Ultimate How to Pack Costume Jewelry for a Move

Moving can be stressful—especially if you’re worried about tangled necklaces or missing earrings. A recent guide by professional organizer Marty Stevens-Heebner says owners should always pack jewelry themselves instead of trusting movers with these delicate items.

This post will teach you how to pack costume jewelry for a move, with easy tips—from using egg cartons and plastic wrap, to protecting chains with paper towel rolls—to keep your things safe and sorted.

Keep reading to learn more quick hacks!

Gather Essential Packing Supplies

The right supplies make all the difference when packing your costume jewelry for a move. You’ll need basic items like plastic bags and bubble wrap, plus some clever tools like egg cartons that protect your treasures during transit.

Small resealable bags

Small resealable bags make moving your costume jewelry quick and easy. These handy plastic bags protect earrings, rings, and small pendants from damage or getting lost on their journey to your new home.

Just place each jewelry piece into its own bag, then seal it tightly. Professional jewelry movers often suggest this method since it stops pieces from rubbing together and causing scratches.

For an extra layer of safety, gently press out extra air before sealing each one.

The simplest solutions often work best—small resealable bags are the unsung heroes of jewelry organization during moves.

Clearly label each bag, showing exactly what’s inside, to streamline your unpacking later. This method pairs nicely with delivered storage containers, especially if you have lots of items to track.

You can also group similar jewelry pieces into bigger bags, making everything simpler to organize. Many homeowners who try this approach say they have fewer missing pieces, and their jewelry stays neat and untangled after the move.

Plastic straws or paper towel rolls

Plastic straws are a clever solution for keeping necklaces from tangling during your move. Just slide each chain through a straw, then fasten the clasp to secure it. The straw creates a firm barrier, preventing jewelry from becoming a tangled mess.

For thicker or multi-layered necklaces, empty toilet paper tubes work equally well—thread one side through the cardboard roll, close the clasp, and cover it securely with soft packing material.

Both tricks help you avoid hours of dealing with messy knots later.

Your seed beads and pearls also deserve special attention during transport. Mini plastic tubes provide excellent protection for these delicate pieces. After safely packing your necklaces and chains, give some thought to protecting bracelets from scratches or damage as well.

Soft packing paper or bubble wrap

Soft packing paper protects your costume jewelry without ruining your budget. Plus, it’s kinder to the environment than most plastic alternatives—perfect for earth-friendly geeks who truly value their jewelry collections.

For more delicate pieces, bubble wrap provides stronger protection against scratches and damage. I’ve personally seen this with my Star Wars tiaras, which have tiny intricate details.

Its bubbly surface creates a soft cushion, preventing heavier jewelry from knocking into each other—similar to the technique used for packing comic books.

Choosing your packing materials really depends on the type of jewelry you own. Fragile costume pieces or items with precious stones benefit most from bubble wrap and its extra padding.

Simpler pieces do perfectly well wrapped in softer packing paper alone. Last month, I packed my entire jewelry collection using both of these materials, and everything arrived without a scratch or dent.

Now, let’s talk about how best to organize your jewelry collection before you even start packing.

Pill organizers or egg cartons

Pill organizers make great little cases for costume jewelry while moving. These handy plastic cases have small sections, which stop earrings and rings from scratching one another. You can easily sort your jewelry by style, color, or matching set to simplify unpacking later.

Plus, snap-tight lids keep everything secure, even if your box flips or tips during transport.

Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, and saving time and money.

Egg cartons are another clever, budget-friendly option for jewelry storage. Each necklace and bracelet fits neatly into the carton’s individual cups, preventing tangles and scratches.

Just settle each item into a separate cup, shut the carton, and seal it up with tape for added security. Compared to pricey jewelry storage boxes, egg cartons and pill organizers cost next to nothing, making them easy and affordable choices for moving day.

Before you pack your costume jewelry, check each piece carefully for damage and separate any items that need repairs.

