Blogs

Are you worried about how to pack your table lamps for a move? If you are preparing to move and wondering how to handle this task as you pack room by room, this guide is exactly what you need! Learn the best way to pack lamp bases, shades, and bulbs to prevent damage to these fragile items.

1. Gather Packing Supplies

Packing table lamps isn't difficult, but it does require the right tools. First, measure the dimensions of each lamp base and shade to ensure they fit into appropriately sized moving boxes—remember, bases and shades should be packed separately. While specialized lamp boxes are designed to be sturdy and durable, any moving box that fits the components will work, provided they are packed correctly.

You can use various materials to protect the lamps inside the box—such as packing peanuts, crumpled packing paper, foam sheets, small moving blankets, or bubble wrap—so choose the option that works best for you. Here is a list of the supplies you will need:

1) Moving boxes

2) Bubble wrap

3) Packing materials/void fill

4) Unprinted packing paper

5) Resealable plastic bags

6) Rubber bands

7) Scissors

8) Packing tape and masking tape

9) Marker

2. Prepare the Table Lamp

Most table lamps are fragile, so some preparation is required before packing to prevent damage during transit. Disassemble one lamp at a time to avoid losing or mixing up parts from different lamps. While most lamps are easy to take apart, even if yours cannot be fully disassembled, you should still follow these steps as closely as possible:

1) Unplug the lamp.

2) Coil the power cord and secure it with a rubber band, or wrap it around the base and secure it with tape.

3) Unscrew the finial (the decorative cap holding the shade in place) and remove the light bulb.

4) Remove metal screws, the shade harp or bracket, and any other small, applicable parts. 5) Place all small lamp parts into a sealable plastic bag and label it clearly to indicate which lamp they belong to.

3. Packing Your Lamps

If you are packing a lamp that cannot be disassembled, wrap it in a moving blanket and secure it with packing tape. Otherwise, provided they are properly protected, multiple lamp bases can be packed together in a large moving box.

However, be sure to pack particularly fragile lamps—such as those made of porcelain or glass—individually. Fill any empty space in the boxes with packing material to prevent the lamps from shifting or bumping into each other during transport. Here is how to pack each lamp:

Wrap the lamp base completely in packing paper or bubble wrap—depending on its fragility—and secure it with packing tape.

Wrap the fragile top parts of the table lamp in packing paper and secure with packing tape.

Place the lamp base upright in the box.

Tape the sealable plastic bag containing the small lamp parts to the inside of the box holding the corresponding lamp base.

Fill all empty spaces in the box with packing material.

Seal the box securely with packing tape.

Label the box with its contents and mark it "Fragile" and "This Side Up" so movers know exactly how to handle it.

4. Packing Lampshades Separately

Lampshades require separate packing because they are easily damaged by other items; if mishandled, they can quickly become dented, torn, or stained. When packing lampshades, ensure the wrapping is secure but not too tight, as excessive pressure can distort their shape. Here are the best tips for packing lampshades:

Wrap the lampshade in plain packing paper to prevent newspaper ink from transferring onto the shade.

Place the lampshade upside down in a suitably sized box to protect its shape. Generally, provided both are properly wrapped, a smaller lampshade can be nested inside a larger one (though silk lampshades should not be nested).

Fill all empty spaces in the box with packing material.

Seal the box securely with packing tape. Label the outside of the box to indicate which table lamps the shades belong to, and include markings such as "Fragile" and "This Side Up."

5. Packing Light Bulbs

Light bulbs can shatter with even slight movement, so they must be packed separately from the lamps. Because broken bulbs pose a significant safety risk, it is often best to discard old bulbs before a long-distance move and simply buy new ones in your new city. Some bulbs contain hazardous materials and require special recycling procedures, so be sure to check local regulations before disposal.

However, if you do decide to transport your bulbs, using a box with dividers—similar to those used for kitchen glassware—makes packing much easier. If you need to pack bulbs, follow these steps:

If a specific bulb must be used with a particular table lamp, place a small piece of tape on the bulb's base and write down which lamp it belongs to.

Wrap each bulb individually in bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape.

Place the bulbs into the cardboard dividers within the box and fill any empty spaces with packing material.

Seal the box securely with packing tape.

Label the box "Fragile" and "Light Bulbs" so you can easily locate them on your first night in your new home.

Following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes will greatly increase the chances of your lamps arriving at your destination intact.