Moving is a challenge that can make even the most experienced packers break a sweat. When it comes to delicate items — fragile glassware, valuable artwork, sensitive electronics — the stakes are even higher. A little preparation goes a long way.
Key takeaway: Most moving damage is preventable. The right materials and a systematic approach protect your valuables better than any insurance claim.
Gather the Right Materials First
Before you pack a single item, make sure you have everything you need. Improvising with the wrong materials is one of the most common causes of breakage.
- Double-walled cardboard boxes in multiple sizes
- Bubble wrap — the larger the bubbles, the better for heavy items
- Packing paper (unprinted newsprint leaves no ink stains)
- Packing tape — at least 5 cm wide for a strong seal
- Foam corner protectors for furniture and frames
- Marker pens and labels (always mark FRAGILE on all sides)
Packing Glassware & Crockery
Glasses and dishes are the most commonly broken items in any move. The secret is padding — not just around each item, but between every layer.
Glasses
Wrap each glass individually in packing paper, tucking paper inside the glass as well. Place glasses upright, never on their side — this distributes pressure along the strongest axis of the glass.
Plates
Plates survive moves best when packed vertically like records, not stacked flat. Place a sheet of foam or paper between each plate. Line the bottom of the box with at least 5 cm of crumpled paper as a shock absorber.
Pro tip: Use your towels, blankets, and clothing as free padding material. This saves space in other boxes and gives your fragile items extra cushioning.
Artwork & Mirrors
Framed artwork and mirrors deserve their own boxes — ideally purpose-made picture boxes that telescope to fit different sizes. Never stack frames face-to-face without padding in between.
- Apply masking tape in an X across mirrors and glass-fronted frames before wrapping — if they do break, the tape holds the shards together
- Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, securing with tape
- Mark the box TOP and THIS WAY UP clearly on all sides
- Transport artwork vertically, never flat — this prevents the glass from bearing the weight of whatever is loaded on top
Electronics
The original packaging is always best for electronics. If you no longer have it, use a box slightly larger than the device and fill all gaps firmly with foam or crumpled paper — items must not shift inside the box.
- Remove batteries from all devices before packing
- Back up data on computers and external drives before the move
- Use anti-static wrap for sensitive components and hard drives
- Keep cables organised with zip ties — label each cable
- Screens and monitors: wrap in a moving blanket, then bubble wrap. Transport upright, never face-down
Box Loading Order
How you load a box matters as much as how you pack each item. Follow this order:
- Bottom layer: Heaviest, sturdiest items with plenty of base padding
- Middle layer: Medium-weight items wrapped individually
- Top layer: Lightest, most fragile items
- Fill every gap with crumpled paper — a box that rattles will break something
- Close and tape the box, then press the top — it should not flex. If it does, add more padding
On Moving Day
Even perfect packing can be undone by poor loading. Keep these rules in mind:
- Load fragile boxes last so they come off the truck first
- Never place heavy boxes on top of fragile ones
- Tell your movers which boxes are fragile — don't assume they'll read the labels
- Transport framed artwork and large mirrors in the vehicle cab or secured upright against the wall of the van
With TIXPI: Our partner movers are briefed on fragile handling. Book online in 60 seconds and get instant pricing — start here.