How to Pack Jewelry for Moving

I've moved three times in the past five years, and each time I've gotten better at protecting my jewelry. That first move? Total disaster. I found my favorite necklace in a knot that took an hour to untangle, and I'm still missing an earring from my grandmother's pearl set. Don't make my mistakes! While moving services can safely transport your furniture and boxes, your jewelry needs personal attention.

Sort and Declutter

Grab a sheet and spread it on your bed. Dump ALL your jewelry onto it. Now push things into piles – necklaces here, earrings there, bracelets in another spot. Pick up each piece and be honest with yourself. That trendy statement necklace from 2018? If you haven't worn it since then, toss it in a donation bag. 

The earrings with one missing back? Trash them. I was shocked how much I got rid of during my last move – nearly a third of my collection! The less you pack, the less you unpack later.

Gather Packing Supplies

Hit the dollar store and grab these basics:

• Small Containers: I use pill organizers for stud earrings and mint tins for rings

• Jewelry Pouches: Those little bags your nicer jewelry came in? Find them now!

• Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: For the fancy stuff that needs extra protection

Don't start packing until you have all these supplies within reach. Nothing's more frustrating than stopping mid-pack to hunt down more tape.

Use Jewelry Organizers

My travel jewelry case was the best $25 I ever spent. It has zippered sections and little slots that keep necklaces from tangling and earrings paired together. If you don't own one, buy a cheap one – it's worth every penny. The built-in protection beats throwing everything in a shoebox and hoping for the best. Plus, you can just grab it from your old nightstand and place it on your new one without unpacking anything.

Secure Fragile Pieces

Got delicate pieces? Those need special treatment:

• Wrap individually: Each delicate piece gets its own tissue paper cocoon – no exceptions

• Use cushioning: I stuff cotton balls around wrapped pieces in small boxes

• Avoid overcrowding: Squishing too many pieces together guarantees something will break

Label and Keep Inventory

Write precisely what's inside each container – not just "Jewelry" but "Work Earrings" or "Silver Necklaces." Take phone pics of your valuable pieces with their containers. I keep a note in my phone listing what's where so I'm not frantically searching for my everyday earrings the morning after moving day. Your most precious pieces? Keep them with you in your purse or car – don't put them on the moving truck.

Don't wait until moving day to figure this out! Start sorting your jewelry this weekend, even if your move is weeks away. Ten minutes now saves hours of untangling and searching later. Need help with the rest of your stuff? Book a moving assessment and let the pros handle your furniture while you take care of the small treasures that matter most to you.

Other Related Topics:

• How to Pack a Moving Truck

• How to Pack Glasses for Moving