Knowing how to pack fragile items is the difference between unpacking your dishes in one piece and finding a box of broken glass in your new kitchen. Most breakage during a move does not happen because something was dropped. It happens because items were packed loosely, wrapped too thinly or put in the wrong size box. This guide walks you through the supplies, the wrapping methods for common fragile items, and the packing habits that keep everything safe on the road.
It is written for Memphis homeowners and renters, but the same steps work anywhere. If you would rather leave the delicate work to a crew, see our packing and unpacking services.
Supplies You Need to Pack Fragile Items
Gather everything before you start, so you are not tempted to make do with whatever is lying around.
- Sturdy small and medium boxes. Heavy fragile items go in small boxes so the box never gets too heavy to carry safely. Avoid old, soft or water-damaged boxes.
- Dish pack or cell boxes. Double-wall boxes with cardboard dividers are made for glasses, stemware and bottles.
- Packing paper. Plain, ink-free paper wraps items without leaving newsprint marks.
- Bubble wrap. Use it for the most delicate pieces, such as figurines, glass vases and electronics.
- Packing tape and a tape gun. Tape the bottom of every box with several strips, not just one.
- Markers and labels. You will need to mark boxes as fragile and show which side is up.
- Towels, blankets and linens. Soft household items make good extra padding and save space.
The Basic Rules for Packing Breakables
Whatever you are packing, the same few rules apply:
- Line the bottom of the box with a few inches of crumpled paper.
- Wrap every item on its own. Two pieces of glass should never touch.
- Put the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest on top.
- Fill every gap. If the contents shift when you gently shake the box, add more paper.
- Top it off with another layer of padding before you close the box, so nothing presses against the lid.
- Keep boxes light. A fragile box that is too heavy is more likely to be dropped or to collapse.
How to Pack Fragile Items by Type
Plates and Dishes
Wrap each plate in packing paper, then stand plates on their edges in the box, like records in a crate, rather than stacking them flat. Plates are much stronger on their edge. Put a layer of paper between each wrapped plate and fill any space at the sides.
Glasses, Mugs and Stemware
Stuff the inside of each glass with paper first, then wrap the outside. For wine glasses, wrap the stem on its own before wrapping the whole glass. Place glasses upright, rim down, in a cell box so each one has its own space. Mugs can be wrapped and nested carefully with paper between them.
Mirrors, Framed Art and Glass Tabletops
Put an X of painter’s tape across mirror and picture glass, which helps hold pieces together if it cracks. Protect the corners with cardboard corners or folded cardboard, wrap the piece in bubble wrap or a moving blanket, and pack it standing up in a flat box or between two pieces of cardboard. Never lay mirrors flat under other boxes.
Lamps and Lampshades
Remove the bulb and the shade. Wrap the base in paper or bubble wrap and pack it in a box with padding around it. Pack shades separately, with nothing heavy inside or on top, since they crush easily.
TVs and Electronics
The original box is best if you still have it. If not, wrap the screen in a soft blanket, then in bubble wrap, and keep the TV upright. Take a photo of cable connections before you unplug anything, and keep remotes, cords and small parts together in a labeled bag.
Vases, Figurines and Keepsakes
Fill hollow items with paper, then wrap them in bubble wrap. Small, delicate keepsakes can go in a small box inside a larger, well-padded box. If something is truly irreplaceable, consider moving it yourself in your own car.
Labeling and Loading Fragile Boxes
- Write FRAGILE and the room name on at least two sides of the box, not just the top.
- Draw arrows to show which way is up.
- Tell your movers which boxes hold breakables, so they are loaded on top of heavier boxes and not underneath them.
- Keep a small box of everyday dishes and a few glasses separate, so you are not unpacking the whole kitchen on your first night.
For a full timeline of what to pack and when, use our moving checklist for Memphis homeowners.
When to Hire Professional Packers
Packing a whole kitchen and a house full of breakables takes longer than most people expect. Professional packing makes sense when you are short on time, have a lot of glassware, art or electronics, or are moving a long distance where boxes travel further. Some customers have us pack just the kitchen and fragile items while they pack the rest. Large and heavy pieces, such as pianos, are a separate job; see our piano moving services and heavy item moving for those.
Moving into a condo or apartment with tight elevators and hallways? Careful packing matters even more there. Our condo moving services and apartment moving services pages explain how we plan those moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pack fragile items for a move?
Wrap each item on its own in packing paper or bubble wrap, use small sturdy boxes, line the bottom and top of each box with padding, and fill every gap so nothing can shift. Label the box as fragile on several sides and show which way is up.
Should plates be packed flat or on their side?
On their side. Wrapped plates standing on edge, like records, are much less likely to crack than plates stacked flat, because the edge is the strongest part of the plate.
Can I use towels and clothes instead of bubble wrap?
Yes, for padding and filling gaps. Towels, blankets and soft clothing work well around sturdier items and save space. For very delicate glass, electronics and keepsakes, use bubble wrap as well.
How do I pack a TV without the original box?
Wrap the screen in a soft blanket, then bubble wrap, and protect the corners. Keep the TV upright and tell your movers about it so it is loaded standing up and secured in the truck.
Do movers pack fragile items for you?
Many moving companies offer packing services. Five Star Trusted Movers offers packing and unpacking in Memphis and Shelby County, for a whole home or just the kitchen and fragile items. The cost depends on how much needs packing, the size of your home, the date and the other services you choose.
Need Help Packing Fragile Items in Memphis?
Five Star Trusted Movers helps homeowners and renters across Memphis and Shelby County pack, move and unpack their belongings with care. Request a free quote or call us at +1 (901) 364-2959.