Packing Guide for Fragile Items

Fragile items need special attention during a move. Follow these tips so your delicate belongings arrive safely.

Essential packing materials

Before you start, gather these supplies:

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Foam peanuts or padding
• Packing tape
• Markers for labeling

General packing principles

1. Use quality boxes. Never use damaged boxes for fragile items. Double-walled boxes provide extra protection.
2. Cushion the bottom. Create a 2–3 inch layer of padding at the bottom of each box using bubble wrap or packing paper.
3. Wrap each item individually. Never pack fragile items without wrapping them separately. Use several layers for valuable pieces.
4. Fill empty spaces. Prevent items from shifting by filling gaps with packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts.
5. Don’t overpack. Heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped. Keep boxes of fragile items to a manageable weight.

Item-specific tips

Dishes and glassware

• Wrap each piece individually in packing paper
• Place plates vertically (on edge) rather than stacked
• Use dividers for glasses and stemware
• Mark “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” clearly

Artwork and mirrors

• Use specialty boxes or create custom protection
• Cover glass surfaces with painter’s tape in an X pattern to prevent shattering
• Wrap in bubble wrap and secure with tape
• Never lay flat: always transport upright

Electronics

• Use original boxes when possible
• Remove batteries and pack separately
• Wrap cords and label them
• Take photos of cable connections for easy reassembly

Lamps and light fixtures

• Remove bulbs and shades
• Wrap base and shade separately
• Fill hollow bases with packing paper for stability

Crystal and china

• Use extra padding
• Wrap each piece in tissue paper first, then bubble wrap
• Consider professional packing for valuable collections

Labeling strategy

Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items:

• Write “FRAGILE” on all sides in large letters
• Indicate which side should face up
• Note the room destination
• List contents for valuable items

Loading the moving truck

• Place fragile boxes on top of heavier items
• Never stack other boxes on top of fragile items
• Secure boxes to prevent shifting during transport

Consider professional help

For valuable or extremely fragile items, professional packing gives you expert handling, insurance coverage, specialty packing materials and peace of mind. Contact us for packing services tailored to your needs.