Practical Tips for Packing Fragile Items

Moving home is exciting, but it can quickly become stressful when you consider all those precious, breakable items that need to make the journey safely. Whether it’s your grandmother’s fine china, wedding crystal, or expensive electronics, proper packing techniques ensure everything arrives in one piece at your new place.

As experienced and safe removalists, we’ve seen it all – from perfectly packed boxes to, unfortunately, preventable disasters. This guide will walk you through practical, proven strategies to pack your fragile belongings like a pro, giving you peace of mind on moving day.

 

Understanding What Needs Special Care

Before getting into packing techniques, it’s important to identify which items need extra attention:

Common household fragiles include:

• Glassware and crystal
• Fine china and porcelain
• Mirrors and picture frames
• Electronics and screens
• Lamps and light fixtures
• Antiques and collectables
• Ceramic decorations
• Musical instruments

Each of these categories requires slightly different approaches, but the fundamental principles remain similar. Let’s explore the essential supplies you’ll need before getting started.

 

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Essential Packing Supplies for Fragile Items

 

Having the right materials on hand can make all the difference between items arriving intact or in pieces. Don’t skimp on quality here. Proper protection is worth the investment.

Must-have supplies:

• Strong, double-walled boxes in various sizes: Standard cardboard boxes often aren’t sturdy enough for heavier fragile items. Double-walled boxes provide essential strength and stability.
• Packing paper and tissue paper: Plain newsprint or acid-free packing paper is crucial for wrapping items individually before cushioning.
• Bubble wrap in different sizes: The air-filled bubbles provide excellent shock absorption for delicate items.
• Packing peanuts or foam inserts: These fill empty spaces in boxes, preventing items from shifting during transport.
• Packing tape (preferably heavy-duty): Securely sealed boxes are less likely to burst open during handling.
• Permanent markers: Clear labelling prevents rough handling and helps with unpacking.
• Furniture blankets or moving blankets: Essential for larger fragile items like mirrors, artwork, or television screens.
• Cell kits or dividers: These create individual compartments for items like glasses, preventing them from touching during transit.

Pro tip: While it might be tempting to save money by using old newspapers, the ink can transfer onto your items, especially in Australia’s often humid climate. Invest in proper packing paper instead.

 

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Packing Techniques for Different Fragile Items

Glassware and Stemware

Glasses, especially those with stems, are particularly vulnerable during moves. Here’s how to protect them:

1. > Start with a layer of crushed packing paper at the bottom of your box.
2. > Wrap each glass individually:
   • Place the glass on a corner of the packing paper
   • Roll it diagonally, tucking in the sides as you go
   • Twist the excess paper at the top or bottom
   • Secure with a small piece of tape if needed
3. > For stemware, add extra protection:
   • Wrap the stem first with bubble wrap
   • Then, wrap the entire glass with packing paper
   • Consider using cellular dividers specifically designed for stemware
4. > Place glasses upright in the box (never on their sides).
5. > Fill all gaps between glasses with crumpled packing paper.
6. > Add another layer of cushioning on top before sealing.

Plates and Bowls

Plates might seem sturdy, but improper packing can lead to chips or cracks:

• Wrap each plate individually with packing paper.
• For extra protection, place a foam plate divider between each wrapped plate.
• Stack plates vertically, like records in a box, rather than horizontally.
• For bowls, nest them with packing material between each item and wrap the stack.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom, lighter ones on top.
• Fill all empty spaces with packing material to prevent movement.

Electronics

Modern homes are filled with expensive electronic devices that need special care:

• Whenever possible, use the original packaging – manufacturers design these specifically for safe transport.
• If original boxes aren’t available, wrap items in anti-static bubble wrap (regular bubble wrap can create static electricity that damages electronics).
• Remove batteries from devices where possible.
• Secure any loose cords with twist ties and tape them to the device.
• For flatscreen TVs:
  • Wrap first in a layer of packing paper
  • Follow with bubble wrap
  • Place in a TV-specific box or between two sturdy pieces of cardboard
  • Consider professional handling for very large or expensive screens

Mirrors and Framed Art

These larger, flat fragile items require a different approach:

• Create an ‘X’ across the glass surface with masking tape to minimise damage if breakage occurs.
• Wrap the entire item in packing paper.
• Follow with a layer of bubble wrap, securing with tape.
• For added protection, sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard.
• Place vertically in a mirror or picture box, never flat.
• For valuable artwork, consider custom crating for maximum protection.

 

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How to Pack Your Box To Prevent and Minimise Damage

 

How you pack a box is just as important as how you wrap individual items:

The Right Box Size Matters

Choose appropriate box sizes – heavy, fragile items like books or kitchenware should go in smaller boxes, while lighter, bulkier, fragile items can go in larger ones. This prevents boxes from becoming too heavy to handle safely.

The Layering Method

• Create a 3-5 cm cushioning layer at the bottom of every box.
• Place the heaviest items at the bottom, medium weight in the middle, and lightest at the top.
• Add horizontal layers of cushioning material between layers of items.
• Ensure no fragile surfaces touch – each item should be separated by padding.
• Fill all empty spaces, especially corners.
• Add a final cushioning layer on top before sealing.

The No-Movement Test

Before sealing any box containing fragile items, gently shake it. If you feel or hear movement, add more packing material. Items should be snug but not compressed too tightly, which can cause pressure cracks.

