Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
A beautiful lamp is more than just a source of light, it’s a cherished part of a home’s décor. When it’s time to move, safely transporting these prized possessions becomes a top priority. Lamps, however, come with unique shapes and delicate components, making them especially tricky to pack. That’s why it’s essential to follow these six tips for packing lamps securely.
Lamps vary widely in size, shape, and design. Some have broad, sturdy bases, while others are wider at the shade. Prices can range from modest $70 table lamps to extravagant statement pieces costing over $600. Materials differ as well, from fragile ceramics to resilient steel.
Floor lamps can reach heights of 72 inches, with some towering past 80 inches. Minimalist modern designs often feature gently arched frames, which can make finding the right box nearly impossible. Even straightforward floor lamps sometimes include secondary arms or lights, adding another layer of packing complexity.
Regardless of size or style, lamps are delicate items that require careful handling. No homeowner wants to unwrap a broken lamp on moving day. The key to ensuring they arrive safely is understanding how to pack them properly and keep them secure throughout the move.
1. Obtain Moving Boxes
No moving box is capable of housing lamps as is. They must be disassembled so that the base fits in one box and the shade in another. Moving companies offer lamp boxes that are designed to house and protect various lamp sizes and shades. Measure the lamps before buying boxes.
Lamp boxes generally come in a 12” x 12” x 40” size and can hold up to 65 pounds. But due to the diversity of lamp designs, a standard lamp box may not work. In these cases, wardrobe boxes, electronics boxes, or dish boxes may be practical alternatives.
2. Gather Moving Supplies
Aside from correctly sized boxes, additional moving supplies are needed. Unprinted packing paper is an option; however, for eco-conscious homeowners, old towels are a suitable alternative for wrapping lamp parts. Bubble wrap or packing peanuts can be used as filler. Keep sealable plastic bags handy, too.
3. Dismantle the Lamps Carefully
Begin dismantling the lamp by removing the shade and bulb. Upon unscrewing the finial from the top of the dismantled lampshade, screw it back on to prevent it from getting lost. Remove decorative pieces from the base, place them in plastic bags, and label the bags with a marker.
Wind the electrical cord around the base of the lamp. It’s advisable to cover the plug with foam or cloth to prevent the metal blades from scratching the lamp base. Keep the electrical cord from unraveling by tucking it into itself. Remove the shade rise if the lamp has one.
4. Pack the Lamp Bulbs
Pack the light bulbs immediately after disassembling the lamp so as to prevent them from breaking. Wrap the fragile bulbs in bubble wrap and secure with tape. Place them in an appropriately sized box and generously fill it with packing material as an extra cushion. Label the box as “fragile.”
Incandescent bulbs contain mercury, which is environmentally hazardous. Moving companies do not transport them due to the safety risks and liabilities involved. Instead, homeowners must dispose of the bulbs at a hazardous waste facility before moving and buy new ones at the destination.
5. Pack the Lampshades For a Move
Delicate and vulnerable to rips, bends, and stains, lampshades may be the trickiest to pack. Carefully wrap each lampshade in plain packing paper; avoid newsprint as the ink can transfer. Pack the lampshades upside down and separately in properly sized boxes so they fit snugly.
Do not place other items in the boxes in which the lampshades are packed as they can warp their shapes. Fill the gaps with towels, crumpled packing paper, or bedding to prevent shifting during transport. Prior to closing and labeling the boxes, ensure the flaps do not squash the shades.
For more tips on preventing damage while packing fragile items, check out our guide on common packing mistakes to avoid
6. Pack the Lamp Bases
Wrap the lamp bases with bath towels, bedding, or bubble wrap. Place each base upright in the moving box. If packing more than one lamp base, it’s safe to add multiple bases to each box. Fill the box with furniture pads or packing paper to keep them secure during transport.
Close the box. However, if even an inch of the lamp base protrudes out, make adjustments to the packing materials. In the event this strategy fails, it’s necessary to obtain a bigger box. Seal the box with tape and use a marker to label them as “this end up.”
Once the lamps are packed in their boxes, add additional labeling. Mark in which room the movers should place the boxed lamps, such as the living room or bedroom. Also label each box with “lampshade” or “lamp base,” to simplify unpacking in the new home.
Mid-West Moving and Storage Are Expert Movers and Packers in Chicago
While packing lamps for moving day requires a bit of skill, it can be delegated to the professional movers at Mid-West Moving & Storage. We offer quality packing services so you can check off one important item on your to-do list. Our crews expertly pack a wide range of items.
Movers arrive with boxes and packing materials to securely pack your belongings, including oddly shaped lamps. Our lengthy industry experience gives us knowledge about what types of items require careful handling, such as antiques, heirlooms, and high-value possessions. We also provide an inventory of boxes to keep the move organized.
In addition to packing up your household, we label the boxes to streamline unpacking at the destination. In the event you are overwhelmed by empty boxes after unpacking, you can arrange for free pick up as a part of our comprehensive moving and packing services.
Whether you need full packing or partial packing, Mid-West Moving & Storage offers a wide range of convenient services to make relocation stress-free. Our licensed, bonded, and insured movers serve the Chicago, Illinois area. Call our Elk Grove Village or Chicago location to learn more about our professional moving services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Movers Pack Floor Lamps?
Mid-West Moving & Storage takes extra care when packing floor lamps because they are tall, delicate, and easy to damage. We begin by disassembling the lamp, removing the shade, bulbs, and any decorative pieces so each part can be packed safely.
- We coil the cord neatly and cover the plug with foam or cloth to prevent scratches. Each bulb is wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a small box labeled fragile.
- Lampshades are wrapped in plain packing paper or bubble wrap and packed upside down with extra padding to prevent bending or shifting.
- The lamp pole and base are wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap. The base is placed upright in a box and we fill any gaps with soft materials so it stays secure during the move.
- Finally, we label every box clearly with notes like fragile, lamp base, or lampshade to make unpacking easy and ensure everything arrives in perfect condition.
Is it okay to pack a lamp on its side in a moving box, or does it need to be upright?
It’s best to keep a lamp upright whenever possible. Packing it on its side can put pressure on the lampshade, pole, and base, increasing the risk of bending, cracking, or breaking during the move. When upright, you can properly cushion each part with blankets, bubble wrap, or packing paper to keep everything secure.
How to prepare lamps for movers?
The easiest way to make sure your lamps stay safe during a move is to do a little prep before the movers show up. Start by clearing the area around each lamp so there’s plenty of space to work. Take out the bulbs if you can, and wrap up cords loosely so they don’t get tangled.
If your lamps have shades or removable pieces, keep them together in one spot or lightly cover them so nothing gets scratched while they’re being handled. Make sure the path to the truck is clear and pets or kids aren’t in the way.
Adding a little note like “fragile” or “handle with care” is also helpful. These small steps don’t take long, but they go a long way toward keeping your lamps safe while the movers do all the heavy lifting.
Founder | CEO
Luis Toledo is a distinguished leader in the residential, commercial and industrial relocation industry, bringing over 45 years of expertise in business operations, strategic growth, and logistics management. As the founder of Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, he has successfully led both organizations to complete several hundred relocations across the Midwest and beyond.
Under his leadership, these companies have set industry standards for efficiency, reliability, and customer service in corporate, government, and institutional relocations. Committed to innovation and professional excellence, Luis expanded his executive acumen through the Executive Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Beyond business, Luis drives corporate social responsibility initiatives, partnering with Move for Hunger and other nonprofit organizations to provide moving services and sustainable solutions. He also leads environmental efforts by repurposing furniture and equipment for donation in Nicaragua and Guatemala, reducing waste, and supporting communities in need.
