LAMP PACKING AND MOVING TIPS

Lamps, meaning free standing non hardwired light fixtures aren’t usually that difficult to move, but a few tips can make packing lamps easier whether a home mover is hired or a self move is performed.

TABLE LAMPS:

Table lamps are usually 8” to 30” tall and sit on top of a piece of furniture like an end table or night stand.  The best way to move this type of lamp is to remove the shade and harp (metal frame that holds the shade) and keep them together as one unit.  Then remove the bulb from the lamp (make sure the lamp is off and unplugged so the bulb is cool).  If the bulb is left in the lamp it can put extra torque on the neck of the lamp and possibly break it.  Multiple shades can be packed in a large box marked fragile as long as the harp from one lamp doesn’t interfere with the next shade, if it does remove the harp from the shade by unscrewing the finial at the top and mark all with masking tape.  Bubble wrap or wadded newsprint should be used on the inside and outside of the shades to secure and prohibit shifting and or rattling around the carton while providing support.  Once the shades are packed, the lamps can also be packed together in a separate carton from the shade (height and width permitting).  A bottom cushion of bubble wrap or wadded newsprint should create a 3” base in the bottom of the carton.  The lamps should be wrapped with bubble wrap or lots of paper (even old towels, etc would work).  Make sure the lamps within the box are secure and don’t have any rattle.  Finish off with another 3” of wadded newsprint all the way to the top of the carton.

POLE LAMPS:

Pole lamps are usually 5’ to 7’ tall.  The lamps usually stand on the floor and similar rules as table lamps with the first order of business being the removal and securing of the shade apply.  Pole lamp shades are often rigid plastic or glass.  They should be unscrewed until loose, removed, and the securing screws or ring reattached to the lamp.  The shade should be packed in a carton similar to the method in packing a floor lamp shade with a wadded paper based, secured wrapping and wadded paper top.  The body or shaft of a pole lamp needs to be supported when transporting to prevent damaged due to the fact that the base is usually much denser and heavier than the pole itself.  A pole lamp carton is a good way to prevent damage with the lamp standing upright when shipped.  If a carton is not available, use extra wrapping around the shaft of the pole lamp creating a cylinder type shape. This should help prevent damage even if the lamp is laid on its side.

These tips should help transport the majority of lamps that are in most residences.  Remember that many of the rules of moving are interchangeable for breakables, china and lamps and once the rule of thumb are learned they can be applied over and over.