Glass vases, wine glasses, and other delicate items require special care when planning a household move. Here’s how to pack breakables so they arrive at your new home in one piece.
Get the Right Supplies
Before you start packing, gather everything you need. Small, sturdy boxes work better than large ones for fragile items. They’re easier to carry and less likely to collapse under weight. Check with your moving company for moving supplies.
You’ll need bubble wrap, packing paper, and plenty of packing tape. Don’t skimp on materials. Using enough cushioning is the difference between items arriving safely and unpacking shattered glass.
Grab a thick marker, too. You’ll use it to label boxes clearly so everyone knows to handle them with care.
Use Small Boxes
It might seem wasteful to use several small boxes instead of one big one, but this actually protects your items better. Smaller boxes mean less room for things to shift around during the move.
A large box filled with dishes gets heavy fast. Heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped. They also put more pressure on items at the bottom, increasing the chance of breakage.
Wrap Each Item Individually
Don’t stack plates together without protection. Avoid nesting bowls inside each other without padding. Wrap every fragile item individually.
Start with a layer of packing paper, then add bubble wrap. Secure everything with tape so it doesn’t unwrap during the move. This takes time, but it’s worth it.
For glasses and mugs, stuff the inside with crumpled paper first. Then wrap the outside. This gives double protection.
Cushion the Bottom of Boxes
Before putting anything in a box, line the bottom with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This creates a soft base that absorbs shock if the box gets bumped.
Pack heavier items on the bottom of each box and lighter ones on top. For example, put serving bowls at the bottom and lighter items near the top.
Fill Empty Spaces
After packing your items, fill any gaps with more packing paper, bubble wrap, or even clean towels. Place crumpled packing paper on top as well. Nothing should move when you gently shake the box.
Items that shift during transport are more likely to break. The goal is to create a tight, secure package that keeps everything in place.
Label Boxes Clearly
Write “FRAGILE” in big letters on all sides of each box. Use bright markers or colored tape to make these boxes stand out.
Also, write which room the box goes in and what’s inside. This helps movers know exactly how to handle each box and where to put it in your new home.
Don’t Overfill Boxes
A box that’s stuffed too full is hard to seal properly. The tape might come loose during the move. The box itself could split open.
Leave a little space at the top so you can close the box securely. Then use plenty of strong packing tape to seal it. Run tape along all seams.
Use Cardboard Dividers for Glassware
For items like wine glasses or drinking glasses, cardboard dividers create separate compartments. This keeps glasses from knocking into each other.
You can buy special dish packs with built-in dividers, or make your own from extra cardboard.
Pack Plates Vertically
Instead of stacking plates flat, stand them on edge like records. This method distributes pressure more evenly and reduces the risk of cracking under the weight of stacked boxes.
Put packing paper or thin cardboard between each plate. Secure the stack with tape before placing it in the box.
Keep Boxes Separate
When loading the moving truck, tell your movers which boxes contain fragile items. These should be loaded last so they’re on top, not crushed under heavier boxes.
Don’t stack heavy items on top of boxes marked fragile. Keep them accessible so you can unpack them first and check everything arrived safely.
Consider Professional Help
If you have particularly valuable or delicate items, consider letting professional movers handle the packing. They have experience protecting fragile belongings and access to specialized materials.
Your Fragile Items Matter
Taking extra time to pack breakables properly protects items that matter to you. Whether they have monetary value or sentimental meaning, they deserve care during your move.
Contact us today to learn how our professional movers can help transport your fragile belongings safely to your new home.