How to pack fragile items for moving

Most moving damage happens to a small group of items: glass, crockery, mirrors, screens and decorative pieces. Packed correctly, they travel safely even over long distances.

Materials you need

• Small and medium strong cartons (fragile items should never go in large boxes)
• Bubble wrap and foam sheets
• Plain newsprint or packing paper (avoid printed newspaper on white crockery)
• Strong packing tape and a marker
• Corrugated sheet and corner guards for mirrors and frames

Plates and bowls

Wrap each plate separately and pack them standing on edge, like files in a drawer, not stacked flat. Line the bottom of the carton with crumpled paper and fill every gap so nothing moves when you shake the box gently.

Glasses and cups

Stuff the inside with paper, wrap the outside in bubble wrap, and place them upright with dividers or paper between each. Lighter glasses go on top layers.

Mirrors, glass tops and frames

Mark a large X with tape across the glass to hold pieces together if it breaks. Add corner guards, wrap in bubble wrap, then sandwich between corrugated sheets. Always transport them standing on edge, never flat.

TVs and monitors

The original box is best. If you do not have it, wrap the screen with foam, then bubble wrap, and box it with padding on all sides. Remove stands and wall brackets and pack screws in a labelled bag.

Showpieces and idols

Wrap delicate parts like arms or spouts first, then the whole piece. Pack each one with enough padding that it cannot touch another.

Label and load correctly

Write FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP on at least two sides, and the room name. In the truck, fragile cartons go on top and never under heavy items.

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