How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving

Packing up and moving to a new home is never easy. There’s a lot to think about and the entire moving process can be very stressful. One of the most stressful parts of the whole experience is packing. It can be even more difficult when you have to pack fragile items. 

The only way to ensure that these items arrive safely is to use special packing techniques. Here are some tips that will help you pack fragile items to your new home safely!

Fragile box

Use Smaller Boxes

Some fragile items can still be pretty heavy. The most effective way is quite simple – use smaller boxes. This will ensure that you don’t overpack your boxes to the point of making them too heavy to carry. The aim is to make sure there is as little movement as possible. If you are having issues you can call in the best interstate removalists to assist you with using the right boxes.

Select Thick Boxes

Not all boxes are created equal! When you pack fragile items, it’s important to remember that you should never use flimsy boxes. Just as you should try to use boxes that are compact and will fit the items securely you need to make sure that the boxes are thick as well. Even with enough tape, the thicker the box, the better the protection.

Pack fragile items by securing it with tape

Tape It Up

Even if the box is thick enough and the right size, unless it’s secured, your items won’t survive. The bottom of the box is the most important so don’t be afraid to use extra tape. Be sure to use extra strips going horizontal as well as vertical. This is the best way to ensure that the box is firm and secure no matter how much movement it experiences. As long as you handle with care and have a “This Way Up” sign on the box, you shouldn’t need as much tape on the top.

Cushion the Box Properly

Next, you will need to prevent the item from shifting around inside the box while it’s being moved. Do this by filling the empty spaces around the item. You can do this by using hand towels or regular towels. Not only will it protect your fragile items but it will help you pack more of your belongings. You must secure the bottom of the box with soft padding materials. There is a myriad of materials that you can use. 

Wrapping a fragile item in packing paper

Additionally the more traditional route is to use bubble wrap, styrofoam, peanuts, and bubble wrap. Once you have cushioned the box, place the fragile items inside. Always place the heaviest items at the bottom. If you are packing up mugs or other glassware, stuff the inside of the cup with your socks or paper towels. This also helps to ensure that the items will arrive safely.

Wrap Each Item

Each fragile item should be wrapped. You can wrap them with bubble wrap, hand towels, paper towels, or your clothing. This will ensure that they do not bounce against each other while in the box. This is an extra layer of protection that you always need to make sure that nothing gets broken.

Final Words on How to Pack Fragile Items Safely

Packing fragile items can seem overwhelming and tedious, during the moving process. Using your own items like your towels and clothing to secure the items will help reduce your moving costs. Even if you hire a mover to pack your items for you, being aware of how fragile items should be packed is critical to making sure that your items don’t break.


The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Kitchen

Are you fed up with cooking in an outdated or dull kitchen? Upgrading doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some planning and creativity, it can easily be transformed into an area that is stylish and functional. From cabinets and countertops to lighting and appliances, there are endless options for upgrading your kitchen and giving it a whole new look.

Here are some of the best strategies and tactics for improving your kitchen so you’ll love cooking and entertaining. So grab a cup of coffee – get ready to be inspired!

1. Plan and Budget Upgrading Your Kitchen

When renovating your kitchen, creating a comprehensive plan and budget is essential. Determine which changes you want to make and how much money you can realistically afford for the project.

Start by listing all the improvements you want to make, such as upgrading appliances, altering the layout, or installing new flooring. Prioritize these changes according to their importance and consider consulting with an experienced designer or contractor for advice on achieving your goals within budget constraints.

Kitchen renovations can be expensive, so staying within budget and avoiding overspending is essential. Break down your spending into categories like cabinets, countertops, lighting, and flooring to remain on track. Also, remember to factor in any unexpected costs, such as repairs or additional materials, when creating your budget. An Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheet may be your best friend in this situation!

Woman painting kitchen cabinets

2. Revamp Your Cabinets

Updating your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen an updated, fashionable look without spending a fortune. Painting cabinets is an inexpensive and hassle-free way to transform old and dingy ones into modern masterpieces in no time. However, prep work is vital before painting so the paint adheres properly and lasts. Be sure to sand the surfaces, clean them with soap and water, and prime them. This will ensure a professional finish.

However, if you’re not confident in your painting skills or prefer a more polished appearance, consider hiring a cabinet painting company. They possess the necessary expertise and equipment for an impeccable finish. Plus they can assist in selecting the perfect color and finish for your cabinets. 

