How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving: The Definitive Guide

Packing fragile items is the highest-stakes part of any move. One broken heirloom or cracked screen can turn a successful move into a frustrating one. This definitive guide covers every fragile category — with professional techniques for each.

General Principles for Packing Fragile Items

• Always use clean, fresh packing paper — never newspaper (ink transfers)
• Every fragile item needs individual wrapping — no exceptions
• Use dish pack boxes (double-walled) for kitchen fragiles
• Pack fragile boxes tightly — movement inside the box is what causes breakage
• Always place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box
• Fill every void with packing paper or air pillows
• Mark all fragile boxes clearly and indicate “THIS SIDE UP”

Glassware and Dishes

Glasses and Stemware

1. Stuff the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper
2. Place the glass at the corner of a sheet of packing paper
3. Roll the glass diagonally, folding in the edges as you go
4. Wrap high-value stemware in a second sheet of paper
5. Pack glasses upright (not upside down) in a divided glass box
6. Line the bottom of the box with 3 inches of crumpled paper
7. Top with another 3 inches of paper before sealing

Plates and Bowls

1. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper
2. Bundle 3–4 wrapped plates together with an additional sheet around the bundle
3. Pack plates vertically (on edge), like records — they’re far more resistant to breakage this way
4. Never stack plates flat — the weight of stacking causes pressure fractures
5. Use cell dividers in dish pack boxes when available

Mugs and Cups

• Wrap each mug individually, paying extra attention to the handle
• Pack handles facing the same direction
• Fill the interior of each mug with crumpled paper

Electronics

TVs and Monitors

• Use the original box whenever possible — it’s purpose-built for the item
• If no original box: use a TV box sized for your screen, wrap the TV in stretch wrap first, then pad all sides with foam or moving blankets
• Never transport a flat-screen TV lying flat — always upright
• Remove and separately pack all cables, remotes, and wall mounts

Computers and Laptops

• Back up all data before packing
• Use original boxes when available
• Pack in a padded laptop case or wrap in bubble wrap and box with foam padding
• Keep hard drives with you, not on the truck, for valuable data
• Remove batteries from laptops for moves exceeding 4 hours in extreme temperatures

Small Electronics

• Remove batteries before packing to prevent corrosion
• Bundle cables with velcro ties, label them, and pack in a labeled zip-lock bag
• Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap (standard bubble wrap can generate static)
• Pack snugly with foam or paper packing — no movement inside the box

Artwork and Framed Pieces

Framed Artwork (under 30×40 inches)

1. Apply painter’s tape in an X pattern across the glass — this holds glass together if it cracks
2. Wrap in glassine paper first (protects the surface from contact marks)
3. Wrap in a layer of bubble wrap and secure with tape
4. Place in a picture box or between two pieces of cardboard cut to size
5. Fill all void space in the box with crumpled paper

Large Artwork and Canvases

• Use specialty picture boxes available in telescoping sizes
• For unframed canvas work, protect with glassine and a cardboard backing
• Store and transport artwork in a climate-controlled environment when possible
• For very valuable pieces, consider a fine art moving specialist

Mirrors

• Apply painter’s tape in an X or grid pattern across the mirror surface
• Wrap in moving blankets or mirror cartons
• Use foam corner protectors on all four corners
• Always transport mirrors vertically, never flat
• Do not stack anything on top of a boxed mirror

Antiques and Collectibles

• Photograph every antique before packing for insurance documentation
• Consult an appraiser before your move if you have very valuable pieces
• Use acid-free tissue paper for delicate finishes and patinas
• Declare high-value items in advance to your moving company if using Full Value Protection
• Consider hand-carrying truly irreplaceable items rather than putting them on the truck

Wine and Spirits

• Use dedicated wine shipping boxes with individual cell dividers
• Transport wine in a temperature-controlled vehicle when possible
• Do not move wine in the summer if the truck will sit in the sun — heat permanently damages wine
• Pack bottles horizontally to keep corks moist

Lamps and Lighting

• Remove shades and pack separately — never wrap a lampshade in paper (it dents)
• Pack lampshades in their own box, inside each other if similar size, separated by paper
• Wrap lamp bases in bubble wrap and box individually
• Remove and separately wrap bulbs

The “Too Precious to Pack” Rule

Some items should never go on the moving truck, regardless of how well packed:

• Irreplaceable family heirlooms and photographs
• Original documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds)
• Jewelry and cash
• Medications
• Highly valuable artwork or collectibles

Keep these items with you on moving day.

Final Fragile Box Checklist

• Every item individually wrapped
• Bottom of box padded with 3 inches of crumpled paper
• No voids — every empty space filled
• Top padded with 3 inches of paper before sealing
• Box closed and taped on all seams
• “FRAGILE,” “THIS SIDE UP,” and destination room marked clearly

Take the time to pack your fragile items properly and they’ll arrive at your new home exactly as they left. Serenity Movers also offers professional packing services for fragile and high-value items — if you’d rather leave it to the experts, we’re here to help.