Moving guide
How to pack fragile items for a move
Breakages usually happen when something moves around inside its box. The answer is wrapping each piece and filling every gap. Here's how to pack the usual fragile things so they arrive in one piece.
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What you need
- Strong double-walled boxes, including some small ones
- Plain packing paper - newspaper ink can rub off on china
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape and a marker pen
Plates and bowls
Put a layer of crumpled paper in the bottom of the box. Wrap each plate on its own and stand it on its edge, like a record, rather than stacking flat. Fill the gaps and add another layer of crumpled paper on top before you close the box.
Glasses and mugs
Wrap each glass individually and push a little paper inside it. Pack them snugly so they can't touch each other, and use cardboard dividers if you have them.
Mirrors, pictures and glass panels
Protect the corners with cardboard, wrap the whole piece in bubble wrap and use a mirror or picture box if you can. Keep them standing on their edges, never lying flat, and don't stack anything heavy against them.
Lamps and lampshades
Take out the bulbs and take off the shades. Pack shades on their own, with nothing heavy on top, and wrap the bases like any other fragile item.
TVs and electronics
The original box is the safest way to move a TV. If you don't have it, ask your removal company how they'll protect it. Photograph the cables before you unplug anything, back up computers, and keep TVs and monitors upright.
Label, then test
- Write FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP on more than one side of the box
- Don't overfill boxes, and don't leave them half empty either
- Give the closed box a gentle shake - if anything moves, add more padding
- Tell the crew which boxes are fragile so they're loaded on top
Tell your removal company
List anything very fragile or valuable - antiques, artwork, glass tables, musical instruments - in your inventory, and ask whether the company can pack these for you. Items you pack yourself may be insured differently, so check the cover before you decide.
Related guides
Compare removal companies - start with your postcode, then list what you're moving online. Prices can change until you book.