Get the right materials first
Fragile things break when they shift. Stop the movement with the right materials:
- Small and medium boxes, plus double-wall dish-packs for heavy glass and ceramics
- Plain packing paper, and plenty of it
- Bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces
- Cell dividers for glasses and small figurines
- Strong tape and a thick marker
We can deliver packing materials to your door before the move, so you skip the hunt for boxes.
8 tips for packing fragile items
1. Use small boxes for heavy fragile things
Heavy boxes of glass, stone and ceramics get set down hard. Pack them small; use big boxes for light items.
2. Build a soft floor and fill every gap
Line boxes with crumpled paper, fill gaps, close, and shake. If it moves, add more paper.
3. Wrap each piece on its own
Wrap items in paper; add bubble wrap to prized pieces. Skip newspaper on light china. The ink rubs off. Stuff paper inside vases, bowls and cups to hold them from within.
4. Stand flat things on edge
Plates, framed photos and platters travel better on edge, like files in a drawer, than stacked flat. Stacking piles weight on the bottom piece.
5. Heavy on the bottom, light on top
Stack heavy items low, light ones high. Keep each box light for one steady carry.
6. Label the sides, not only the top
Write FRAGILE, the room name and an arrow on two sides. Tops hide once stacked. A short side list helps you unpack in order.
7. Give TVs and electronics their own plan
Use the original box, or wrap the screen in a pad and keep it upright. Do not put tape on the screen. Photograph the cable setup before unplugging, then pack cables and remotes in one labeled bag. Take lamp bulbs out and pack the shades separately.
8. Crate what paper cannot protect
Mirrors, glass tabletops, marble tops, sculptures and framed art need more than paper. Mirror and picture boxes suit medium pieces. For large or valuable pieces, our crating service holds each item still.
Packing for storage is different
Boxes that go into storage sit for weeks or months, often under other boxes. Use strong boxes, not bags or thin grocery boxes. Fill them completely so the tops do not sink. Do not seal wood or leather tightly in plastic for a long time, because plastic traps moisture. In the unit, keep fragile boxes on top and leave an aisle so you can reach them. Keep a list of what each box holds.
We offer short- and long-term storage through affiliated, clean and secure self-storage facilities. See storage for how it fits into your move.
Collectibles and heirlooms
Figurines, glass and vintage instruments are hard to replace. Photograph each piece, wrap small collectibles, set them in dividers, pack the box tight. Carry jewelry, coins and watches in your own bag, not on the truck.
Basic valuation coverage is included at no charge. On interstate moves it’s released value: 60 cents per pound per article. It pays by weight, not by what an item is worth, so a light, valuable piece gets little. Ask what it covers at the estimate.
When to let a crew pack
Short on time? We pack full homes, or just the kitchen, the china cabinet and the art. See our packing services. Pianos, from uprights to grands, are a separate job. See piano movers.
Can I use newspaper?
Only as crumpled filler around dark or sturdy items. The ink rubs off on china and light fabrics.
How do I know a box is packed well?
Close it and shake it gently. If nothing moves or clinks, it is ready.
Can you pack only my fragile items?
Yes. With partial packing, we pack the glass, the kitchen and the art, and you pack the rest.