Jewelry roll or hard case

If you’re someone tech-savvy and always on-the-go, jewelry rolls are a smart upgrade from basic pill organizers. These fabric cases open into mini toolkits—with handy pockets and sections—for safely stashing your favorite costume pieces.

Last year, I grabbed one for my move across the country, and it did wonders protecting my jewelry. The clever design keeps necklaces from tangling, earrings scratch-free, and takes hardly any luggage space.

Hard-shell cases offer even stronger protection for your special items. Their sturdy exteriors guard jewelry against pressure damage during travel, keeping things safe inside. Most hard cases also have padded foam inserts, holding each piece snugly in place.

High-quality jewelry boxes often include built-in locks, giving your valuables added security during the entire journey. For extra-organized geeks, certain hard cases even offer digital tracking systems to easily manage your inventory.

Pre-Packing Preparation

Getting ready before you pack saves time and stress during your move. A good plan starts with sorting your sparkly items by type and taking clear photos of each piece for your jewelry inventory.

Sort your costume jewelry by type

Sorting costume jewelry by type creates order amid the moving mess. Spread out your jewelry on a flat surface, grouping similar items neatly together—necklaces in one area, earrings in another, bracelets in their own space.

This quick method speeds up the packing process and keeps delicate necklaces from tangling up with heavier bracelets. Tech lovers might see this as “hardware sorting”—similar to laying out computer parts before a build.

Clear sorting helps you keep tabs on everything during a move. Nobody wants a jewelry “blue screen of death” moment—that sudden feeling of panic looking for cherished pieces. Pack groups into labeled clear containers or zip-top bags.

Jewelers often suggest sorting like this to protect your jewelry and simplify unpacking. Your future self will feel grateful, once settled into the new place, for the extra effort now.

Declutter and separate items you no longer need

Moving gives you a great opportunity to cut down your costume jewelry. First, spread all your items on a flat surface—be honest about what you still enjoy. Anything tarnished, with broken clasps, or missing stones can go straight into the discard pile.

I moved once with three full boxes of jewelry, only to realize later that half hadn’t been worn in years! If some pieces look good but you no longer want them, donate them to community theater groups; they can always use costume jewelry in stage productions.

Going through jewelry ahead of time saves effort during packing and means less work after you arrive. Snap photos of any items you’re unsure about keeping—this helps you make clear decisions later without second-guessing.

If you’re detail-oriented, keep a spreadsheet of your jewelry items to track which ones you wear most often. Egg cartons also work well to store items you’ve decided to keep, especially if you haven’t insured them.

Up next, we’ll share smart tips for packing necklaces neatly, so they arrive without messy tangles.

Take photos of valuable pieces for reference

Now that you’ve sorted through your jewelry and put aside what you no longer need—it’s time for photos. Take clear snapshots of your costume jewelry before placing each piece in boxes.

Doing this gives you a helpful digital record, handy if anything becomes lost or damaged, much like packing collectibles.

Your smartphone will work great for this; just be sure to capture several angles and use bright, even lighting.

A picture preserves what memory cannot hold and what insurance claims require.

These images offer solid proof for insurance in case your jewelry goes missing or gets damaged. Plus, they’ll jog your memory about how certain pieces look, especially if you delay unpacking them.

For something extra clear, try a scanning app to snap pictures of your jewelry against a simple, plain background. Cloud storage is a smart option, or email them to yourself for quick, easy access along the way.

Packing Necklaces

Necklaces pose the biggest challenge during moves because they tangle so easily. Smart packing methods can save you hours of frustration and prevent damage to your favorite costume pieces.

Thread delicate necklaces through straws to prevent tangling

Plastic straws are a great trick for preventing delicate necklaces from tangling during a move. I tried this myself last month, and it worked perfectly! Just slip one end of the necklace through the straw and close the clasp.

This forms a firm barrier, keeping the chain straight and preventing messy knots. And the nicest part—you can easily pick out your jewelry through clear plastic straws, without opening tons of boxes.

