How to Pack Jewelry for Moving

Preventing tangling and damage

Tangled and knotted necklaces are a common and frustrating problem when unpacking after a move. Fortunately, you can protect your jewelry and prevent tangled necklaces using simple household supplies.

Before packing any necklace, always secure the clasp—this is the fundamental step to prevent tangling.

One effective method to prevent tangling is to use a drinking straw. Here’s how to do it:

1. Unclasp the necklace.
2. Thread one end of the chain through the straw until at least half of the chain is inside.
3. Re-clasp the necklace to secure it.
4. Lay the straw-enclosed necklace flat.
5. Wrap it securely in tissue paper or a paper towel, and tape the bundle shut.

Another excellent method is to use slightly sticky paper, such as shelf liner or Press'n Seal. Lay several necklaces flat on one sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Cover them with a second sheet, sticky side facing down toward the necklaces, to hold them in place. These secured sheets can then be placed inside a labeled sealable bag for extra protection and easy identification.

Packing different types of jewelry

When moving, proper jewelry packing is essential to prevent tangling, damage and loss. Since small items like earrings and rings are particularly easy to misplace, use secure and organized methods.

Here are several effective ways to pack different types of jewelry, ensuring they arrive at your new home safely:

• Rings and earrings: Use plastic pill boxes (the kind with individual, labeled compartments) to store rings and keep earring pairs together. After placing the jewelry inside, insert a cotton ball or a small piece of rolled-up tissue paper into the compartment. This cushioning prevents the items from shifting and minimizes potential scratching. Securely close the lid and tape the box shut.
• Delicate/thin bracelets (clasping): Similar to the necklace method, thread one end of the bracelet chain through a drinking straw and secure the clasp on the outside. This prevents tangling. Then, wrap the entire piece in tissue paper and secure the wrapping with a small piece of tape.
• Sturdier/costume bracelets (non-clasping): For bulky or cuff bracelets that don’t unclasp, place each piece inside a clean sock. Fold the top of the sock over the bracelet to keep it enclosed and prevent movement.
• Watches: Wrap each watch securely in tissue paper and tape it to keep the paper in place. Next, add a layer of bubble wrap (or use small, pre-made bubble wrap bags) around the watch to protect the glass from scratches and impacts.

Once your jewelry is individually wrapped, place the items (pillboxes, wrapped straws, socks, and bubble-wrapped watches) into a sealable bag, then into a sturdy, appropriately sized box.

Fill any empty space within the box with crumpled packing paper, packing peanuts or air pillows. This prevents the smaller, packed items from shifting excessively during transit. Label the box clearly as “Jewelry - Fragile.”

» LEARN MORE: How to pack for a move

Choosing the right storage solutions

When packing jewelry, you can use a combination of methods based on the value of the pieces. Travel jewelry cases, especially those with a secure lock, are specifically designed to protect valuable items and may be the best choice for your most expensive jewelry. For less valuable or costume pieces, consider using DIY methods utilizing household supplies.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is highly recommended to take photos of all your jewelry before packing; this provides essential documentation for insurance claims in case of loss or damage during transit.

Finally, if possible, plan to keep highly valuable jewelry with you in your personal vehicle throughout the move to ensure its maximum safety and security.

DIY packing methods

If you don't own specialized jewelry cases, several common household items can be creatively repurposed to protect and organize your pieces during a move:

• Small containers: Use small plastic containers or tins to pack rings, earrings or smaller bracelets.
• Compartmentalized trays: Plastic ice cube trays or clean egg cartons can double as individual compartments for separating different pieces of jewelry. Once the items are placed, cover the tray securely with plastic wrap or stretch wrap to prevent shifting.
• Earring organizers: Keep earring pairs together and prevent them from rattling by pushing the posts through a sponge or the holes in a button before placing them in a container.
• T-Shirt roll: Lay a clean, old cotton t-shirt flat. Place necklaces, rings, and even attached earring sets onto the fabric. Fold the top and bottom edges inward, then roll the shirt tightly from one end to the other. Secure the roll using hair ties or rubber bands to keep the jewelry safely wrapped inside.

What to do after the move

Upon arriving at your new residence, unpack and inspect your jewelry immediately. Use the photographic inventory you took before the move as a checklist to confirm that every piece is present and accounted for.

Inspect all items carefully for any new scratches, broken clasps, missing components or other signs of damage that may have occurred during transit.

If you used a moving company to transport these items, it is critical to perform this inspection while the driver is still present. If you discover any damage or missing items:

1. Document the damage: Take multiple clear photographs of the damage.
2. Note on paperwork: Request the driver to note the damage on the official Bill of Lading (the receipt of goods) before they depart. This written acknowledgement is vital for your claim.
3. Contact the company: Contact the moving company immediately to report the issue and ask about the next steps required to file an insurance or damage claim.

» FIND OUT: How to unpack after moving