Helpful Tips to Pack a Crystal Chandelier

Among the many things that you'll require to safely pack your elegant crystal chandelier, the most important are the three Ps: Patience, people, and precaution.

For those of us who adore art in our life and consider it to be a requisite in our living spaces, it is needless to say how splendid it is to own a crystal chandelier―grandeur in itself! We undoubtedly take pride in the presence of it in our living room, receiving praise from those who covetously admire its magnificence, don't we?

When it comes to packing this fragile item, one cannot afford to be casual about it. No matter what the size or make of the crystal-studded chandelier, a moment of clumsiness is all it would take to scathe the enchanting décor item. Therefore, it is best to hire professionals to do this fallible task.

I agree, most of us do not trust anybody else except for ourselves, when it comes to commencing tasks that involve something valuable. Your crystal chandelier may be a family relic. Therefore, it is always a daunting decision to let unknown hands take responsibility for something that has sentimental value.

If you wish to take things into your own hands and accomplish this task yourself, then the following section will help by giving you some simple yet effectual tips on how you should pack a crystal chandelier.

Before you undertake this task, understand that you cannot do it alone. You need other people to help you with this. Also, make sure that you have enough time on your hands because you cannot dismantle, clean, and pack the chandelier in a jiffy. Plan out the process. Instruct each person about what they are expected to do.

For instance, give one person the responsibility of ensuring that the power is off when you remove the chandelier from the ceiling. You would definitely need another person to help you with removing it. Assign this particular task of who holds which part of the chandelier, and how to step down the ladder while carrying it safely.

Unplanned activities lead to chaos, resulting in damage. So clear your mind and then only will you be able to focus and eventually accomplish this task as planned.

Things You'll Need:

• Thick blankets/towels
• Plastic bags
• Bubble wrap
• Soft cloth
• Crush-proof boxes
• Foam pads
• Masking tape
• Permanent marker
• Newspapers
• Packing peanuts

Removing the chandelier from the ceiling happens to be one of the riskiest steps in the process. Firstly, ensure you have people who have steady hands to help you. After the power source is turned off, untangle the wires first, unscrew the chandelier, carefully disconnect it from the ceiling, and then gently place it on the layer of blankets/towels slowly and steadily.

Tip: Use a soft cloth to wipe dirt from the chandelier. You may also use a mixture of water and vinegar for thorough cleaning.

Okay, so the tricky part is over, but there is still a lot to be done. The next step would be to dismantle the different constituents (if possible) so that a thorough cleaning may be done, proceeded by a systematic packing. Remove parts such as the bulbs, shades, crystals, and other removable components. Carefully detach them from the main body and clean them gently before you finally pack them.

Tip: It is advisable to pack the different components of the chandelier separately―especially the crystals―to prevent them from grazing against one another while moving.

It is important to store each and every part of the chandelier in a systematic manner so that nothing is misplaced; usually the parts of an elegant décor item such as this, are irreplaceable. Because we're dealing with a fragile element such as crystal, it is imperative to pack all the pieces separately to prevent them from rubbing against each other while shipping. Here is how you should go about it.

➦ Place the screws and other small hardware items in a sealed plastic bag, and label it as "chandelier hardware".

➦ If you have the original packing of the bulbs with you, great, if not, then place them in bubble wrap, or wrap a thick layer of newspaper around the bulbs. Transfer them to a small crush-proof box and label it as "chandelier bulbs".

➦ Pack each individual crystal separately in bubble wrap. Same goes with the other detached parts such as prisms, chains, shades, and so on. Place them separately in crush-proof boxes.

Ensure that every nook and cranny has been filled with packing peanuts and that there is no dead space. The peanuts will help prevent contact between the different items in the box while shipping.

➦ Now, to pack the main body of the chandelier, you will need to wrap it carefully with newspaper, taking one section at a time. You will also need a crush-proof box of an appropriate size. Ensure that the box is 2-3 inches thicker than the size of the chandelier. You'll need the extra space for the foam pads.

➦ You will need two pieces of 2-3-inch-thick foam pads. Place one at the bottom of box. After that, place the well-wrapped chandelier on the foam pad; fill the box with packing peanuts. Lastly, add the second piece of foam pad at the top, and seal it properly with masking tape. Label as "Crystal Chandelier: Fragile".

➦ The difficulty level will increase depending upon the size and design of the chandelier.

➦ Special packing crates are available in the market which enable you to hang the chandelier on a bar.

➦ Ensure that all items are packed separately and cautiously.

➦ Do not place anything on the boxes with the constituents of the chandelier, or the chandelier itself.

➦ Along with labeling the boxes as "Fragile", do not forget to mention "Top Load Only" on all sides of the box.

➦ To avoid any unforeseen damage, or if you have lack of time and assistance, contact professionals to carry out the task.

For décor fanciers like myself, it is natural to be carked as soon as the question of packing arises, especially when it comes to packing something as opulent as a crystal chandelier. In any way, the entire process (as you've gauged) is not a piece of cake and definitely needs experienced minds and steady hands.

If at all you are unsure of being able to carry out the entire process by yourself, help is always available in the market. After all, what matters the most is to relocate the item as safely as possible.