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How To Pack Lamp Shades

By Diane Schmidt, About.com

A step-by-step guide to packing delicate lamp shades.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Indefinite

Here's How:

  1. Choose a box large enough to accommodate the lamp shades. Securely seal the bottom with packing tape.

  2. Holding the wire rim of the shade, lower the first shade into the box.

  3. Spread plain newsprint over the shade and slip the second shade on top of the first.

  4. Repeat until all your shades are nested. Make sure there is enough room to secure the box without pushing down on the nested shades.

  5. Do not place anything on top of the shades, not even soft items such as linens. Shades are fragile and can easily be crushed.

  6. Secure the top of the box with packing tape.

  7. Label the box as "fragile" and indicate which end is up. Also include the contents and location.

  8. When placing the box on the truck, make sure nothing else is stacked on top. Put the box in a secure location, such as in the cubbyhole of a desk.

Tips:

  1. Before you begin, wash and dry your hands well. Shades easily stain.
  2. Always pick up the shade by the wire rim. Never squeeze the sides of the shade.
  3. Always nests shades when you can. This provides greater protection from damage.
  4. Always use plain paper. Printed newsprint will leave ink and smudges and fingerprints on fragile surfaces such as shades.

What You Need:

  • Appropriate size box
  • Plain newsprint
  • Packing tape
  • Marker
  • Lamp shades
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