How to Pack Fragile Items Safely for a Move

Moving is one of those things that seems easy until you’re knee-deep in packing tape, staring at a pile of breakable stuff, and wondering why you own so many glass objects in the first place. 

Packing clothes? A breeze. Packing books? Stack ’em, and you’re done. Packing fragile items? That’s where things start to feel like you’re playing an extreme sport — except instead of risking a sprained ankle, you’re risking a box full of shattered memories.

After experiencing the heartbreak of unpacking a box of what used to be drinking glasses (now upgraded to “modern abstract glass sculptures”), I figured out how to do it right. So, if you don’t want to spend moving day conducting tiny funerals for your belongings, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Gather Your Arsenal of Packing Supplies

Moving is war, and fragile items are your VIPs. You’ll need:

• Heavy-duty boxes – Those flimsy ones from the grocery store won’t cut it. Invest in real boxes that don’t fold if you look at them the wrong way.
• Bubble wrap – The more, the better. You should have enough that someone questions your sanity.
• Packing paper – Newspaper is great until you realize all your dishes are permanently covered in yesterday’s headlines.
• Packing tape – Get the good kind. The last thing you need is a box falling apart mid-move.
• Dividers – For glasses and dishes, unless you enjoy playing “guess how many pieces this used to be.”
• Markers and labels – You will forget what’s in each box. Future You will appreciate the effort.

If you’re feeling extra responsible, create a “fragile-only” packing zone so these items don’t get mixed in with, say, your dumbbells. It’s all fun and games until your wedding champagne flutes are underneath a set of 20-pound weights. 

And while you’re at it, consider color-coding your boxes. It sounds excessive, but trust me, when you’re in a sea of cardboard, anything that makes it easier to find the box labeled “Grandma’s Delicate Porcelain Figurines” is a win.

Step 2: Wrap Everything Like It’s a National Treasure

If you want your breakables to survive the move, you need to wrap them so aggressively that even Indiana Jones couldn’t break them.

• Dishes & glassware: Wrap each item individually. Yes, individually. Don’t let them touch. Plates should be stacked vertically, like records. If they’re flat, the weight from above will crush them into a sad, ceramic jigsaw puzzle.
• Electronics: Keep the original boxes if you still have them (you responsible genius). Otherwise, wrap the screen in anti-static bubble wrap, pad it with soft material, and make sure the box is snug so nothing moves inside.
• Lamps & decorations: Remove bulbs, wrap each part separately, and cushion the whole thing like you’re tucking it in for a long nap.

Basically, think of each fragile item as a newborn kitten. If it’s not swaddled like a burrito, you’re doing it wrong. And if you’re questioning whether you’ve wrapped something enough, the answer is “wrap it one more time just to be sure.”

Step 3: Use the “Box Within a Box” Technique

For anything particularly fragile like heirlooms, expensive gadgets, or your emotional support coffee mug, double-box it.

Here’s how: wrap the item, place it in a small box with padding, then put that box inside a larger, equally padded box. Yes, it feels excessive, but so is realizing your great-grandmother’s porcelain figurine is now a collection of porcelain pebbles. Layers are your friend.

If you’re feeling extra careful, use foam padding between the two boxes for even more shock absorption. The goal is to make sure that no amount of jostling, dropping, or the inevitable “oops” moment from a mover can turn your prized possessions into packing confetti.

Step 4: The “No Empty Space” Rule

If there’s any wiggle room in a box, your fragile items are in danger. Movement equals breakage. Fill every gap with packing paper, foam peanuts, towels, socks, or whatever cushioning you have on hand. If you hear movement, add more padding. 

And don’t just assume bubble wrap alone will save the day. That’s like assuming a thin winter coat will protect you in a snowstorm. It helps, but it’s not enough. Some people even tape down the items inside the box. Do what you have to do to make sure nothing moves.

Step 5: Label Like a Maniac

Write “FRAGILE” on the box in giant, bold letters. Add arrows. Underline it. Use an unreasonable amount of exclamation marks.

If you’re hiring a moving company, don’t assume they’ll notice the labels. Tell them outright which boxes need extra care. If you’re moving yourself, designate a “safe zone” in the truck or car where fragile boxes won’t be crushed by heavier stuff. 

And if you want to go full pro mode, add handling instructions like “THIS SIDE UP” and “DO NOT DROP.” The more explicit you are, the better your chances of movers (or yourself) treating these boxes like the fragile time capsules they are.

Step 6: Load Your Moving Truck Like a Tetris Pro

Heavy, sturdy stuff goes on the bottom. Fragile boxes go on top. Seems obvious, right? You’d be surprised how many people throw everything in randomly and hope for the best.

Also, avoid putting fragile boxes near areas where things shift during transport. If you wouldn’t want to be in that spot during a sudden stop, your dishes probably wouldn’t either. Now strap everything in place. The last thing you need is your fragile boxes going on a joyride across the moving truck.

Step 7: Unpack With the Caution of a Bomb Squad

If you packed well, congratulations — your fragile items should still be intact. But don’t let your guard down just yet. Open boxes over a soft surface, just in case. If you hear suspicious clinking sounds, prepare for the worst.

If something did break, take a deep breath, mourn your losses, and remember: at least you tried. And if you have moving insurance, this is the time to cash in.

Final Thoughts: Learn From My Pain

Packing fragile items is an art form. Do it wrong, and you’ll spend your first night in your new place sweeping up glass shards. Do it right, and your belongings will make it safely, no therapy required.

If the idea of handling all this yourself feels overwhelming, consider hiring a moving company to do the hard work for you. They have the expertise (and the muscle) to keep your valuables safe, and frankly, some things are worth outsourcing.

Through trial, error, and a tragic incident involving a box of wine glasses and a poorly placed bowling ball, I’ve learned that fragile packing is a game of patience, paranoia, and lots of bubble wrap. Follow these steps, and your breakables will survive to see another home.

Happy moving, and may your glassware live to clink another day!