Fragile items cause the most moving-day stress. The good news: with the right materials and technique, glassware, electronics and mirrors travel perfectly safely. Here’s how the professionals do it.
1. Use the right materials
Sturdy double-wall cartons, bubble wrap, packing paper, stretch film and corrugated sheets. Never use old, soft boxes for fragile items.
2. Wrap each item individually
Every glass, plate and figurine gets its own layer of paper or bubble wrap — never let fragile items touch each other.
3. Cushion the box
Line the bottom and top with crushed paper or bubble wrap so nothing sits against a hard surface.
4. Plates go vertical
Pack plates on their edge (like records), not stacked flat — they resist pressure far better this way.
5. Fill every gap
Empty space lets items shift and break. Fill voids with paper so nothing moves when the box is shaken gently.
6. Protect screens and mirrors
Tape an X across glass surfaces, wrap in bubble wrap and corrugated sheets, and always move them upright in specialised crates.
7. Label clearly
Mark boxes “FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP” on all sides so everyone handles them correctly.
8. Don’t overload
Keep fragile boxes light enough to lift comfortably — heavy boxes get dropped.
Prefer to leave it to experts? Our packing & unpacking service uses premium materials and includes full transit insurance.