How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro

Let me paint you a picture. Moving day, three years ago. I open a box in our new kitchen to find that my favourite ornamental bowl, admittedly a cheap one but a souvenir I dragged back from Peru during my Gap Year, had shattered into pieces. I had wrapped it in maybe two sheets of newspaper and called it done. A painful lesson, but a lesson learned nevertheless. 

 

During every move since, whether moving apartments or even just packing for my summer holiday, I have become borderline obsessive over packing fragile items properly. Here is everything I know about getting your breakables from A to B in one piece.

 

Use the Right Boxes

 

This might sound obvious, but not all boxes are created equal. Thin, flimsy boxes will flex and bend under weight, putting pressure on anything fragile inside. Always use sturdy, double-walled removal boxes - especially for heavier fragile items like glassware or ceramics. A good quality cardboard removal box will hold its shape even when stacked, which means your items are not being squeezed by the weight above them.

 

Layer the Bottom of Every Box

 

Before you place a single item in the box, line the bottom with at least 5 to 7 centimetres of cushioning material. Scrunched-up packing paper, bubble wrap, or even towels and clothing all work well. Think of it as a landing pad. If anything shifts in transit, that base layer is what stands between your valuables and a hard cardboard bottom.

 

Wrap Every Single Item Individually

 

Do not skip this step, even for items that seem sturdy. Each piece should be wrapped individually before going into the box. Use several layers of packing paper or bubble wrap and tuck in the edges so there are no exposed surfaces. For glasses and mugs, slide them into individual cardboard sleeves or wrap each one and then roll them in a second layer. For plates, wrap individually and then stack them vertically (on their sides, not flat) - this dramatically reduces the chance of breakage because the pressure is distributed along the stronger edge of the plate rather than across its surface.

 

Fill Every Gap

 

A box that rattles is a box that breaks things. Once your wrapped items are inside, fill all remaining gaps with scrunched packing paper or bubble wrap until there is no movement when you gently shake the box. It should feel snug and solid.

 

Do Not Overfill or Underfill

 

Heavier fragile items should go in smaller boxes so the box does not become too heavy to carry safely. Larger boxes should be reserved for lighter fragile items like lampshades or pillows. An overfilled box is a structural risk, and an under-filled one gives items room to knock around inside.

 

Label Everything Clearly

 

Write "FRAGILE" and "THIS WAY UP" on every side of the box, not just the top. When boxes are stacked in a van, the sides are often the only visible part. This small step genuinely makes a difference, as I have found removal companies take it seriously when the labelling is clear.

 

Pack Fragile Boxes Last, Load Last, Unload First

 

Keep your fragile boxes accessible and load them last into the van so they ride on top. Plan to unload them first so they are not being moved around repeatedly while other items come off the van.

 

Three moves later, I have not broken a single thing since adopting these methods. My ego may have previously shattered, but nothing else has followed it.

P.S The bowl was saved!

 

Alex Pew, 34