Proper Sealing and Labelling

• Seal boxes with high-quality packing tape along all seams.
• Reinforce the bottom with extra tape in an H-pattern.
• Clearly mark all sides with “FRAGILE” and “THIS WAY UP” if applicable.
• Consider using coloured tape or stickers to easily identify fragile boxes.
• Label the contents and the destination room to assist with unpacking.

 

Tips for Moving Day

All your careful packing can be undone by hasty loading, so keep these tips in mind:

• Communicate clearly with your removalists about which boxes contain fragile items.
• Load fragile boxes last, so they’re first off the truck (less time in transit means less risk).
• Never stack heavy items on top of boxes marked fragile, no matter how pressed for space you are.
• Transport extremely valuable or sentimental items yourself when possible.
• Consider insurance options for particularly valuable items.

 

When to Consider Professional Packing Services

While DIY packing can save money, sometimes professional packing services are worth considering:

• When you have many high-value fragile items
  High-value possessions often require specialised packing techniques and materials to ensure their safety. Professional packers are trained to handle expensive china, crystal, artwork, and collectables with appropriate care. They understand how to provide extra protection for items where even minor damage would result in significant financial or sentimental loss, and they’re typically insured against damage.
• If you’re short on time before the move
  Properly packing fragile items is time-consuming—rushing leads to mistakes and breakage. Professional packers can accomplish what might take you days in hours, allowing you to focus on other moving priorities. They arrive with a team, a systematic approach, and efficiency born from experience, turning an overwhelming task into a streamlined process during what is already a stressful time.
• For particularly challenging items like pianos or antiques
  Some items require truly specialised knowledge and materials that go beyond standard packing techniques. Antiques with delicate finishes, musical instruments that can be damaged by slight changes in humidity or temperature, and oddly shaped or exceptionally heavy fragile items benefit from expertise. Professionals have likely packed similar items dozens of times and understand the unique challenges each presents.
• If you have physical limitations that make packing difficult
  Packing requires bending, lifting, reaching, and sustained periods of detailed work. If you have back problems, limited mobility, pregnancy concerns, or other physical restrictions, professional packers can handle the physical demands of wrapping and boxing items while ensuring proper technique is maintained throughout the process, protecting both you and your belongings.
• When moving long distances where items will be in transit longer
  Long-distance moves mean more time in transit, more handling of boxes, and exposure to varying road conditions and climate changes. Professional packers use techniques specifically designed for longer journeys, including more robust protective measures and specialised materials that maintain their protective properties over extended periods, reducing the likelihood of shifting and damage during extended transport.

 

Professional packers have experience, techniques, and materials that might not be readily available to you. They’re typically more efficient, use higher-quality materials in the right quantities, and understand the physics of how items can break under pressure or movement. While there’s an upfront cost, it often pays for itself through the prevention of damage to valuable items and the time and stress saved during a hectic moving period.

 

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Unpacking Safely at Your New Home

The care shouldn’t stop once you arrive at your destination. Proper unpacking is just as crucial as careful packing to ensure your fragile items complete their journey safely:

• Unpack fragile items first, while you have energy and patience. Tackle your delicate belongings when you’re fresh and focused, not at the end of a long day of unpacking. Mental fatigue can lead to careless handling or accidents. Set aside a specific time dedicated solely to unpacking fragile items, preferably in the morning or after a break when your concentration is at its peak.
• Have your unpacking area prepared with clean, clear surfaces. Before opening a single box, ensure you have a designated unpacking station with padded surfaces – a table covered with a thick blanket or towels works well. Clear the surrounding area of obstacles that might cause you to trip or bump into things while handling delicate items. Good lighting is essential so you can spot any damage or small pieces that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Open boxes from the top, never by cutting through sides which might damage contents. Even if it seems more convenient, avoid using box cutters or scissors on the sides of boxes containing fragile items. Always open from the top, carefully removing tape along seams rather than cutting through the cardboard. With particularly valuable items, consider removing the tape completely with your hands to eliminate any risk of blade damage to contents that might be pressed against the box sides.
• Remove items one by one, keeping packing materials until you’ve verified nothing is damaged. Resist the urge to quickly empty boxes by grabbing multiple wrapped items. Instead, methodically remove one item at a time, unwrapping it completely before moving to the next. Keep all packing materials sorted nearby until you’ve verified everything is intact – they’re not only useful if you need to make an insurance claim, but also valuable for storing seasonal items or for your next move. For especially delicate pieces, consider photographing them as you unpack as evidence of their condition.
• Inspect each item carefully before putting it away. Don’t just give items a quick glance – thoroughly examine each piece under good lighting, checking for hairline cracks, chips, or structural damage. For electronics, test functionality before disposing of the packaging. For sets of items (like dinnerware), lay everything out to ensure all pieces are present and in good condition before storing. If you do discover damage, photograph it immediately and contact your removalist or insurance company with detailed documentation of the issue.

 

How CBD Movers Can Help

At CBD Movers, we understand that your belongings aren’t just objects, but rather the pieces of your life. That’s why we offer comprehensive moving services that include specialised packing for fragile items.

Our professional packers are trained in the latest techniques and use premium materials to ensure maximum protection. We can handle everything from basic kitchen items to valuable antiques, providing peace of mind throughout your moving journey.

Whether you need full-service packing or just assistance with your most delicate possessions, our team brings the expertise and care needed to ensure everything arrives safely at your new home.

Moving doesn’t have to mean gambling with your precious belongings. With proper planning, materials, and techniques (or with professional help from CBD Movers), your fragile items can make the journey unscathed.

Call 1300 223 668 or explore our website to learn more about our packing services and request a quote from a mover near you. Let us make your next move the smoothest one yet!