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How to Pack Lamps and Light Fixtures for Moving

Lamps come apart into three problems: the base, the shade, and the bulb. Handle them separately and each one is easy.

Remove Bulbs and Harps First

Take out every bulb — wrap it in paper and pack it with other lightweight fragiles, or recycle it if it's old. Unscrew the harp and finial and bag them together labeled with which lamp they belong to.

Wrap the Base in a Blanket or Paper

Lamp bases are usually top-heavy and sometimes ceramic. Wrap the base in a moving blanket or several sheets of packing paper and stand it upright in a tote, cushioned on all sides.

Never Wrap a Shade in Newspaper or Bubble Wrap

Ink transfers and bubble wrap leaves marks. Wrap shades loosely in clean packing paper or a pillowcase, nest smaller shades inside larger ones, and pack them in a tote with only soft items around them — no weight on top.

Coil and Tape the Cord

Wrap the power cord around the base or coil it and tape it to itself so it doesn't catch on anything during the load.

Book tote delivery so lamps and fragiles get their own padded bins, not a crushed box.

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The Short Version

Pull the bulb and harp, wrap the base firmly and stand it up, wrap shades only in clean paper with nothing on top, and tape the cord.

Questions about sizing, delivery, or what's included? See our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.

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