How to Pack Floor Lamps for Moving

Moving houses can be a hectic and demanding process, with a whole series of events that need to occur smoothly to avoid any untoward incidents during the move. You do not want to leave any of your belongings behind, or worse still, have them somehow get damaged in transit. Out of all the items that make a house a home, there is one that provides the subtle aesthetics to the décor but doesn’t directly come to mind when thinking about how to transport: floor lamps.

Sure they’re not vital items, but who wants to have to bear an unnecessary loss of a pretty lamp, right? In reality, these dainty décor items are quite a task to get from one place of residence to another, mainly because they’re likely to be fragile, tend to have multiple parts, and don’t necessarily come in convenient geometric shapes!

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Are you looking for some tips to get this done with the least possible hassle? Read on.

The easiest way is to simply use the box the lamp came in! This is, of course, subject to if you still have the box and haven’t disposed of it. But if you, like most of us, have chucked the box your lamp came in, worry not. The following steps will help make your move a little easier.

First off, gather all the lamps in your house, so you know HOW MANY lamps you’re going to have to transport. Next, you’re going to require some packing materials including:

• A box for each lampshade
• A box for each lamp base
• Some packing paper
• A good amount of bubble wrap (try and hold back from popping them right away!)
• Packing peanuts, twist ties, plastic bags, and tape
• A permanent marker

Also Read: Where to Get Free Moving Boxes

Now for the actual work!

Step 1: Dismantle the lamp

The most important thing to keep in mind here is to dismantle ONLY ONE LAMP AT A TIME, as you may get confused and mix up parts. Here’s how:

• Unscrew and remove the cap situated at the top of the lamp (the part which keeps the lampshade steady on its base)
• Take off the shade riser, which is the part directly beneath the cap (P.S. Some lamps may not have a shade riser)
• Remove the lampshade
• Remove the light bulb
• Take out the harp – the metal band which holds up the lampshade.

Step 2: Store small hardware in a plastic bag

Put all the hardware parts of one lamp together in a plastic bag, and use a permanent marker to mark details of which lamp those parts belong to. Close the plastic bag, and tape it to the harp. You might want to number your lamps and the plastic bags that contain the hardware parts in case a stroke of bad luck hits and your plastic bags are separated from their lamps on the day you’re moving.

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Step 3: Fold and tie the cords

Tie up your cords! An unspoken rule, it’s super useful to tie up the cords of electronics. It just makes it neater to handle and can save the cord from getting snagged somewhere and getting damaged in the bargain.

Step 4: Foam wrap the prongs, cord, and base

This will provide protection to your lamp and its parts from scratches and getting bent.

Step 5: Cover the lamp in packing paper

You can either wrap the lamp and then place it in the box, or place the packing paper inside the box first and then place the lamp into the box. Whatever is more convenient for you! This will provide a safe cushion for the lamp inside the box.

Also Read: How to Use Packing Paper for Moving

Step 6: Get the lamp into its moving box

Place all parts inside the box right from the lampshade, base, harp, etc.

Also Read: Will Movers Move Things Not in Boxes

Step 7: Pack empty space with additional packing material

In order to stifle the movement of the lamp inside the box, stuff any empty space with more packing material to ensure the lamp is snug inside the box.

Step 8: Line the second moving box with packing material. Place the lampshade inside, upside down.

Doing so allows you to place similar or smaller size shades inside.

Step 9: Stuff the inside of the shade with even more packing material

This will help keep the shade in shape. But be warned, overstuffing the shade can be the cause of it turning up out of shape in your new house!

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Step 10: Tape both boxes shut

For additional safety, tape both boxes TWICE.

And there you have it! The low down of how to move your precious lamps when moving out! But if it is too much of a task, or you are too busy, or can’t get yourself to do it, you can hire folks from a reputed full-service moving company to help and make your life easier!

Also Read: How to Move Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you protect a lamp when moving?

When not packed correctly, Lamps and shades can be damaged in the moving process. Scratches on shades can weaken them, while damage to cords may render them useless. The parts should be wrapped in newspaper or padding paper before being placed inside a box to avoid this. A clear plastic bag should then be taped to the harp, containing all of the small hardware inside.

How do moving companies move lamps?

Lamps and shades should not be removed from their bases. This would cause damage to the cord and the socket, rendering them useless. Moving companies will take care of this for you by wrapping your lamps in moving pads or blankets to protect both shade and base. The lamp is placed inside a box with the socket and cord intact, while the harp is wrapped in moving paper. The cord should be tied up and then placed inside a plastic bag, which would also be taped to the harp.

Also Read: Will Movers Move Swing Sets

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How do you pack lamps for storage?

Before packing lamps for storage, it is important to make sure that all parts are there. This includes lampshades and harps, which should be properly packed and protected. Lampshades can be wrapped in moving pads or blankets to protect them from getting dented or scratched. Both the lampshades and harps should then be placed inside a box specifically meant for fragile objects like these. Tape both boxes shut and label each clearly with instructions on how to return them.

How do you pack vintage lamps?

Vintage lamps should be packed the same way other breakable objects are handled, with padding paper around them to protect from damage and scratches. The lampshades should also be protected by wrapping them in moving pads or blankets. As for storage, vintage lamps may need to be wrapped depending on the nature of the shade. For example, glass lampshades would need to be covered with paper before being packed. The harp should then be wrapped in moving pads or blankets, and tea towels can also be used to protect the cords. Finally, both lampshades and the harp should be placed inside a marked “fragile” box, followed by packing it with padding paper. Another box should then be used to store the cords.

Also Read: How to Use Moving Blankets

Written by
Alex Sherr

Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.