How to Pack Fragile Holiday Decorations for Local and Long Moves Safely

December on the North Shore means festive porches, glittering tree ornaments, and keepsakes you only see once a year. If you’re moving in or around Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, or Jefferson Parish, protecting those delicate holiday decorations takes a little local know-how. As a veteran-owned moving company serving Greater New Orleans, Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps packs fragile items every day—safely, securely, and with Louisiana’s humidity in mind.

Prep Like a Pro: Materials That Matter in Humid Louisiana

Before you start, gather materials that cushion and control moisture. Skip newsprint (it can transfer ink) and thin tissue that tears easily.

• Double-walled small or medium boxes (dish barrels are ideal for fragile items)
• Divided ornament boxes or adjustable cardboard cell dividers
• Bubble wrap, foam sleeves, and acid-free tissue
• Packing paper (ink-free), stretch wrap, and painter’s tape
• Silica gel or moisture absorbers (key for our Gulf Coast humidity)
• Permanent markers and “Fragile/This Side Up” labels

Step-by-Step Packing for Ornaments, Lights, and Keepsakes

• Sort by material and weight: Glass and porcelain together; wood, metal, and fabric items separately.
• Wrap individually: One layer of acid-free tissue, then bubble wrap for glass or ceramic pieces.
• Use cell dividers: Place one ornament per cell; add tissue to fill empty space.
• Pad bottom and top: Two inches of crumpled packing paper at the base and on top of each box.
• Protect wreaths and garlands: Place in wreath boxes or large bags; support with cardboard rings so they keep their shape.
• Tame the lights: Wrap strings around cardboard and place in zip bags with a note on the length or location.
• Label clearly: “Fragile Holiday Decor – Living Room – Open First” speeds setup and reduces handling.

What is the best way to pack Christmas ornaments so they don’t break?

The safest method is to wrap each ornament individually using acid-free tissue followed by bubble wrap, then place them in a divided box with snug cells. Add padding below, around, and above the ornaments to prevent shifting. For heirloom pieces, double-box: put your packed ornament box inside a slightly larger box with cushioning on all sides. If you’re moving long-distance from the North Shore, include silica gel packets to combat humidity changes on the road.

Local vs. Long-Distance: Adjust Your Strategy

Local moves (Mandeville, Covington, Jefferson Parish): Smaller, well-labeled boxes travel best. Keep especially delicate items with you if possible. If you’re moving last-minute, Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps offers labor-only services for quick loading and unloading with secure packing.

Long-distance moves (across Louisiana or out of state): Choose double-walled boxes and double-box heirlooms. Add moisture absorbers and avoid attic storage before moving day to prevent temperature swings. Our long-distance moving team plans box order on the truck so fragile items ride high, tight, and safe.

When to Call the Pros in Mandeville and the North Shore

Some collections deserve professional packing. Our packing and unpacking services use secure packing techniques, high-quality materials, and careful inventorying—perfect for delicate nativities, vintage glass ornaments, and hand-blown décor. For especially valuable items, ask about our Security Moving options with limited-access handling and GPS-tracked vehicles. As a veteran-owned moving company in Mandeville, we provide exact quotes (not estimates), so you’ll know your cost upfront. We also offer exclusive discounts for veterans, teachers, and first responders.

Store Smart Between Seasons

If you’re downsizing or staging your home during the holidays, climate-controlled storage in Mandeville is your best friend. Our storage solutions protect against humidity and temperature swings that can crack glass, tarnish metals, or warp wood. Choose the right unit size, keep boxes off the floor on pallets, and maintain clear aisles for easy January retrieval.

Why Local Experience Matters

From misty lakefront mornings in Mandeville to busy apartment moves in New Orleans, local conditions shape how we pack and transport fragile décor. Our residential moving crews know how to protect boxes from winter rain, secure loads for causeway crossings, and move quickly without sacrificing care.

Make Your Holiday Move Worry-Free

Ready for a safe, stress-free move this December? Contact Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps for professional packing, local and long-distance moving, and climate-controlled storage on the North Shore. Get an exact quote today and let our friendly team handle the details while you enjoy the season. We proudly serve Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, and Jefferson Parish—so you can unwrap your holidays, not your ornaments.