In addition to painting, you could replace cabinet doors or hardware for a fresh new look. Replacing outdated handles and knobs with modern yet stylish ones can significantly impact how your kitchen appears overall.

3. Upgrade Your Countertops

Your countertops are arguably the most important part of your kitchen and can significantly impact its visual appeal and feel. Not to mention, they are the most used part of your entire kitchen! Upgrading them is an excellent way to give them a fresh look and add value to your home. While there are many materials to choose from, granite and marble are popular due to their durability and stylish looks. When choosing colors and finishes for your countertop, ensure they complement your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Budget-minded consumers may find laminate countertops to be an economical alternative, replicating more costly materials at a fraction of the cost. Modern laminate countertops come in various colors and patterns and require minimal upkeep or cleaning. When selecting your laminate countertop, opt for one with a durable finish to prevent scratches or chips. With whatever material you choose, updating your countertops is very beneficial while upgrading your kitchen.

Man installing overhead kitchen lights

4. Install New Lighting

The correct lighting is a crucial, yet it’s often overlooked. Proper lighting can dramatically affect how your kitchen appears and functions. When planning your upgrade project, take into account different types of lighting as well as their purposes.

Ambient lighting provides general illumination, usually installed in the ceiling. This type of illumination is great for creating a bright and welcoming space. On the other hand, task lighting illuminates specific areas like countertops or workspaces with focused lighting. Lastly, under-cabinet lighting is another popular choice that can enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality.

When selecting lighting fixtures for your kitchen, consider their style and how they will blend in with the rest of your decor. Modern and minimalist fixtures create a sleek and contemporary appearance, while vintage-inspired lights can bring character and charm to a traditional kitchen.

5. Upgrade Your Appliances

Upgrading out-of-date appliances gives your kitchen a modern, updated look and can improve its functionality and efficiency. Newer models tend to be energy efficient, have modern features that simplify cooking and cleaning, and are more convenient for everyone.

When selecting new appliances for your kitchen, consider their size and how they will fit into the layout. If space is limited, opt for compact or built-in models that maximize storage and countertop area. Furthermore, consider the finishes and colors of the appliances to see how they complement your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Couple adds personal touches on their kitchen with a backsplash

6. Incorporate Personal Touches

Finally, adding personal touches while upgrading your kitchen can make it more inviting and unique. Consider adding decorative elements such as a backsplash, artwork, or rug that add texture and color to the space. Furthermore, showcasing favorite kitchen gadgets or dishes on open shelves adds personality and style to the room.

Additionally, adding plants and greenery to your kitchen can breathe life into it while improving air quality. If you have windowsill space or a sunny spot in the room, why not add some herbs or small potted plants that you can use while cooking? This is an excellent way to make practical yet stylish use of space in your kitchen, plus bring a touch of nature in for added comfort and happiness in the room.

Conclusion on Upgrading Your Kitchen

Upgrading your kitchen is not only a substantial investment, but it can also have an immense impact on the value and functionality of your home. Planning and budgeting for this project are essential to guarantee you get the desired results without overspending. Remember, your kitchen should reflect your style and personality, so have fun with the process and let your creativity shine!


Honest Rest Duvet reviews

HONEST Rest Duvet Reviews

One of the hottest trending brands in the bedding game is Rest Duvet. They are a brand new business and making big advancements already. You may know them for their extremely popular cooling comforter, the Evercool. Since they are a brand new business, it could be difficult to find Rest Duvet reviews. Lucky enough, I have some of the most important reviews for Rest Duvet, including an Evercool review!

Pro tip: Read until the end for an EXCLUSIVE Rest Duvet discount code!

Links on this page my lead you to RestDuvet.com via my affiliate links.

Rest Duvet Evercool Review

Evercool Cooling Comforter Review

★★★★★

If I’m being honest, this actually deserves 10 stars. My husband is an incredibly hot furnace to sleep next to. Worse than that is that he loves to cuddle. The only Evercool review that you will ever need is what I’m about to say next. Having the King sized Evercool made it so I wasn’t sleeping next to someone’s lava skin. AND it allowed us to keep our condo at 76 degrees at night. If you’re shocked at how “hot” that seems, just remember.. that means this cooling comforter works THAT well. See it on their website here.

