How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro

Essential Packing Materials

Before you start wrapping a single dish, gather the right supplies. Using proper materials is the difference between a perfect delivery and a box of broken memories. Here is what the pros keep on hand:

• Small and medium boxes: Smaller boxes prevent overloading and keep fragile items from shifting during transit. Heavy-duty double-walled boxes are ideal.
• Packing paper (unprinted newsprint): This is the foundation of every good wrap job. It cushions surfaces without leaving ink marks on your belongings.
• Bubble wrap: The air pockets absorb impacts and vibrations. Use it as a second layer after wrapping items in paper.
• Packing tape (2-inch width): Reinforce every box along the center seam and both side seams. Cheap tape splits under pressure, so invest in quality.
• Stretch wrap: This cling-film-style wrap holds items together and provides an extra moisture barrier. Great for bundling plates or securing drawers.
• Foam pouches and dividers: Cell dividers for glassware boxes keep items separated so they cannot bump into each other.
• Markers and fragile stickers: Clear labeling ensures every person handling the box knows to treat it with extra care.

Not sure where to get quality supplies? Check our pricing page for information on packing supply packages, or ask about our full service packing options when you request a quote.

Packing Dishes and Glassware

Dishes and glassware are the most commonly broken items during a move, and it usually comes down to two mistakes: not enough cushioning and stacking flat instead of vertical. Here is the right way to do it.

Plates and Bowls

Start by placing a thick layer of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of your box. This is your shock absorption layer. Wrap each plate individually in two sheets of packing paper, tucking the edges snugly around the plate. Then bundle groups of four to six plates together and wrap the bundle again with bubble wrap. Place the bundles vertically in the box, like records in a crate. This distributes pressure evenly and reduces the chance of cracking. Fill any gaps with crumpled paper until nothing shifts when you gently shake the box.

Wine Glasses and Stemware

Stems are the weak point. Start by stuffing a small ball of packing paper inside the bowl of the glass, then wrap the stem separately with a strip of bubble wrap before wrapping the entire glass. Place each wrapped glass in a cell divider box with the opening facing down. If you do not have dividers, create paper nests by crumpling paper into cup shapes inside the box. Never let two glasses touch each other directly.

Mugs and Ceramics

Stuff the inside of each mug with packing paper, then wrap the outside. Pay special attention to handles, which are the most fragile part. Wrap handles with an extra layer of bubble wrap. Place mugs on their sides in the box, not stacked, and fill all empty space with paper or soft fabric.

Packing Electronics Safely

Electronics are expensive, sensitive to shock, and vulnerable to static electricity. Denver's dry climate at 5,280 feet makes static buildup even more common, so taking precautions is especially important when moving in Colorado.

TVs and Monitors

If you still have the original box and foam inserts, use them. Manufacturers design that packaging specifically for your device. If the original box is gone, wrap the screen in a soft blanket or foam sheet, then place the TV in a flat, appropriately sized box with foam corners or crumpled paper on all sides. Never lay a flat-screen TV face down, and always transport it upright.

Computers and Laptops

Back up all data before your move. Wrap laptops in anti-static bubble wrap (the pink kind) before placing them in a padded case or box. For desktop computers, remove and separately pack any loose components like graphics cards that could shift during transit. Wrap cables, label them, and keep them with the corresponding device.

Small Electronics and Appliances

Game consoles, speakers, kitchen appliances, and other small electronics should each be wrapped in anti-static material first, then cushioned with bubble wrap. Place them in snug boxes where they cannot slide around. Remove batteries from any battery-powered devices to prevent corrosion during the move.

Protecting Artwork and Mirrors

Framed artwork and mirrors are among the trickiest items to move because of their combination of weight, fragility, and odd shapes. Here is the professional approach.

Framed Pictures and Paintings

Start by placing painter's tape in an X pattern across the glass surface. If the glass breaks during the move, the tape holds the shards together and prevents them from damaging the artwork behind it. Wrap the entire frame in several layers of packing paper, then add a layer of bubble wrap. Use corner protectors on all four corners, which you can buy or make from folded cardboard.

For valuable paintings, avoid bubble wrap directly on the canvas surface, as the texture can leave impressions. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper against the painting and build a cardboard shell around it. Place the wrapped piece in a mirror box or picture box, filling gaps with packing paper.

Large Mirrors

Apply the same X-tape technique to the mirror surface. Wrap it in a moving blanket, then slide it into a mirror carton. If the mirror is especially large or heavy, consider custom crating. At Exquisite Logistics Moving, we offer specialty crating for oversized mirrors, sculptures, and other high-value pieces. Transport mirrors vertically, never flat, and secure them upright in the truck so they cannot tip over.

Handling Antiques and Heirlooms

Antiques require more than standard packing. They often have delicate joints, aged finishes, and irreplaceable sentimental value. Before packing, photograph every piece from multiple angles. This creates a record of the item's condition in case you need to file an insurance claim.

Remove any detachable parts (drawers, shelves, legs, knobs) and pack them separately in labeled bags. Wrap the main piece in acid-free tissue paper to protect the finish, then add moving blankets secured with stretch wrap. Avoid using tape directly on antique surfaces, as it can strip paint and varnish.

For extremely valuable or fragile antiques, professional packing is worth every penny. Our team uses specialized techniques tailored to each piece. Browse our packing services for more details on how we handle high-value items.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are sensitive to temperature changes, humidity shifts, and physical impact. Denver's dry climate at altitude can be particularly harsh on wooden instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos.

Always use a hard case for transport. Loosen the strings on guitars and violins slightly to relieve tension during the move. For pianos, never attempt a DIY move. Pianos require specialized equipment, trained movers, and careful handling of the internal mechanics. Our crews handle piano moves regularly and know how to navigate Denver's staircases, tight doorways, and elevator restrictions.

For brass and woodwind instruments, disassemble what you can and wrap each piece individually. Use soft cloths or microfiber to prevent scratches on lacquered surfaces. Keep instruments in the climate-controlled cabin of your car when possible, rather than the back of a moving truck.

Labeling and Organization

Even the best packing job is wasted if no one knows which boxes need extra care. Label every fragile box on at least two sides and the top with the word "FRAGILE" in large, bold letters. Add an arrow indicating which side is up, and write the contents and destination room on each box.

Use a numbering system and keep a master inventory list on your phone or a notebook. For example: "Box #14: Kitchen, wine glasses and champagne flutes, FRAGILE." This makes unpacking easier and gives you a quick way to check that every box arrived.

If you are working with professional movers, walk them through the fragile boxes before they start loading. A two-minute conversation about which items need the most care can prevent problems before they happen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After thousands of moves, we have seen every packing mistake in the book. Here are the ones that cause the most damage:

• Using newspaper as the only wrapping layer. The ink transfers to surfaces, and newspaper alone provides almost no cushioning.
• Overpacking boxes. A heavy box is more likely to be dropped, and the weight can crush items at the bottom. Keep fragile boxes under 30 pounds.
• Leaving empty space in boxes. Items shift during transit, and that movement causes breakage. Fill every gap with paper, towels, or foam.
• Stacking fragile boxes under heavy ones. Always load fragile boxes last (on top) and label them clearly so they are not buried.
• Wrapping items too loosely. Packing paper should be snug, not draped. Loose wrapping allows items to move inside the paper, defeating the purpose.
• Skipping the test shake. Before sealing a box, hold it at waist height and give it a gentle shake. If you hear or feel movement, add more cushioning.
• Using old, worn-out boxes. Boxes lose structural integrity over time. A box that has been through one move may collapse under stress during the next.