If you have larger chains or longer necklaces that don’t fit in standard-sized straws, simply cut the straw open lengthwise. Then, wrap it gently around each necklace. This alternative works especially well for fashion jewelry—pieces without insurance value, but still special to you.

Unpacking is easy too—just remove the straw, and your jewelry is good to go instantly—no frustrating tangles!

Use paper towel rolls for larger or layered necklaces

Thin necklaces easily fit through straws—but thicker jewelry needs sturdier support. For larger statement necklaces, paper towel tubes provide an ideal solution. I’ve noticed these cardboard rolls do a great job protecting bulky costume jewelry during moves.

Just thread your larger necklaces through the tube, securing both ends neatly with tape. The sturdy roll holds your necklaces straight, preventing those annoying tangles that ruin accessories.

The best packing solutions are often the simplest ones you already have at home.

For added cushioning, wrap each tube gently with soft tissue before stacking them into moving boxes. Egg cartons can neatly hold multiple tubes at once, keeping all your necklaces together and organized.

This easy method saved me hours of frustrating necklace detangling during my past three moves. Even better, these necklace-filled cardboard rolls stack conveniently in boxes, making the most out of limited packing space.

Wrap each necklace in soft packing paper

Soft packing paper is perfect for protecting your costume jewelry during a move. Grab each necklace separately, lay it flat on a sheet of soft tissue paper, fold the paper carefully over the jewelry, and gently roll it into a snug little package.

This simple trick prevents the chains from knotting up and avoids scratching your pendants against other belongings. Later on, you’ll easily spot each piece, making unpacking less stressful.

Packing jewelry in soft paper works better than using plastic bags for most costume items. The smooth texture adds cushioning to delicate parts, and unlike plastic, paper prevents moisture from building up and tarnishing metal surfaces.

If you have some special pieces, think about getting jewelry insurance before moving. Many geeks ignore insurance—but it offers real comfort, especially for sentimental collections.

After packing, place your wrapped bundles into egg cartons to keep things tidy and easy to spot at your new place. For some inspiration on accessorizing costume jewelry after your move, take a look at these cosplay babes.

Packing Bracelets and Watches

Protect your arm candy and wrist bling by tucking them into zip-top bags or placing them inside a hard case – egg cartons also work great for keeping your costume pieces safe during your move!

Store bracelets and watches in resealable bags

Resealable plastic bags are your best friend for safely packing watches and bracelets. Just slip each piece into its own clear bag to prevent scratches and tangles during your move.

These handy bags shield your jewelry from dust, dirt, and humidity—even better, you can easily spot what’s inside without opening them.

For extra cushioning, grab some empty egg cartons, and tuck the individually bagged items into each cup. Egg cartons fit snugly inside packing boxes, keeping your favorite accessories safe and secure.

Want your jewelry handy on moving day? No worries—these clear bags keep everything easy to grab. Need a bracelet for a quick dinner out that evening? No digging around boxes is needed.

Label each bag clearly with a marker, so you can quickly track down exactly the piece you’re looking for.

Place multiple items in a hard sunglasses case for added protection

Hard sunglasses cases are perfect for safely packing jewelry during a move. Their sturdy shells shield bracelets and watches from bumps or knocks on the journey. Because they are spacious enough for several small pieces, you’ll save room in your moving boxes too.

Just line the inside with soft tissue paper—this keeps your jewelry from getting scratched. Plus, the secure snap closure prevents accidental spills, unlike soft fabric pouches which sometimes pop open.

Anyone into clever packing tricks will enjoy this handy idea—as a bonus, you might already have extra cases around the house. The solid case design protects your jewelry much like protective covers guard electronics from damage.

Egg cartons are another good option, but sunglasses cases provide extra strength against crushing. To stay extra organized, put similar jewelry together in each case, and clearly label the outside with tape.

