How to Pack and Move Fragile Items Safely
Almost all moving damage happens to a small number of predictable items, and almost all of it comes from the same three mistakes: too little padding, boxes packed loosely, and heavy items loaded on top of light ones.
Fix those and breakages become rare. Here is how to pack each category properly.
Materials worth buying
- Double-walled small boxes — fragile items belong in small boxes, always
- Bubble wrap for glass, ceramics and screens
- Acid-free tissue or plain newsprint for china and silverware
- Dish and glass cell dividers, which do more than any amount of wrapping
- Strong packing tape (not parcel tape) and a dispenser
- Corner protectors for mirrors and framed artwork
- A thick marker for labelling every side of the box
Glassware and stemware
- Wrap each piece individually — never nest glasses inside each other
- Stuff the bowl of each glass with tissue before wrapping the outside
- Stand glasses upright in the box, never on their side
- Use cell dividers so pieces cannot touch
- Fill every gap so nothing shifts when the box is tilted
Plates, china and ceramics
- Pack plates vertically, on edge, like records in a crate — they resist pressure far better this way
- Wrap each plate individually and add a layer of padding between every few
- Line the base and top of the box with 5cm of crumpled paper
- Keep box weight under about 15kg regardless of remaining space
- Put heavier pieces at the bottom, lighter ones on top
Mirrors, glass tops and artwork
- Tape a large X across the face of glass so it holds together if it cracks
- Add corner protectors, then wrap in bubble wrap and finally in cardboard
- Use purpose-made picture boxes or a flat-pack mirror carton
- Always transport flat items upright, on their long edge, never lying flat
- Never stack anything on top of a framed item
TVs, computers and electronics
- Use the original box if you still have it — nothing else fits as well
- Photograph the cable layout at the back before disconnecting anything
- Bag and label cables, remotes and screws with the device they belong to
- Wrap screens in a blanket first, then bubble wrap, and mark them THIS WAY UP
- Move screens upright, never flat — laid flat, panels flex and can fail
- Let cold electronics reach room temperature before switching them on
Loading order that prevents damage
Fragile boxes should be among the last items on the van and the first ones off. They belong on top of a stable, flat surface, never on the floor beneath heavy furniture, and never wedged between items that can shift in transit.
Label all four sides of each fragile box, not just the lid — once boxes are stacked, the top is the only side nobody can see.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to pack fragile items for moving?
Use small double-walled boxes, wrap every item individually, pack plates vertically on edge, fill all empty space so nothing moves, and keep each box under about 15kg.
Should you pack plates flat or on their side?
On their side, standing vertically like records. Plates are far stronger on edge than laid flat, where the weight above can crack them.
How do you move a TV without the original box?
Wrap the screen in a moving blanket, then bubble wrap, and use a flat TV carton if possible. Always move it upright and secure it against a flat surface — never lay it screen-down.
Are self-packed fragile items insured during a move?
Often only for external damage to the box. If items are valuable or irreplaceable, ask about professional packing, which is usually covered in full.