Nothing ruins moving day faster than opening a box of broken glassware or shattered memories. Fragile items—like dishes, picture frames, electronics, and decor—need more than bubble wrap and good intentions. If you want your delicate stuff to arrive intact, you need a smart, careful packing strategy. Here's how to do it right.
1. Start With the Right Supplies
Before you wrap a single dish, stock up on quality materials. Skimping here can cost you in damage later.
Must-haves:
- Sturdy boxes (not reused liquor store boxes—get new or barely used ones)
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets
- Packing paper (not newspaper—it leaves ink)
- Packing tape (high-strength, not dollar-store quality)
- Labels or markers
For particularly breakable or valuable items, consider specialty boxes like dish packs or cell kits, which provide added structure and compartments.
2. Use Smaller Boxes for Heavier Items
Fragile doesn’t always mean lightweight. A box full of dishes or books can get dangerously heavy fast. Use small to medium boxes to make them easier to carry and less likely to break under their own weight.
Tip: Keep the total weight under 40 pounds per box. Your back—and your belongings—will thank you.
3. Layer the Bottom of the Box
Think of the box as a tiny shock-absorbing environment. Before placing any items inside, cushion the bottom with crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts, or bubble wrap. This layer absorbs impact if the box is dropped or shifted.
4. Wrap Each Item Individually
This is where most people rush—and pay for it later. Wrap each item separately. Dishes? Wrap one at a time. Glassware? Wrap the stems and bowls. Electronics? Remove cords and batteries, and wrap components individually.
How to wrap:
- Place the item in the center of packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Fold the sides over tightly.
- Use tape to keep it secure.
Pro tip: For plates and flat items, stack them vertically, like records in a crate. They’re less likely to crack this way.
5. Fill All Gaps
After placing wrapped items in the box, fill every empty space. Use packing paper, soft cloths, or even socks to prevent items from shifting around. Movement inside the box is a major cause of damage during transit.
6. Label Clearly
Mark every box with the word FRAGILE in large, bold letters on all sides. Also note THIS SIDE UP if orientation matters. Movers or helpers are more likely to treat your items with care when it's clear they're breakable.
7. Use the Right Technique for Specific Items
Some items need extra attention:
- Mirrors and framed art: Use corner protectors and pack vertically in mirror boxes.
- Lamps: Pack the base and shade separately. Wrap cords neatly and tape them to the item.
- TVs and monitors: Use original boxes if possible. Otherwise, use padded, heavy-duty boxes designed for screens.
- China and collectibles: Wrap in several layers, and use compartment boxes or DIY dividers made from cardboard.
If you're using professionals, choose movers with experience handling delicate items, like https://www.bestofutahmoving.com/moving-services-in-wasatch-hollow-ut/.
8. Pack Fragile Items Last (and Unpack First)
When loading the moving truck or car, put fragile boxes on top of heavier ones and in spots where they won’t shift. Don’t stack anything on top of them. At your new place, unload these boxes first so they don’t get jostled or buried.
Bottom line: Packing fragile items isn’t hard—it just takes time, care, and the right materials. A little extra effort can mean the difference between broken pieces and a stress-free unboxing. Take it slow, do it right, and your valuables will make the move in one piece.