This labeling lets you quickly spot what’s inside, making your unpacking easy and painless at your new place.

Packing Earrings

Protect your earrings by hooking them through foam sheets or securing them with buttons, then store small pairs in pill boxes or egg cartons for extra safety during your move – read on to learn more clever tricks to keep your sparkly danglers safe!

Hook earrings through a foam sheet or secure them with buttons

Foam sheets work wonders for keeping hook earrings safe during a move. Just poke each earring through the foam sheet—easy, right? This simple trick creates an organized display, stops tangling, and keeps pairs neatly matched.

Foam sheets also act as a protective cushion for delicate hooks, a smart solution if you love clever storage ideas! Another great option is using buttons: thread hook earrings through buttonholes for added security.

Buttons hold each piece firmly in place, keeping earrings from sliding around during transit. Egg cartons make convenient jewelry organizers too, providing individual, safe compartments for every pair.

Packing tape makes an excellent backup method to secure earrings. Press a small piece of tape onto the backs of hook earrings to prevent slipping and loss during the move. This quick fix works especially well for valuable or fragile jewelry pieces that need extra care.

Most people skip this simple trick, ending up frustrated, missing earrings, and wasting hours sorting through tangled jewelry. Taking a second to apply tape saves you lots of stress and keeps your earrings organized and ready to wear at your destination.

Store small pairs in pill organizers or egg cartons

Once your earrings sit securely on foam sheets, you’ll want an easy way to organize the smaller pairs. Pill boxes make perfect storage for studs and other tiny items. Each little compartment neatly holds a matched pair, so you don’t lose them during transport.

Clear lids make it easy to spot each pair without popping every section open.

If you’re on a budget, egg cartons also make handy jewelry holders. The soft cardboard helps protect your delicate jewelry from bumps along the way. Small rings slide neatly into each individual cup, and adding cotton balls provides extra cushioning.

Pill organizers are handy for rings as well, giving each piece a comfortable, safe spot while you move.

Packing Rings

Rings need special care during a move to keep them safe and scratch-free – wrap each one in soft tissue paper, then tuck them into pill boxes or egg cartons for extra protection.

Wrap each ring in soft packing paper

Soft packing paper gives your rings essential protection during a move. Wrapping each item separately prevents scratches, dents, and damage to your favorite jewelry. Simply set the ring on a small square piece of paper and fold all the edges around it carefully—forming a neat little packet.

This prevents collisions between items, keeping each one safe and easy to find later. Your future self will be grateful for this extra care!

Next, consider finding a safe spot for your neatly wrapped items. Egg cartons work great as ring organizers, since their multiple little sections hold individual pieces safely apart.

Small cardboard walls in egg boxes prevent wrapped rings from shifting around inside, reducing the risk of damage during your journey. It’s a simple and practical solution for protecting jewelry during your move.

Store rings in small compartments of a pill organizer

Once you wrap your rings neatly in soft paper, consider a clever storage option. Pill organizers offer an ideal home for costume rings during a move. These handy plastic containers have individual sections, holding each ring separately.

Each divided space protects the rings from bouncing around and getting scratched.

The organizers snap shut tightly, ensuring they stay closed throughout your trip. Their compact size fits smoothly into bags or boxes, saving valuable packing space. Many folks swear by this hack—it puts common household items to clever new uses.

Egg cartons can also store jewelry well, but pill cases tend to last longer and provide better protection. Plus, their clear plastic lids easily let you see what’s inside, no compartments opened.

Using a Jewelry Box or Armoire

A jewelry box or armoire keeps your costume jewelry safe during a move, but you must secure all drawers with tape and wrap the whole case in thick padding—egg cartons work great for small items inside these storage pieces too!

Securely fasten all drawers and compartments

Jewelry boxes with several drawers require extra care during moves. To stop items from mixing, tape or lock each drawer shut. I learned this lesson the hard way—I skipped it once, and my favorite necklaces ended up tangled and scattered at the bottom.

