Wrap each fragile item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, cushion the bottom of boxes with crumpled paper, pack heavier items on bottom, and fill empty spaces so nothing shifts. The key is creating layers of protection and preventing movement inside the box.
Here’s exactly how to pack your breakables so they arrive in one piece.
What You’ll Need
- Small to medium boxes (large boxes get too heavy)
- Packing paper or newsprint
- Bubble wrap for extra-delicate items
- Packing tape (the good stuff, not dollar store tape)
- Markers for labeling
- Dish pack boxes for dishes and glassware (they’re reinforced)
Pro tip: Never use towels or clothing as the only padding. They compress during the move and don’t provide enough cushioning. Use them as a secondary layer if you want, but always use proper packing materials as the main protection.
The Right Way to Pack Dishes
Plates: Wrap each plate individually in packing paper. Stack them vertically (on their edges) in the box, not flat. This distributes pressure better and actually reduces breakage. Place a layer of crumpled paper between every few plates.
Bowls: Nest bowls of similar sizes together with paper between each one. Don’t stack more than 3-4 bowls per bundle.
Glasses and stemware: Stuff the inside with crumpled paper first. Wrap the outside, paying extra attention to stems and handles. Pack glasses upright, never on their sides.
The box setup: Line the bottom with 3-4 inches of crumpled paper. Pack your heaviest items (plates) on the bottom, medium-weight items in the middle, and lightest (glasses) on top. Fill every gap with crumpled paper so nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
Packing Artwork and Mirrors
Small frames: Wrap in bubble wrap and pack vertically in boxes with cardboard dividers between them.
Large mirrors and artwork: Make a “sandwich” – cardboard, bubble wrap, mirror, bubble wrap, cardboard. Tape it securely and mark “FRAGILE – GLASS” on all sides. Never lay flat in the truck; these should stand upright.
Canvas paintings: Cover the face with plastic wrap first (to protect from scratches), then wrap in bubble wrap. Corner protectors are worth buying for valuable pieces.
Electronics
TVs and monitors: If you kept the original box, use it. If not, wrap the screen in bubble wrap, then a moving blanket, and keep it upright during the move. Never lay modern flat screens down.
Computers: Back up your data first. Remove external cables and pack them separately in labeled bags. Wrap the computer in bubble wrap.
Small electronics: Original boxes are best. Otherwise, wrap in bubble wrap and pack in boxes filled with packing paper to prevent shifting.
Lamps and Lampshades
Take shades off and pack them separately – they’re more fragile than they look. Wrap the base in bubble wrap. For delicate shades, nest smaller ones inside larger ones with tissue paper between them, or pack individually in boxes.
Kitchen Appliances
Anything with glass (blenders, coffee makers): Remove glass components and pack them separately like you would pack drinking glasses.
Small appliances: Wrap in bubble wrap or packing paper. Don’t pack heavy items on top of them.
Sharp items: Wrap knife blades in dish towels or bubble wrap and tape them closed. Never just toss them in a box where you or the movers could get hurt.
The Most Important Step: Label Everything
Mark every box with fragile items as “FRAGILE” on multiple sides. Be specific: “FRAGILE – KITCHEN GLASSES” or “FRAGILE – GRANDMOTHER’S CHINA” tells movers exactly how careful they need to be.
Add “THIS SIDE UP” arrows if it matters for what’s inside.
What Not to Do
- Don’t wrap items in newspaper – the ink transfers and is a pain to clean
- Don’t leave empty spaces in boxes
- Don’t pack heavy and fragile items in the same box
- Don’t rush this part (most damage happens from lazy packing, not rough handling)
- Don’t assume “bubble wrap everything” is enough – you need proper box cushioning too
How Many Boxes Will You Need?
Most people underestimate. A typical kitchen takes 6-10 boxes just for fragile items. Buy more boxes than you think you need – you can always return unused ones, but running out mid-pack is frustrating.
The Reality Check
Packing fragile items takes longer than you expect – plan at least 30-60 minutes per room with breakables. But the time you invest now saves the heartbreak of opening boxes at your new place and finding shattered heirlooms.
If you’d rather not deal with the stress, our team can pack your fragile items with professional materials and techniques. We’ve packed thousands of homes without breakage – ask us about our packing services.