Lamps and Shades Should be Packed SeparatelyHow to Pack Lamp Bases After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton.
- Disassemble the lamp.
- Discard incandescent bulbs so they don’t break in transit. CFL or LED bulbs can be wrapped in bubble pack and put in a box with other fragile items.
- Secure the power cord and wrap to protect the lamp from scratches.
- Wrap the harp and finial in packing paper and label.
- Use a paper pad to wrap the lamp. A paper pad is a multilayered paper wrap used to protect larger fragile items. Place wrapped lamp upright in a box.
How to Pack Lampshades Never wrap lamp shades in printed newspaper. Ink from newsprint can permanently mark a shade’s delicate linen. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel. To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lampshade to create a protective layer but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk. It is best not to pack any other items with your shades.
- Line a box with crumpled paper.
- Put a single lampshade in the box.
- Fill with crumpled paper to keep the shade from shifting.
- Close the box and secure it with packing tape.
- Label the box.