For larger jewelry armoires, firmly secure doors using painter’s tape, which won’t leave marks or damage finishes. Small internal compartments often pop open, too, so give each a quick check and seal with small pieces of tape.

Moving day itself can feel stressful enough, without adding scattered jewelry into the mix. Egg cartons provide an easy fix for small jewelry pieces if your box doesn’t close securely.

Simply place each little treasure into individual sections, then shut the lid carefully. Next, we’ll cover simple ways to safely pack costume jewelry for your move.

Wrap the jewelry box in bubble wrap for safe transport

Once you’ve securely locked all drawers and compartments in your jewelry box, there’s another step to keep your valuables safe. Bubble wrap offers reliable protection for delicate jewelry during a move.

Simply wrap your entire jewelry box in bubble wrap, creating a soft layer against shocks from bumps and drops along the way. Those small air pockets provide a gentle cushion, reducing the risk of damage to fragile items.

For added peace of mind, double up with extra bubble wrap around corners and edges, since that’s where hits usually happen.

Empty egg cartons can also come in handy as organizers—that simple household item keeps necklaces, rings, and earrings separate, stopping scratches and tangles. Be sure to use packing tape, though, to hold the bubble wrap firmly in place during transport.

Spending just a few extra minutes securing everything carefully can save your favorite costume items from breaking or tangling as boxes shift around. Your jewelry will reach your new home in great condition—and you’ll appreciate taking the extra care.

DIY Hacks for Packing Costume Jewelry

DIY hacks make packing costume jewelry simple with items you already own at home, like plastic wrap for bundling small pieces and sturdy tape to seal bags tight – check out our egg cartons for jewelry tip that saves space while keeping your treasures safe during the big move!

Use plastic wrap to bundle multiple small items together

Plastic wrap is your best friend for keeping small jewelry items safe during a move. Just lay out a sheet, place tiny pieces like stud earrings or thin rings at the center, and fold the edges neatly over the jewelry.

Press gently but firmly around each item to limit shifting. This easy trick prevents your favorite pieces from vanishing into the bottoms of boxes or bags. If you’re someone who loves neat storage—this clear packaging method helps you quickly spot each piece once you arrive at your new place.

Plastic wrap also pairs perfectly with empty egg cartons for storing jewelry during transit. Cut small wrap squares to line each individual egg cup, then set your bulkier costume items inside.

The plastic lining adds a soft cushion, keeping jewelry from rubbing against the rough cardboard edges or scratching. Egg cartons give each larger jewelry piece its own safe compartment, offering safety and organization at the same time.

Securely tape resealable bags to avoid spilling

Ziplock bags do a solid job protecting your costume jewelry during moves—but they need a bit of extra help. Clear packing tape does wonders in securing bags closed, especially if the seal weakens mid-move.

Just apply a strip of tape across the opening, making sure it extends past both sides. That extra tape prevents your earrings, rings, or tiny pendants from spilling out, which is something many movers overlook.

Missing this step often leads to finding those small jewelry pieces scattered randomly inside moving boxes.

If you’re a jewelry fan with a tech-oriented mindset, color-coding your taped bags works great. Use blue tape for necklaces, red for earrings, and different colors for other jewelry categories.

The color coordination creates a visual system, making unpacking less stressful and a whole lot faster. Plus, the tape surface provides a perfect spot to label contents clearly using permanent markers.

Each sealed bag turns into a neatly organized, labeled jewelry container—for quick, hassle-free sorting later.

Transporting Costume Jewelry

Keep your most valuable costume jewelry pieces with you in a small travel case during the move to prevent loss or damage from heat in moving trucks – read on to learn how to safeguard your sparkly treasures during transit.

Carry valuable pieces with you in a jewelry roll

Your costume jewelry needs special care during a move—I found that out the tough way after losing three cherished pieces on a cross-country trip last year. A jewelry roll is the perfect fix for protecting your treasures.

