How to Pack Fragile Items Safely
Fragile items need extra care. These steps follow the same approach our packing crews use every day.
Use the right box
Pick sturdy double-wall cartons slightly larger than the item. Line the bottom with crumpled paper or foam so nothing rests on a hard surface.
Wrap each piece separately
Wrap plates, glasses and ceramics individually in bubble wrap or soft paper. Pack plates on their edge, not flat, and fill empty spaces so items cannot shift.
Protect TVs, mirrors and electronics
Use the original box if you still have it. Otherwise wrap screens in foam, add corner protectors and tape a visible mark so handlers know which side is up. Photograph cable connections before disconnecting.
Label and load smartly
Mark cartons as fragile, note the room and place them on top of heavier boxes. If you prefer experts to do it, our packing and unpacking service handles it all.
Special cases: mirrors, paintings and appliances
Mirrors and framed pictures should be wrapped in paper, then bubble wrap, and placed in a flat carton on their edge with a cross of tape on the glass to hold it if it cracks. Washing machines need their drum bolts secured and hoses drained. Microwaves should be packed with the glass plate removed. Always keep screws, remotes and cables in a labelled bag taped to the item.
When to leave it to professionals
Antiques, large glass tabletops, wall-mounted LED televisions and heavy marble pieces are better handled by trained crews with the right materials. Our packing and unpacking service prices these items separately, so you can pack the easy things yourself and hand over only the delicate ones.
Step-by-step: packing a glass-top table
Remove the glass top and the legs if possible. Place paper or a thin foam sheet on both sides of the glass, then wrap it in bubble wrap and tape the edges. Slide it into a flat carton or between two sheets of cardboard, and mark the carton with arrows showing which way is up. Carry it vertically, never flat, and ask the crew to load it standing against a wall of the truck with padding on both sides.
Common packing mistakes
- Using boxes that are too large, so items shift inside
- Mixing heavy and light items in the same carton
- Skipping the bottom layer of padding
- Taping over the glass rather than around it
- Forgetting to label cartons as fragile
A box should not rattle when you shake it gently. If it does, add more paper or foam. For a big job, use our professional packing team and keep your valuable ornaments with you.
The principles behind safe packing
Fragile items break for three reasons: impact, pressure and vibration. Good packing deals with all three. For impact, wrap each piece with cushioning that absorbs shock. For pressure, use rigid cartons, never stack heavy items over fragile ones, and fill empty space so that nothing can be crushed. For vibration, make sure items cannot rub against each other or against the carton wall, because small movements over hundreds of kilometres can chip glass and crack ceramics.
With these principles in mind, the steps become logical: choose a carton that is only slightly bigger than the item, line the base with a thick layer of padding, wrap pieces separately, fill gaps, and seal the carton with enough tape that it will not open if it is tipped.
Packing material guide
| Material | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble wrap | Glassware, mirrors, electronics | Bubbles face the item |
| Foam sheets | Plates, picture frames, screens | Place between items |
| Packing paper | Cups, bowls, figurines | Crumple for cushioning |
| Corrugated sheets | Furniture surfaces, glass tops | Cover edges and corners |
| Double-wall cartons | Heavy kitchen items | Do not overload |
| Stretch film | Holding drawers and doors shut | Avoid direct contact with polished wood |
How to pack a television and electronics
Use the original box if you still have it. If not, wrap the screen with a soft cloth, then a layer of foam, and place it in a sturdy carton with padding on all sides. Never lay a television flat for a long distance unless the manufacturer allows it. Remove stands and accessories and pack them in a labelled bag. Take photographs of cable connections before you unplug anything so that reconnecting the home theatre, set-top box and router is easy. Computers, printers and monitors should be wrapped individually, with the cartons marked fragile and this side up.
Do not forget small electronics such as chargers, remotes and hard drives. These are easy to lose, so put them in a clear bag and keep it with you.
Packing a crockery set and glassware
Start by placing a layer of crumpled paper in the base of the carton. Wrap each plate in paper, stack up to five plates together as a bundle and wrap the bundle again. Stand the bundles on edge rather than flat, because plates are stronger against pressure on their edges. Wrap each glass individually, with extra paper inside and around the rim, and place the glasses upright in a carton with dividers if you have them. Fill every gap with paper, then add a final layer on top before sealing. Shake the carton gently: if you can hear movement, add more padding.
Mirrors, paintings and artwork
Cover the glass with a cross of masking tape to hold the pieces together if it cracks. Wrap in paper, then in bubble wrap, and add corner protectors. Place the item in a flat carton and keep it on its edge, never stacked flat under other loads. For valuable paintings and large mirrors, consider asking our team to handle them under our packing and unpacking service. Professional packers often use custom-sized cartons and extra foam for such items.
What to do if something breaks anyway
Even with good packing, accidents can happen. Take photographs of the damage and the packing material straight away, and tell the crew leader at the time of unloading so that it can be recorded. Keep the receipt or the approximate value of the item. If you have transit cover, follow the claim steps given to you. Do not throw away the packaging until the matter is resolved. Learn how to pack kitchen items and read our house shifting checklist for a complete plan.
Quick reference: do and do not
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Use small cartons for heavy items | Pack heavy items in large boxes |
| Fill every gap with paper or foam | Leave empty space that lets items shift |
| Label cartons fragile with arrows | Stack heavy cartons over fragile ones |
| Photograph valuables before packing | Rely on memory for condition |
| Tape cartons along the seams and edges | Overfill or force the flaps shut |
Keep this list handy when packing and share it with family members who are helping. When you want a team to do it for you, see our packing and unpacking service.
Packing plants, lamps and small decorative items
Lamps should be dismantled: remove the shade and bulb, wrap the base in bubble wrap and carry the shade in a separate box. Small decorative items such as figurines and vases should be wrapped individually and stored in cartons with partitions. Potted plants travel best in a car with cover, but cut-flower arrangements and fragile ceramics should be packed in cartons with extra cushioning. Do not forget small accessories such as bulbs, cords and clips. Keep them in a labelled bag taped to the item.
Packing glass-door cabinets, showcases and decorative shelves
Glass cabinets are among the hardest pieces to move safely. Empty them completely and remove all shelves, which should be wrapped separately and placed in a flat carton. Wrap the cabinet body in blankets or foam and protect the corners with corrugated sheets. Tape the doors shut with a soft film or cloth tape, never directly on the glass. Mark the cabinet as fragile and ask the crew to carry it upright, not tilted. If the cabinet is old or has loose joints, tell us in advance so that it is handled with extra support.
Showcases and display shelves in shops follow the same approach, with special attention to glass edges and lighting fixtures. See our office and shop relocation page for commercial moves.
Labelling and loading: the last step that protects your packing
Even the best packing can be undone by poor loading. Mark every fragile carton on the top and at least two sides, with arrows showing which way is up. Tell the crew which cartons hold glass or electronics, and ask that they be loaded last and placed on top. In the vehicle, fragile cartons should be secured with straps and never sit under a heavy load. At the destination, unload them first and place them in a quiet room, away from traffic. Taking a few minutes to explain this to the crew makes a large difference.
Quick answers
Soft packing paper or bubble wrap is better. Newsprint ink can stain items, so use a clean layer first.
Pack fragile items: the short version
To pack fragile items safely, use small rigid cartons, wrap each piece, fill every gap and label clearly. If you would rather not, our packing team can do it.
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