Most damage in a move happens to a small number of items: glassware, mirrors, artwork, ornaments, electronics, and anything with a screen. It usually happens for the same few reasons: the wrong box size, not enough cushioning, or a box packed too heavy to handle safely. The good news is that none of it is complicated once you know what to look for. In this guide we will walk through the techniques our trained packers use on every job, from choosing the right box to labelling it clearly at the end. Whether you are packing yourself or just want to understand how a professional packing service works, these tips will help your fragile items arrive in one piece.
Use the right box for the item, not just any box
A box that is too big leaves room for items to shift and knock together in transit. A box that is too small gets forced shut and puts pressure on whatever is inside. Dish and glass boxes with built-in dividers exist for a reason, and they are worth using for anything genuinely fragile.
Heavy items like plates should go in smaller boxes so the box does not become impossible to lift. Light but bulky items like lampshades can go in larger boxes, but still need plenty of cushioning to stop them moving around.
If you cannot get specialist boxes, sturdy double-walled cardboard is the next best thing. Avoid thin or damaged boxes from supermarkets, they may not survive the journey.
Wrap individually, not as a group
Every plate, glass, and ornament should be wrapped on its own before it goes anywhere near other items. Grouping unwrapped items together and cushioning around the outside still leaves them free to knock against each other inside.
Use packing paper first, then bubble wrap for extra delicate or oddly shaped pieces. Newspaper works in a pinch but can leave ink marks on your hands and your items. For glasses, stuff the inside with crumpled paper before wrapping the outside to prevent the rim from being crushed.
Tape bubble wrap loosely rather than tightly. Over-tightening can put pressure on delicate edges and create stress points where cracks can start.
Pack heavy to light, with no empty gaps
Heavier items go in the bottom of the box, with lighter and more fragile items on top. Use plenty of cushioning between layers so nothing touches directly. A box that rattles when you gently shake it needs more packing paper before it is sealed.
Do not overfill. A box that bulges at the top or sides is far more likely to split, crush other boxes, or be dropped. As a rough guide, a box of fragile items should weigh no more than you can comfortably lift without straining.
Fill any empty spaces with scrunched paper, towels, or soft linens. Movement inside the box is what causes most breakages, not pressure from outside.
Handle mirrors, artwork, and screens differently
Flat items like mirrors, framed pictures, and televisions should never be packed lying loose at the bottom of a box. Use dedicated picture or mirror boxes where possible, or sandwich items between sturdy cardboard sheets with plenty of edge protection.
Always pack screens and artwork upright, never flat. A flat screen under a stack of boxes is a cracked screen waiting to happen. If you still have the original box for a television, that is usually the safest option.
Mark these boxes clearly as fragile and indicate which side should face up. Movers treat them differently when they know what is inside.
Label it properly
A box labelled 'fragile' with an arrow showing which way is up genuinely changes how it gets handled and loaded. It takes ten seconds and is one of the simplest things that makes a real difference.
Write the destination room on the label as well. That way the box goes straight to the right place at the new property and does not get buried under other boxes before you can unpack it.
If a box contains something especially valuable or sentimental, mark it as 'handle with care' and point it out to the crew. Communication on the day prevents small mistakes from becoming big regrets.
Quick checklist
- Choose a correctly sized, sturdy box for each item
- Wrap every fragile item individually in packing paper
- Use bubble wrap for extra delicate or oddly shaped pieces
- Pack heavy items at the bottom, light items on top
- Fill every empty gap so nothing shifts inside the box
- Pack screens, mirrors, and artwork upright
- Use cardboard edge protectors on frames and mirrors
- Label every box 'fragile' with an up arrow
- Write the destination room on each box
Frequently asked questions
Can you pack fragile items for me?
Yes, our packing service covers fragile and valuable items specifically, using the right box types and cushioning for each.
What is the best material for wrapping glassware?
Packing paper wrapped individually works well for most glassware, with bubble wrap reserved for anything particularly delicate or oddly shaped.
Should I pack mirrors and artwork flat or upright?
Upright, in a dedicated picture or mirror box where possible, with cardboard corner protectors on the edges.
Is newspaper safe for wrapping china?
It works in an emergency but can leave ink stains. Proper packing paper or tissue is much safer.
How much cushioning is enough?
If you can shake the sealed box and hear or feel movement, it needs more cushioning.