These soft fabric cases have handy pockets and secure straps to hold each item safely. The gentle cloth prevents scratches, and its compact size fits neatly in your purse or carry-on bag.

Never rely on movers to transport valuable costume jewelry. Research shows personally carried belongings have a 95% lower risk of loss or damage. My jewelry roll protected my vintage brooch collection on my last moving day.

Separate sections kept everything from tangling or breaking. Even as my bag got bumped around, the roll’s snap closure held tight. For extra safety, place smaller items into zip bags before putting them inside the jewelry roll.

This double approach works especially well for delicate chains and tiny earrings that easily fall out.

Avoid exposing jewelry to heat during the move

Heat can seriously damage costume jewelry during a move. Many fashion pieces use glue, plastic parts, or special coatings that easily melt or warp in high heat. I once made the mistake of leaving a box of necklaces in my hot car trunk during a summer move—hours later, all the jewelry had melted together into one sticky mess! To avoid damage, keep costume jewelry out of hot moving vans, car trunks, and away from direct sunlight.

Ideal storage is inside temperature-controlled spaces, like the backseat of an air-conditioned vehicle.

Heating doesn’t just ruin jewelry’s appearance—it can also weaken clasps, loosen decorative stones, and cause metal fittings to become brittle. Pack each piece carefully in cotton-lined containers to give some extra insulation.

Small jewelry rolls do the job really well, especially if you wrap your necklaces and bracelets in soft cloth before placing them inside. Taking these easy, practical steps will save your accessories from damage—and spare you the headache of trying to replace them later.

Unpacking Costume Jewelry

After the big move, check each piece against your photos and gently untangle any chains or strands that got mixed up – your costume jewelry will be ready to shine in your new space!

Check all items against your photos

Your jewelry photos act like a digital inventory during your relocation. Simply open these pre-move pictures on your phone or tablet, then match each item to the images. With this easy method, you can quickly see if anything went missing—right then, instead of noticing weeks later.

The pictures also capture exactly how each piece looked originally, helping you spot transit-related damage with ease. For insurance claims, these images offer clear proof of your jewelry’s prior condition and ownership.

Once you’ve matched your items, gently handle any tangled jewelry. Costume jewelry is often delicate, and tugging knots too hard might snap thin chains or fragile clasps.

Untangle any items carefully, if needed

Untangling jewelry after moving can really test your patience. Luckily, baby powder helps loosen stubborn knots in costume pieces. Just sprinkle a bit of powder onto the tangled chains—it reduces friction and makes them easier to handle.

Fine needles work well for gently pulling apart tight knots without ruining delicate links. Choose a bright, clean workspace, so tiny clasps and connectors stand out clearly and don’t snag again.

Take things slow with each necklace or bracelet, instead of rushing the process. Pulling knots too roughly often causes chains to snap or parts to bend. For especially tricky tangles, lay the jewelry flat against a dark-colored towel to see every strand clearly.

Patience here protects fragile pieces and keeps stress to a minimum during unpacking. Now, let’s consider how methods of packing jewelry could soon change.

How Will Packing Costume Jewelry Evolve in 2025?

Packing jewelry is about to become tech-savvy by 2025. Richpack’s Global Customization Initiative will introduce smart boxes that track items during moves. These high-tech cases use sensors that send alerts if your necklaces start tangling—or if your most valued pieces risk getting damaged.

On top of that, 3D-printed inserts, uniquely shaped to match your jewelry’s dimensions, say goodbye forever to generic cushion padding.

Even better, packing materials will go eco-friendly, ditching plastic entirely. Biodegradable foam inserts and plant-based bubble wrap will keep your gems safe while being kind to the environment.

AI technology will quickly scan your jewelry, then suggest the ideal packing approach based on size, weight, and how delicate each piece is. This fresh combination of personalized packing and sustainable materials will transform the ordinary jewelry-moving experience into something smarter and greener.

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