The best way to pack fragile items in 5 easy steps

It’s tough to orchestrate a successful move without knowing how to pack fragile items. If you don’t do the job properly, the first guest to your new home could be a heap of broken dishes! Read through this handy guide if you need help packing fragile items for moving. 

What do I need when packing fragile items for moving?

• Moving boxes (Double-walled, size small)
• Marker
• Scissors
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Packing peanuts
• Packing paper
• Old newspapers
• Box dividers (Optional)
• Hard, reusable plastic boxes (for rent—they’re cheaper than cardboard boxes and safer due to their rigidity.)  

The most important thing is the packing paper—you can use it to wrap everything. Bubble wrap is mainly for extremely fragile items that need double protection.

Also, one last thing: Don’t forget about the ‘Fragile’ labels. Labelling items as fragile helps ensure delicate items like mirrors, frames, and TVs are handled with extra care to prevent mishandling and breakage. 

How to pack fragile items for moving

Step 1: Prepare your box

Packing and preparing large moving boxes.

The first thing you need to pack any item is the correct box. Use a newly bought or lightly used moving box. A small-sized box is recommended for fragile packing, as medium or large ones will add too much free space.

Next, you’ll have to assemble it. Seal its bottom side, then use the packaging tape to secure the seams, flaps, and corners. Use multiple strips of tape to ensure the bottom doesn’t accidentally open later.

After taping the box, line the base with either bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled balls of old newspapers. Ensure the lining is at least a couple of inches thick to soften the blow in case the box is accidentally dropped.

Step 2: Wrap each item with protective material 

Each item below requires specific packing materials and techniques: 

Glasses

The best way to pack glasses for moving is to wrap them in bubble or packing paper. First, place the glass in the centre of a square sheet of either material. Cover everything by tucking the corners of the sheet into the glass. Finally, insert a crumpled ball of newspaper inside.  

If you’re packing wine glasses, carefully wrap the stems with a few layers of bubble wrap. Then, tape the padding into place. After, cover the rest of the glass with packing paper using the same method as with ordinary glass.

Mugs and cups

First, use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap around the handles and tape them down. Then, cover the rest of the mug with the same material by placing it on a square sheet and tucking the corners into it. After, place a crumpled ball of newspaper inside.  

Vases

Similar to packing a glass, you’ll want to wrap your vase in either bubble wrap or packing paper. Place it in the centre of a large square sheet of the material and tuck the corners inside. Once done, fill the vase up to the brim with crumpled balls of newspaper or packing peanuts.  

Mirrors and glass picture frames

When packing mirrors and glass picture frames, you must completely cover them with bubble wrap. Place the item in the middle of a sheet and fold it inside several layers. After, tape the loose ends of the bubble wrap and the item’s edges so the padding doesn’t come undone. 

Glass furniture

To pack glass furniture, you must first detach the glass components from each piece. Then, wrap the glass components with several layers of packing tape, using both crosswise and lengthwise rows. Finally, place the glass between two pieces of cardboard and apply tape around the entire thing until firmly in place.  

If you hire a moving team, they’ll take care of covering all fragile furniture with blankets and plastic wrap to ensure everything travels safely.

Art prints/paintings

Avoid using newspaper, as it contains inks and acids that can ruin the artwork. Instead, use packing paper or craft paper as a wrapper, but do this after dusting off the art prints and paintings to keep them in good condition. Don’t forget to also use foam or cardboard corners for added protection.

Alternatively, you can use bubble wrap, but make sure to add a fabric roll or tissue paper in between because the bubble wrap can leave imprints or cause corrosion on the artwork. 

Jewellery 

Keeping your jewellery in its original box is best, but if you’ve already thrown them away, you can use jewellery rolls as an alternative. These boxes are lined with foam and felt to help protect your accessories from scratches and dents. They also feature separate pockets or zipped compartments for each piece, minimising tangling and rubbing. 

Important: Always keep your jewellery in a handbag or purse with you, especially for high-value items. But if you have an extensive collection, you can pack them in a small moving box labelled ‘fragile’. 

Step 3: Place items inside the box 

Use towels or fabric for extra cushioning and protection.

After wrapping your items with protective material, it’s finally time to pack them up. Pack the items from heaviest to lightest while limiting the weight of the box to no more than 14 kg. Mugs and glasses should be placed rim-side down and, if possible, within box dividers. Use cardboard sheets between each layer to avoid stacking them directly atop one another. 

For flat items (e.g., mirrors and glass frames), place them inside the box vertically. This ensures they won’t slide off each other when carried or in transit. Insert crumpled paper or packing peanuts between rows of items, so they don’t move around. Additionally, leave some extra space on top of the items. 

Step 4: Fill in the extra space 

With your items firmly in place, look for areas in the box with extra space. Use crumpled paper or packing peanuts to fill these spaces. Lastly, add a few layers of bubble wrap on top of the items to cushion the upper side of the box. 

Step 5: Close and seal the box 

Once no free space is left in the box, it’s time to seal it. Using the packaging tape, close the box and tape over the seams, flaps, and corners. After, use a marker to label the box as “Fragile.” This lets you and the movers know to handle the package carefully. 

Common mistakes to avoid when packing fragile items

A moving box with silverware and kitchen tools.

Be mindful of these errors to ensure a safe relocation of your precious belongings: 

• Overpacking boxes: If a box contains too many heavy items, damage and delays are likely. Fill the boxes correctly and distribute the weight to prevent accidents and ensure an efficient move. 
• Using old, weak cartons: They lack the rigidity and strength to protect your items against crushing. Ideally, high-quality moving cartons should be used, but you can use and repurpose old cardboard boxes, as long as they’re sturdy enough to carry and protect your items. 
• Leaving gaps or empty spaces in boxes: If a box is too big, the items inside can shift and break easily. Fill every spot in a box with pillows, blankets, towels, or crumpled packing paper to cushion the items inside. 
• Incorrect item orientation: Stacking framed artwork horizontally can cause glass to crack and frames to warp. Always pack fragile items, especially artwork, vertically standing up in the box, rather than laying them flat. 
• Overlooking temperature and humidity damage: Oil paintings can crack if exposed to cold temperatures. Likewise, high humidity can cause them to blend or split, so it’s crucial to use humidity control packets and temperature monitoring devices to avoid this during the move. 
• Leaving packing until the last moment: Mistakes can happen if you rush packing, so plan and prepare in advance to safeguard your belongings. 
• Seal liquid products properly: Anything containing liquid should be sealed tightly to prevent leakage. If there’s an already opened bottle, secure it with plastic wrap to minimise liquid loss in case it tips over.

Move with ease, even with fragile items  

Now that you know how to pack fragile items for moving, your wine glasses will stay intact in the moving van. That said, moving can still get stressful if you handle everything alone.

Do you need help transporting appliances or even packing up your things? You can always hire a professional removalist on Airtasker to get the job done! Post a task and get a fair quote on your needed moving help.