How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving: A Professional Guide
The most common cause of damage during a house move is not rough driving or careless handling — it is poor packing. A well-packed box can withstand being dropped from waist height without damage. A poorly packed box will break in the back of a van on a smooth road. Here is exactly how professional removal teams pack fragile items, and how you can do the same.
The Right Materials Make All the Difference
Before you start packing, make sure you have:
- Double-walled boxes: Standard single-wall boxes are fine for books and clothes. For anything fragile, use double-walled (also called heavy-duty) boxes
- Packing paper: Unprinted newsprint is ideal. Avoid using actual newspaper — the ink transfers onto surfaces
- Bubble wrap: For extra protection on glass, ceramics, and electronics. Do not rely on it alone — use paper first
- Foam packing sheets: Better than bubble wrap for surfaces prone to scratching (mirrors, picture frames)
- Packing tape: A good tape gun is far faster and neater than tearing tape by hand. Reinforce box bases with 2–3 strips of tape
- Tissue paper: For items with painted or gilded surfaces
The Golden Rules of Packing Fragile Items
Rule 1: No Empty Space in the Box
Any void space in a box allows items to shift and collide during transit. Fill every gap with crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts, or a folded towel. Shake the box gently — if you can hear or feel movement, add more padding.
Rule 2: Heaviest Items at the Bottom
Pack heavier items (plates, pots) at the bottom of the box and lighter items (glasses, bowls) on top. Never pack heavy items on top of fragile ones.
Rule 3: Wrap Every Item Individually
Two items placed in a box together without individual wrapping will damage each other even if both are wrapped in the same piece of paper. Every single item should be individually wrapped.
Rule 4: Use the Right Box Size
Large boxes are not for heavy or fragile items. Keep boxes containing glass or ceramics small and manageable — a box that is too heavy to carry safely is more likely to be dropped.
How to Pack Specific Fragile Items
Plates and Crockery
Wrap each plate in 2 sheets of packing paper. Stand plates on their edge (like records in a crate) rather than flat. Flat-stacked plates crack under the pressure of items above them. Use a dish divider kit for best results.
Glasses and Stemware
Tuck a sheet of paper inside each glass before wrapping. Roll tightly in a second sheet, twisting the ends. Place upright (rim down, base up) in a divided box. Do not stack glasses directly on top of each other.
Bottles and Decanters
Wrap the neck and base separately before wrapping the whole bottle. Fill decanters with packing paper to prevent the glass from collapsing inward under pressure.
Mirrors and Glass Artwork
Apply an X of masking tape across the glass face before wrapping — this holds the glass together if it cracks, preventing shattering. Wrap in foam packing sheets, then bubble wrap. Always transport mirrors upright, never flat.
Electronics (TVs, Monitors)
Original packaging is best. If unavailable, wrap screens in foam packing sheets, then bubble wrap. Transport flat-screen TVs upright. Tape cables and remote controls to the device with masking tape (not parcel tape, which damages surfaces).
Lamps and Lampshades
Remove bulbs and wrap separately. Remove lampshades and box them individually — never stack other items inside or on top. Lamp bases can usually be wrapped in moving blankets or bubble wrap.
Labelling Fragile Boxes
Label every fragile box on at least two sides with "FRAGILE", the contents, the destination room, and any handling instructions (e.g., "THIS WAY UP", "PLATES UPRIGHT"). Bright-coloured stickers or a clearly different pen colour help removal teams identify fragile boxes quickly.
Not Sure You Have Time to Pack Everything?
Our professional packing service is faster, fully insured, and often more affordable than you expect. Request a packing quote from Metro City moves London and we'll give you a price within the hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bubble wrap or packing paper better for fragile items?
Both serve different purposes. Packing paper provides cushioning and fills void space. Bubble wrap provides shock absorption and surface protection. For maximum protection, use packing paper as the primary wrap and bubble wrap as an outer layer on very delicate items.
What should I not pack myself when moving?
Antiques, artwork, large mirrors, grandfather clocks, pianos, and wine collections are all items that benefit from specialist packing. If an item is irreplaceable or very high value, use a professional packing service with appropriate insurance.