How to move jewelry without losing, tangling, or damaging your favorite pieces is one of the most overlooked parts of any relocation. Whether you own a handful of sentimental rings or an entire drawer full of necklaces and bracelets, jewelry requires extra care that most moving boxes simply cannot provide. Unlike bulky furniture or kitchen appliances, jewelry is small, delicate, and often irreplaceable. If you have been busy getting ready for a big move, you might also want to check out our guide on how to pack a TV for moving to make sure all of your fragile belongings arrive in one piece.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to pack and transport your jewelry collection safely, whether you are moving across town or across the country.
Why Jewelry Deserves Special Attention on Moving Day
Most people spend hours wrapping dishes and padding furniture but forget about the small velvet box sitting on the dresser until the last minute. Jewelry is uniquely vulnerable during a move for several reasons. Chains tangle easily when tossed into a bag together. Gemstones can chip if they knock against each other. Earring backs disappear into the seams of cardboard boxes. And perhaps most importantly, jewelry is a high-theft target that should never be packed inside a standard moving truck without supervision.
Taking a little extra time to plan how you handle your jewelry on moving day can save you from heartbreak, costly repairs, and insurance claims down the road.
Sort and Inventory Your Collection First
Before you start wrapping anything, take stock of what you actually own. Lay everything out on a clean, soft surface like a towel and sort your pieces into categories.
Separate your items into everyday jewelry, fine or high-value pieces, costume jewelry, and sentimental items. Photograph each piece individually, especially anything of significant financial or emotional value. This visual record serves as both a packing checklist and documentation for insurance purposes in case something goes missing.
Once you have a clear picture of your collection, decide which pieces you want to keep on your person during the move and which can be packed. Anything extremely valuable, such as engagement rings, heirloom necklaces, or high-end watches, should travel with you personally and never go into a moving box.
Essential Packing Supplies for Jewelry
You do not need expensive specialty products to protect your jewelry during a move. Most of what you need is already lying around your home. Gather the following supplies before you begin.
Use small resealable plastic bags for earrings and loose stones. Soft microfiber cloths or tissue paper work well for wrapping individual pieces. Egg cartons are perfect for storing rings and stud earrings in separate compartments. Plastic straws can keep thin chain necklaces from tangling when you thread the chain through. Small cardboard boxes, pill organizers, or even ice cube trays can serve as dividers. Packing tape, rubber bands, and labels round out your kit.
If you already have jewelry boxes with built-in compartments, those are ideal for transport. Just make sure items cannot shift around by filling empty spaces with cotton balls or tissue.
How to Pack Necklaces Without Tangling
Necklaces are the trickiest items to move because chains love to knot themselves the moment they touch another chain. Here are a few proven techniques.
For thin chain necklaces, unclasp one end and thread it through a plastic drinking straw, then re-clasp. The straw keeps the chain rigid and prevents it from twisting around other pieces. For beaded or thicker necklaces, lay each one flat on a piece of tissue paper, fold the paper over gently, and roll it into a soft tube. Secure with a small piece of tape.
You can also use the cling wrap method. Press each necklace flat against a sheet of plastic wrap, then lay another sheet on top. The static holds each piece in place and keeps everything separated.
How to Pack Rings, Earrings, and Bracelets
Rings can scratch each other if they share the same pouch, so wrap each ring individually in a small piece of tissue or place them in separate slots of an egg carton or pill organizer. If you are packing multiple rings together, put each one in its own small bag first.
For earrings, keep pairs together by poking studs through a small piece of cardboard or a button and securing the backs. Dangle earrings should be wrapped individually in tissue to prevent bending.
Bracelets and bangles can be stacked together if they are made of the same material, but separate metals from gemstone pieces. Wrap each stack in a soft cloth and place them upright in a small box so they do not shift.
Keep High-Value Jewelry With You
This is the single most important rule when figuring out how to move jewelry. Never put your most valuable pieces into the back of a moving truck. Pack them in a personal bag or carry-on that stays with you at all times during the move.
Consider using a portable storage container for the rest of your belongings, which gives you the flexibility to pack and load on your own schedule while keeping your home secure. With a container delivered right to your driveway, you control the process and can keep your jewelry packed separately until you are ready to transport it yourself.
A small, padded jewelry travel case or even a zippered makeup bag works perfectly for carrying your high-value items. Keep it in your car, handbag, or backpack rather than placing it in any box that will be handled by someone else.
Special Considerations for Long-Distance Moves
If you are moving across state lines or shipping your belongings, take a few extra precautions with your jewelry.
Contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider and confirm that your jewelry is covered during transit. Some policies have specific exclusions for items in moving trucks. If you own pieces above a certain value threshold, you may need a separate jewelry rider or floater policy.
For extremely valuable collections, consider shipping insured through a specialized service rather than packing them with the rest of your household goods. Many jewelers and specialty shipping companies offer secure transit options with full insurance coverage.
Unpacking and Organizing at Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new place, unpack your jewelry early, ideally before you tackle the kitchen or living room. This reduces the chance of a small jewelry box getting buried under heavier items or accidentally thrown out with packing materials.
Check each piece against your photo inventory to make sure nothing is missing. Inspect for any damage such as loose prongs, bent clasps, or missing stones. If you notice any issues, document them immediately for insurance purposes.
Set up a temporary jewelry station, even if it is just a towel on the bathroom counter, so that everything has a designated spot while you get settled.
Quick Recap: Moving Jewelry the Right Way
To summarize the best practices for moving your jewelry safely, start by inventorying and photographing your collection. Sort items by type and value. Gather simple packing supplies like bags, tissue, straws, and small boxes. Pack necklaces using straws or cling wrap to prevent tangling. Wrap rings and earrings individually and keep pairs together. Carry high-value and sentimental pieces with you personally. Confirm insurance coverage, especially for long-distance moves. Unpack and inspect your jewelry first at your new home.
Moving can be stressful, but your jewelry does not have to be a casualty of the process. A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure every ring, necklace, and bracelet arrives at your new home exactly the way it left the old one.