How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move: The Best Tips to Know

Even with the number of Americans moving at a record low, 9.8% of people in the US still packed up and moved in 2019. That’s over 40 million people!

If you’re relocating your household this year, there are a lot of stressors on your plate.  There are many factors to consider when heading to a new location — from deciding on a new place to live —  to securing a new job. On top of all that, trying to box items, especially ones that are easily breakable, can understandably send you over the edge.

Read on to learn how to pack fragile items before your big move!

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

When packing fragile items, you need to start with the right materials. These include tissue paper, bubble wrap, small to medium-sized boxes, labels, tape, and markers. 

Consider using specialty boxes for your fragile items. Your moving company most likely has dish pack boxes. These boxes are extra durable, made with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The extra-thick walls provide an added layer of protection for the items inside.

How to Pack Common Breakable Items

For unusual fragile items, you might need a little creativity when it comes to packing. Below we will provide a few suggestions.

Reinforce the bottom of your fragile item boxes with extra packing tape. Then place several layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the inside bottom of the box. Put heavier objects in first so that they are at the bottom — separate layers of fragile items with more packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Once your items are in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting and getting damaged.

Dishes

Use small to medium-sized boxes to pack dishes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, then place them vertically in the box. Place several sheets of crumpled packing paper between each plate to keep them stable and in place.

Glasses

Place crumpled packing paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem with bubble wrap or a folded piece of packing paper and secure it with tape. Then individually wrap each glass with packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Picture Frames

Place a large “X” of painter’s tape over the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap the frames in bubble wrap then tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Set the frames on crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, pack the frames standing up instead of flat.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Also, indicate which end needs to be up.

Separate the boxes marked “fragile” from your other boxes. Inform your movers or helpers about the fragile things in those boxes so they can be handled with special care.

Bring In the Professionals

While moving can be a stressful chore, it doesn’t need to be incredibly difficult and grueling.

Before you get too far into the moving process, contact professional household movers to discuss your options with them. In addition to moving all of your goods, you might decide to have the movers pack and unpack for you.

Our residential moving experts offer services for people moving both locally and out of the area. This means that no matter where you intend to go, there’s always an option for you.

Contact us about any questions you may have and to set up a time for us to come and help you move your fragile and valuable items.