How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move

Most moving damage happens to a small number of items: glassware, plates, mirrors, TVs and framed art. The good news is that nearly all of it can be prevented with the right materials and a few simple techniques used by professional packers.

Get the right materials

• Strong double-wall boxes, in small and medium sizes for heavy fragile items
• Bubble wrap and plain packing paper (newspaper ink can stain)
• Corner guards and cardboard sheets for frames and mirrors
• Good packing tape and a marker for labelling

Plates and bowls

Wrap each plate separately in paper, then wrap a stack of three or four together. Pack plates standing on their edge, like records, not lying flat. They are much stronger that way. Fill the bottom of the box with crumpled paper first and fill every gap so nothing moves when you gently shake the box.

Glasses and cups

Stuff the inside of each glass with paper, then wrap the outside in bubble wrap. Stand glasses upright with the heaviest at the bottom of the box. Use cell dividers if you have them. Don't overload boxes: a box of glasses should be easy to lift with one hand.

Mirrors and framed art

Tape an X across the glass with masking tape to hold pieces together if it cracks, add corner guards, then wrap the whole piece in bubble wrap and sandwich it between cardboard sheets. Large or valuable pieces travel best in a custom wooden crate. Always carry and load mirrors standing up, never flat.

TVs and electronics

The original box is best. If you no longer have it, wrap the screen in a soft blanket, then bubble wrap, and protect it with cardboard on both sides. Never put pressure on the screen and always keep TVs upright. Take a photo of the cables before unplugging, and put screws and remotes in a labelled bag taped to the back.

Label clearly

Mark every fragile box "FRAGILE" and "THIS WAY UP" on several sides, and write the room name and contents. This tells the crew how to stack and carry it and makes unpacking faster.

When to call professional packers

If you have a full kitchen, valuable art or very little time, professional packing usually pays for itself through fewer breakages and a faster move. Our packers bring all materials and pack fragile items with the methods above.