How to Pack Fragile Items into Moving Boxes

Are you planning to move soon, but you're worried about your delicate items? This guide is all you need to pack your fragile items properly into cardboard moving boxes and into removal trucks.

Breakable items are often the most concerning part of removals. You often have to think about using the right packing materials, the loading sequence, getting extra space in your loading truck, additional protection, and more.

Fragile Items Examples

Here's a list of common fragile items that require special attention and packing:

• Glassware and Crystal - This includes drinking glasses, wine glasses, crystal ornaments, and any decorative items made of glass or crystal. They are highly susceptible to chipping and breaking.

• Plates and Dishes - Ceramic plates, bowls, and dishware can easily crack or shatter if not properly packed.

• Fine China and Porcelain - These items are fragile and often have sentimental or monetary value, making careful packing even more important.

• Picture Frames and Mirrors - Glass fronts can crack, and frames can get dinged or scratched without proper protection.

• Artwork - Paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces, especially those framed with glass, require special handling to prevent damage.

• Electronics - TVs, computers, tablets, and other electronics have delicate components that can be damaged by impact or excessive shaking.

• Lamps and Light Fixtures - These often have glass components and delicate structures that can be easily damaged.

• Musical Instruments - Instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos are sensitive to bumps, drops, and extreme temperatures.

• Collectibles and Antiques - Any collectible items, antique furniture, or heirlooms should be handled with care due to their age, fragility, and irreplaceable nature.

• Wine Bottles - These are not only fragile but can cause a mess if broken. Special wine packing boxes are recommended.

How to Pack Breakables and Fragile Items Properly

Packing fragile items for a move requires attention to detail and the right approach to ensure they arrive at your new home in the same condition they left. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pack your breakables and fragile items properly:

1. Create a Sturdy Base for Your Boxes

Start by creating a strong foundation within your boxes. Place a layer of packing material at the bottom of each box, such as scrunched-up packing paper or bubble wrap. This acts as a cushion to absorb shocks and vibrations during the move.

2. Set Your Fragile Items Aside and Inspect Them

Before you start packing, gather all your fragile items in one place. This includes anything made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, and other delicate materials. Inspect each item for any existing damage to know what needs extra care or might be too risky to move.

3. Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Ensure you have all necessary packing supplies before you begin. This list should include:

• Sturdy, high-quality packing boxes in various sizes

• Cardboard dividers when you're adding multiple items in one box

• Bubble wrap for wrapping items

• Packing peanuts or crumpled paper for extra protection

• Packing paper or newspaper for additional wrapping and filling spaces

• Packing tape for securing boxes and wrap

• A marker for labeling

• Scissors or a box cutter

4. Wrap Them Carefully with Bubble Wrap

Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap, securing the wrap with tape. For extra protection, wrap items a second time with packing paper or place them in smaller boxes which then goes into a larger box (double boxing technique). You can also use crumpled packing paper as an alternative.

5. Mark Your Container Clearly

Use a permanent marker to label each box containing fragile items. Write "FRAGILE" in big, bold letters on multiple sides of the box. You might also want to indicate which side is up and list the contents for easier unpacking.

6. Don't Use Flimsy Boxes

Choose high-quality and sturdy boxes for packing fragile items. Flimsy boxes are more likely to collapse or become deformed, which can damage the contents. Test the box's strength by gently pressing down on the corners and sides to ensure they can hold weight without buckling.

7. Be Generous with the Packing Tape

Don't skimp on the packing tape. Use it generously to reinforce the bottom of your boxes to prevent them from opening under weight. Tape all seams and edges to fortify the boxes further against impacts.

8. Take Time to Do It Right

Packing fragile items is not a process you should rush. Take time wrapping each item securely and placing it carefully in the box. Ensure there's enough packing material between items to prevent them from touching each other.

Fill any voids in the box with additional packing paper, paper, or bubble wrap to stop items from shifting during transport. When loading into your truck, put the heaviest items first before loading smaller items.

9. Hire a Removalist

Consider hiring professional removalists if you're not confident in your packing skills or have particularly valuable or sentimental items. They have the experience, skills, and materials to safely pack and transport fragile items. Make sure to communicate which boxes contain fragile items so they can handle them with extra care.