How to Pack and Move a Chandelier: The Ultimate Aussie Guide
A chandelier isn’t just a light fixture; it’s a statement piece, a dazzling centrepiece that can define a room. But when it comes time to move house, that beautiful feature can quickly become your biggest packing nightmare. A complex tangle of fragile glass, delicate arms, and intricate wiring, it’s one of the most challenging items to transport safely.
But don’t despair and leave it behind! With the right tools, a methodical approach, and a healthy dose of patience, you can pack and move your chandelier securely. This step-by-step guide will demystify the process, ensuring your prized light fixture arrives at your new home in one, brilliant piece.
Before You Begin: The Crucial First Steps
Don’t even think about climbing a ladder until you’ve sorted these things out.
1. Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Be honest about your skills and the value of the chandelier. If it’s a particularly large, antique, or expensive crystal chandelier, or if you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, it is always best to hire a professional. You can hire a licensed electrician to safely disconnect and reinstall it, and professional art or antique removalists to handle the packing.
2. Gather Your Packing Supplies
This is a job where you can’t skimp on supplies. You’ll need more padding than you think.
- A Very Sturdy Box: The star of the show. You need a heavy-duty, double-walled cardboard box that is significantly larger than the chandelier itself. A “dish pack” box or a tall lamp box from a storage place like Kennards or Bunnings is ideal.
- Bubble Wrap: Lots of it. Both small and large bubbles are useful.
- Packing Paper: For wrapping individual crystals and filling gaps.
- Resealable Bags or Small Numbered Containers: For all the crystals, prisms, and small hardware.
- A Labelling System: Sticky labels or a permanent marker and masking tape.
- Strong Packing Tape: To build and seal your box securely.
- An Old Blanket or Doona: For a soft landing spot.
- Tools for Removal: Ladder, screwdriver, wire strippers, voltage tester, and a helper!
Step-by-Step: Taking Down the Chandelier Safely
This is the most critical phase. Safety is paramount.
Step 1: SAFETY FIRST – Turn Off the Power
This is non-negotiable. Go to your switchboard (fuse box) and flip the circuit breaker that controls the chandelier’s circuit. Flick the light switch on and off to ensure there is absolutely no power. For extra peace of mind, use a voltage tester on the wires once you expose them.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Place a thick, soft blanket or doona on the floor directly underneath the chandelier. This will provide a soft landing spot in case anything is accidentally dropped.
Step 3: Document Everything
Before you remove a single crystal, take photos of the chandelier from multiple angles. This will be your visual guide for reassembly and will save you a massive headache later.
Step 4: Remove and Pack All Detachable Parts
- Bulbs: Unscrew all the light bulbs, wrap them individually in packing paper, and pack them in a small, clearly labelled box.
- Crystals and Prisms: This is the most time-consuming part. Carefully unhook each crystal or prism. As you remove them from a specific section, place them together in a numbered, resealable bag. For example, all crystals from the top tier go into “Bag 1,” the middle tier into “Bag 2,” and so on. Wrap each delicate crystal in a small piece of packing paper before putting it in the bag for extra protection.
Step 5: Disconnect and Lower the Main Body
With a helper holding the main body of the chandelier securely, unscrew the canopy (the decorative plate against the ceiling) to expose the electrical box and wiring. Use your voltage tester one last time. Disconnect the wires and carefully lower the chandelier frame onto the prepared soft landing spot on the floor.
Packing the Chandelier Like a Pro
Now for the delicate art of boxing it up.
Step 1: Prepare the Box
Assemble your chosen box and reinforce the bottom with multiple layers of packing tape. Create a thick, soft nest at the bottom of the box using crumpled packing paper or a soft blanket.
Step 2: Wrap the Main Frame
Gently wrap each arm of the chandelier’s main body with bubble wrap, securing it with tape. Don’t wrap it so tightly that you put pressure on the arms. Once all arms are wrapped, wrap the entire frame in a larger sheet of bubble wrap or a soft blanket.
Step 3: Place the Frame in the Box
Carefully place the wrapped chandelier frame upright in the centre of the box, on top of the padded base.
Step 4: Fill, Fill, Fill!
This is the secret to a safe move. Fill all the surrounding empty space with more packing material—crumpled packing paper is best as it fills odd shapes. The goal is to ensure the chandelier frame is completely immobilised and cannot shift, tilt, or wobble in any direction. Gently shake the box; if you feel any movement, add more padding.
Step 5: Pack the Crystal Bags
Place the labelled bags of crystals and the box of light bulbs in the main box around the top of the frame, or pack them in a separate, clearly labelled “Chandelier Parts” box.
Step 6: Seal and Label Like Your Life Depends On It
Seal the box securely with tape. On every single side and the top, write in large, bold letters:
- EXTREMELY FRAGILE – CHANDELIER
- THIS WAY UP ↑ (with large arrows)
- DO NOT STACK
Moving and Transport
Ideally, the chandelier box should not go in the moving truck with the rest of your furniture. The safest place for it is in the back of your own car, secured upright where it cannot tip over. If it must go with the removalists, personally supervise them loading it onto the truck. Ensure it is placed in a secure spot where nothing can fall on it or crush it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of box is best for moving a chandelier?
A heavy-duty, double-walled “dish pack” box is perfect. They are designed for fragile kitchenware and are incredibly strong. A tall lamp box is another great option. The key is to have a box that’s tall and strong enough to house the chandelier upright.
Can I pack a chandelier without taking all the crystals off?
It is highly inadvisable. Leaving the crystals on creates countless points of failure. They can swing and hit each other, chipping or breaking, and can easily snap off during transit. Taking the time to remove them is the only way to guarantee their safety.
How much does it cost to have a chandelier moved professionally in Australia?
The cost can vary greatly. You might pay an electrician around $100-$200 to disconnect and reinstall it. Professional packers/movers might charge a few hundred dollars for the specialised packing and handling, depending on the item’s value and complexity.
How do you pack the delicate crystal prisms?
The best method is to wrap each crystal individually in a sheet of packing paper or place it in a small bubble wrap pouch before grouping them in a labelled, sealed bag. This prevents them from clinking against and scratching each other.
