The Easiest Way to Pack Jewelry For Moving
When you move as frequently as we do, you get plenty of opportunities to test out different ways to pack, unpack, and re-locate various items. In our most recent move, I finally figured out an easy and efficient way to pack up my valuable jewelry so that it all remains safe, secure, and tangle-free from point A to point B (and no, I didn’t use straws, egg cartons, plastic wrap, foam, a paper towel roll, or any of the other silly tricks you’ll find on Pinterest!) If you’ve been wondering how best to pack jewelry for moving, you’ll love this fuss-free solution!
Do Not Put Your Jewelry Inside Moving Boxes
So much of my moving knowledge is from personal trial-and-error. But there is one piece of advice that was directly (and repeatedly) handed down to me from more-experienced military spouses very early on in Greg’s career: do not put your jewelry inside moving boxes.
Jewelry is both very small and very valuable, making it exceptionally easy to have stollen. Further, moving boxes can go missing, get lost, be delivered to someone else, and/or become damaged during a move. So you certainly don’t want Gramma’s wedding ring (or any family heirlooms!) to be inside one of those boxes when they do.
Instead, the best advice when it comes to moving jewelry is:
- Pack it yourself (as in, don’t let professional movers do it)
- Keep it with you at all times (don’t put it in moving boxes, wrapped in packing paper, on a moving truck, in a storage unit, in an overseas shipment, in the mail, in checked luggage, or even in an unattended car)
How to Pack Jewelry for Moving
While keeping your valuables with you during a move might be common sense, you might be at a loss for how exactly to pack it all up.
Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, by their very nature, come in different shapes, sizes, lengths, fixtures, etc. Keeping each and every item safe, secure, and (most importantly!) tangle- and damage-free can indeed be tricky, especially when you need something that can fit inside a suitcase/purse/carry-on (because remember: you want to keep it with you).
Wondering why you can’t just use your armoire jewelry box to move jewelry? Large or bulky jewelry boxes will be too difficult to load into suitcases, cars, and hotels. While small jewelry boxes can usually fit into a suitcase, they aren’t usually designed to be “jostled,” which can ultimately leave your jewelry a mixed up mess!
For much of the last 20 years, I’ve loaded my jewelry into individual plastic bags and packed them into a toiletry case. While this works fine, my longer necklaces are usually a bit tangled by the time I’m sorting them back out. Plus, this makes my jewelry really difficult to access and wear during our transition (which can sometimes be weeks-to-months between homes).
While my little plastic baggies haven’t been hugely problematic, when a friend told me she recently discovered jewelry “books” to move her jewelry, I instantly knew it was a better and much more user-friendly solution!
After picking one that would comfortably fit my personal jewelry collection, I had everything safely packed up in mere minutes!
Featuring pages of different-sized pockets (for earrings, bracelets, pins, etc), as well as specific snap-close holders to pack necklaces and rings, everything is securely contained into a single, easy-carry case.
I love how everything is organized, contained, and easy-to-access but the entire case is also compact-enough to load into my suitcase (as well as into hotel safes, if we have to stop/stay between houses).
Tips for Packing Jewelry Into a “Book”
Assess Your Jewelry First
Before you purchase a jewelry “book,” be sure to assess your own collection in order to figure out how much you have, how big the items are, etc. I have a fairly small collection, so I only needed a smaller case. You’ll want to pick a version that has enough pockets and compartments for all the items you own.
Keep It Safe
Depending on what you own, your little jewelry book could turn out to be exceptionally valuable. Although you may be tempted to leave it zippered into a suitcase or in your car, I recommend placing your case into a hotel safe during extended stays. Just don’t forget it before checking out!
Check Your Coverage
Before a move is a good time to ensure you have jewelry insurance policies on any high value or precious items. Keep all appraisals and policies with you (in your Important Documents Binder made with my binder kit!)
Not Just For Moving
Finally, this little jewelry book has proven useful for more than just moving!
I’ve found that I don’t really need to transfer my items to a bigger/larger jewelry case now. Lately, I am keeping this book tucked into my nightstand drawer. I don’t wear jewelry all that often, and have been enjoying just flipping through to find what I need, when I need it!
Do You Have a Move Coming Up?
Check out my comprehensive collection of moving resources!
- The Complete “Smooth Move” Printable Moving Binder System
- Countdown to a Military PCS | Our Moving Timeline
- How to Declutter Your Entire Home Before a Move
- These are the Moving Supplies You (Really) Need
- Easy Ways to Generate Extra Cash for a Move
- The BEST Moving Advice From Experienced Military Spouses
- Moving Essentials | What You REALLY Need Moving From One Home to Another
- How (& Why) to Plan Your Furniture Layout Before Moving Into a New Home
- How (& Why) To Color Code Your Moving Boxes
- The Easiest Way to Pack Jewelry for a Move
- What to Do With Plants when You Move
- How to Fill Nail Holes In Your (Rental) Walls
I’m not sure if this jewelry packing solution is relatively new or it just never occurred to me before, but I’ll definately be using it for all our future moves. If you’re getting ready to move to a new home and are just not sure of the best way to pack up your jewelry collection, this really is a great solution to try!
Megan
One Comment on “The Easiest Way to Pack Jewelry For Moving”
That is quite a nice little case, are you moving?