Vegan Duvet Review

★★★★☆

I love that this duvet is eco-friendly! Made of corn? Love that. I got the All-Season option as that was the best for my needs living in San Diego. For our winter chills, this was perfect in helping us to keep the heater on a lower setting. It feels soft, yet it also feels a little “dry”. Because of that, it does have a little crinkling sound to it. The material has also never been able to de-wrinkle on its own. I’d love to stick it in the dryer to de-wrinkle it, but it’s too big for our tiny little condo dryer. *UPDATE*: This item is no longer available.

Rest Duvet reviews of their performance sheet set

Performance Sheet Set Review

★★★☆☆

This SHOULD be a five. And for a lot of reasons it is. For example, I love that they were cooling sheets. This could be great if you like sleeping with just a sheet, or you just want silky soft sheets during winter. Not to mention, I accidentally ordered a King size sheet set and not a California King. Thankfully they are stretchy so they ended up fitting! But one BIG thing that was a constant thorn in my side with this sheet set was how slippery they were. Trying to make the bed with sheets that slid across one another made it pretty hard to do. Even with a duvet on top of it, my husband and I would always find the sheet to slip or to cause the duvet to start sliding off in the middle of the night. So it SHOULD be five, but it just missed the mark. It’s just a tad infuriating. See it on their website here.

Hopefully these Rest Duvet reviews can help you make an educated decision. I personally am I big fan of their products because they are effective. Not to mention the Evercool and the performance sheet set are just THAT cool to the touch. If you do decide to purchase, I highly recommend using my affiliate link as it will give you the best verified discount of 30% off.

Need a Rest Duvet coupon code? Get 30% off right now just for being a Donna Gail Blog reader. And yes this will beat ANY sale that they run guaranteed. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

And if you want to read a more in-depth review of Rest Duvet’s Evercool cooling comforter, just click the link!


What is a vegan duvet

What Is a Vegan Duvet?

You’re thinking it, I’m just saying it. How in the world can a duvet be “vegan”? Also what is even the point? Rest Duvet has made their newest product – the Vegan Duvet. So the question stands, what is a vegan duvet?

What makes something “vegan-friendly”?

Vegan simply means that no animal by-products are used. For food purposes, we know that means that animal meat or anything that an animal produces like milk or eggs is not allowed. How does this relate to duvets then?

For starters, a lot of duvets are made with “down”. “Down is a filling feather gathered from the undercoat of geese, ducks, and swans. Because of its lightweight nature and lofty fluff, down is a great temperature regulator for people who sleep hot.” (Casper Editorial Team, 2021). In other words, down is an animal-product and not vegan-friendly.

Why get the vegan duvet from Rest?

That being said, Rest Duvet has made their new vegan duvet for those who want to continue living a vegan lifestyle! Or if you are someone like me that just likes supporting environmentally friendly products, this would also be the product for you. If there is a simple way to bring more eco-friendly products into my home, I will.

This duvet is made from corn and has biodegradable fill instead of down. It comes in three options: Light, All-Season, and Ultra-Warm. I chose the All-Season one as it’s the best for my needs living in San Diego. The material feels like peach-fuzz, but is incredibly still moisture-wicking!

Rest Duvet Discount Code

Now for the best news of all. Get 30% off of ANYTHING on Rest right now! Have you ever wondered if cooling comforters really exist? Well, I have even BETTER news. This will also work on their super popular, Evercool cooling comforter. You can read in-depth and honest Rest Duvet review here.


The Best Disney Christmas Decoration for 2022

If Halloween can be discussed two months before the day, then so can the holiday season. Especially when Disney does it too! We may never get to the same level of holiday decorations as the Disney parks do, but we can try. Without further ado, here are the best Disney Christmas decorations this year!

Indoor Decor

If you’re like me and only have the interior of your condo to really decorate, then also like me you’re going to be all over this list.

Outdoor Decor

There are a lot of outdoor decor at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart. If you’re looking for those big pieces for your yard, those three stores would be your go-to.

Having some jolly Disney Christmas decorations is a great way to bring some of the magic in to your home. Especially if you can’t make it in to one of the parks this season. No need to have FOMO! Create your most magical experience in your very own home. Enjoy!

Now that your home is holiday ready, time to get your gift list done! Get some Christmas gift inspiration here!