How to Pack Fragile Items for a House Move: Expert Tips

How to Pack Fragile Items for a House Move

Broken glasses, chipped plates, cracked mirrors — fragile items are the most common casualties of a house move. But with the right techniques and materials, you can transport almost everything safely. Here's exactly how our professional packing team does it.

Essential Packing Materials

• Bubble wrap: Essential for glassware, ceramics, and any hollow fragile item
• Packing paper / tissue paper: For wrapping individual items and filling box gaps
• Double-walled boxes: For heavy fragile items — single-wall boxes collapse too easily
• Foam peanuts or newsprint: For cushioning and filling gaps
• Speciality boxes: Dish packs (extra thick), mirror/picture boxes, TV boxes
• Tape: Use strong packing tape — not parcel tape or sellotape

Glassware and Cups

1. Crumple packing paper and stuff it inside each glass or cup — this prevents crushing from internal pressure
2. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, starting from one corner and rolling diagonally
3. Secure the bubble wrap with tape
4. Line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap (at least 3 inches deep)
5. Place glasses upright (never on their side) in the box
6. Fill all gaps with crumpled paper — the contents should not move when you shake the box
7. Add another 3-inch cushioning layer on top before closing and taping

Plates and Bowls

The most important rule: pack plates vertically, like records in a crate. Plates are much stronger on their edges than flat — a heavy item placed on top of a horizontally packed plate will crack it.

1. Wrap each plate individually in several sheets of packing paper
2. Add a sheet of bubble wrap around groups of 3–4 wrapped plates
3. Line the box with bubble wrap
4. Stand plates on their edges — never flat
5. Fill all gaps tightly with crumpled paper

Mirrors and Picture Frames

Never transport mirrors or framed glass flat — they're far more likely to break. Mirror boxes (telescoping boxes that expand to fit the size) are available from removal companies and are worth investing in for valuable mirrors.

1. Apply masking tape in an X pattern across the mirror face — this holds the glass together if it does crack
2. Wrap in at least two layers of bubble wrap, securing with tape
3. Place in a mirror box or between two pieces of cardboard, taped securely
4. Transport vertically — never flat
5. Mark clearly: FRAGILE — GLASS — THIS WAY UP

Artwork and Canvases

1. Wrap in acid-free tissue paper first (regular paper can stick to painted surfaces)
2. Wrap in bubble wrap — keep bubble side facing out for canvases to avoid texture imprinting
3. Sandwich between two pieces of cardboard and tape securely
4. For valuable artwork, use specialist artwork crates or consult an art handler

Flat Screen TVs

The original box is always the best option for a flat screen TV. If you don't have it:

1. Remove the stand and pack separately
2. Wrap the screen in an anti-static bubble wrap sheet or a specialist TV cover
3. Place in a TV box (available from removal companies) with foam corners
4. Transport upright — never flat on the screen
5. Do not place heavy items on top

Lamps and Lampshades

• Pack lamp bases upright in boxes with cushioning on all sides
• Lampshades should be nested inside each other (if same shape/size) and packed in their own box — never with heavy items that could crush them

Labelling Fragile Boxes

Mark every fragile box clearly on at least three sides: FRAGILE + HEAVY SIDE DOWN / THIS WAY UP. Place fragile boxes on top of heavier items in the van — never underneath. Instruct your removal team where the fragile items are.

Let Our Packing Team Handle It

If you'd rather not risk packing fragile items yourself, our professional packing service uses premium materials and proven techniques to protect even the most delicate items. Learn about our packing service or add packing to your removal booking via our online quote form.