshades
Step 4: Pack Lampshades
Step 5: Pack and Clean The Lamp Base
Step 6: Use Loose Packing Supplies To Fill Gaps
Step 7: Secure The Box
Step 8: Label the Box
Step 1: Detach Lampshades From Base
The vast majority of lampshades use a ‘finial’, ‘harp’ and ‘saddle’ to secure the shade to the base. The finial is usually a decorative item that secures the shade to the harp and sits atop the shade. The harp is a flexible piece of metal that slots into the saddle beneath and screws into the finial above. The saddle is directly attached to the base while also keeping the harp in shape. Before removing the shade, first, unplug the power cord from the outlet. To detach the shade you will need to unscrew the finail and then squeeze the harp from the saddle.
Step 2: Remove the bulb
If you haven’t already unplugged the power cord, then now is certainly a good time to do it! Again, the majority bulbs are secured using a screw mechanism and can be easily detached. Once the bulb has been removed, be sure to carefully wrap the bulb in tissue or bubble wrap and place to one side, for now, ready for packing.
Step 3: Clean Lampshades
There are different cleaning techniques depending on the material of the shade:
- Fabric shades can collect a lot of dust which can be removed using a number of methods. You can use a hairdryer, vacuum, lint roller, tape or even a paint brush. Once the dust is removed give it a gentle wash with water and a soft sponge.
- Plastic shades can be easily washed with soapy water and cloth.
- Parchment shades require a more delicate touch and can be washed with a dirt removal sponge.
- Glass shades can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft sponge. However, if the shade is made from jadestone or has beveled glass ensure that the cleaning product is ammonia free.
Step 4: Pack Lampshades
Make sure that you have an appropriately sized box and that it has sufficient protection. Kent recommends using the ‘Shade-Pak’ box. If not make sure the box used is sturdy and can hold the weight of the shade being packed.
Do not place any other items in the same box, unless it is two lightweight fabric lampshades. Avoid mixing more delicate lampshades with any other shades.
Step 5: Pack and Clean The Lamp Base
A lampshade isn’t much use without its base so don’t forget to pack the lamp base! Clean the base to remove any dust and wrap the base in tissue. Place the base in a separate box to the shade and label accordingly.
Step 6: Use Loose Packing Supplies To Fill Gaps
Now that the lampshade and base are both in their respective boxes it is time to fill the gaps with soft tissue or bubble wrap. This will prevent the items from moving around during transit and also create more structurally secure packages.
Step 7: Secure The Box
Before moving the box into the van or truck it is recommended that the base of the box is secured with moving tape.
Step 8: Label the Box
Finally, it is time to label the boxes to help your future self out. It may also be a good idea to put a note as to which shade goes with which base.
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For more moving tips and tools have a look at our moving checklists and other helpful articles. If you are seeking expert, professional and trusted advice feel free to contact us!
