How to Pack Fragile Items for a Move: Glass, China and Ornaments
Step-by-step methods for packing glassware, plates, ornaments and other breakables so they survive a UK house move, with materials and mistakes to avoid.
Fragile things break for predictable reasons: too much empty space, too much weight on top, or contact with other hard objects. Good packing is a matter of dealing with those three things, and it does not need expensive materials.
What you need
- Strong small and medium boxes, in good condition
- Packing paper (plain, unprinted newsprint is ideal), bubble wrap
- Tape and marker pens
- Cardboard dividers for glasses, or spare cardboard
- Towels, tea towels or clothing as extra padding
- Labels reading "Fragile" and "This way up"
Unprinted paper is better than newspaper, because ink can mark china.
The golden rules
- Heavy at the bottom, light on top. Plates and bowls below, cups and ornaments above.
- No empty space. Fill gaps with crumpled paper, so nothing can shift.
- Cushion every layer. Base layer of padding, wrap each piece, then padding between layers.
- Pack tightly but not crushed. A firm box should not rattle or bulge.
- Seal and label. Make the box obviously fragile and mark the top.
Plates and bowls
Wrap each plate individually in paper, then stack a few and wrap the bundle. Place plates on their edge, like records, rather than flat, because edges are stronger than faces. Add padding at the bottom and between each row. Use small or medium boxes so they do not become too heavy.
Glasses and mugs
Wrap each one separately, stuffing paper inside the glass as well as around it. Wine glasses go stem down or sideways with padding around the stem. Use dividers if you have them. Mugs can nest in a layer with paper between them, with handles tucked.
Ornaments and awkward shapes
Wrap small items in paper, then in bubble wrap, then pack in groups with plenty of fill. Protruding parts, such as handles and spouts, should be padded individually. Do not mix delicate ornaments with heavy objects in the same box.
Mirrors, pictures and frames
Use flat boxes or cardboard corners and wrap in bubble wrap. Tape an X on large glass surfaces to hold fragments in place if it breaks, and carry them upright. See moving art, mirrors and large frames.
Lamps, shades and small electricals
Remove bulbs and wrap shades separately, in a box where they cannot be crushed. Bases need padding, and cables should be coiled and taped. Electronics are covered in packing electronics and TVs.
Common mistakes
- Boxes that are too big. Heavy loads in a large box tend to crush the contents.
- Re-using weak boxes. Soft corners and damp cardboard fail under weight.
- Mixing weights. A hefty casserole dish on top of glasses is a recipe for breakages.
- Insufficient padding at the sides and top.
- Not marking the box. A mover cannot treat a box carefully if they do not know it is fragile.
Using professional help
If you have a lot of delicate pieces, part packing by professionals can be worth it for the kitchen and display cabinet. See packing service cost. Remember that a provider's cover may treat items packed by professionals differently from those you packed yourself, so ask before moving day.
Loading and carrying
Tell helpers which boxes are fragile and have them carried upright by hand, not stacked at the bottom. Ask the mover to load fragile boxes on top, or in a safe place in the van. On unloading, open fragile boxes in the room where they belong.
A worked example: a box of glasses
Start with a small box, lined with crumpled paper. Wrap each glass in two sheets, with paper pushed inside. Place the heaviest glasses at the bottom, standing upright or on their side, with paper between each. Add a layer of crumpled paper, then the lighter ones. Top with paper until the lid closes with slight pressure. Shake gently: if anything moves, add more paper. Label it on top and sides.
Materials: which is best for what
| Item | Best protection |
|---|---|
| Plates and bowls | Paper, on their edge |
| Glasses | Paper inside and out, dividers |
| Ornaments | Paper then bubble wrap |
| Mirrors and frames | Corner protectors and bubble wrap |
| Electronics | Original box, or foam and padding |
| Lampshades | Lined box, no stacking |
Edge cases
- Antiques and heirlooms: consider a specialist packer and ask about cover.
- Collections such as figurines: photograph before packing, and keep a list.
- Candles and wax items: keep cool, because they soften in warm vans.
- Liquids and glass bottles: seal and upright, with padding.
- Items with sharp edges or points: guard with card.
Common mistakes
- Wrapping several items together, so they knock against each other.
- Using too little paper at the top.
- Leaving the heavy item unsupported at the bottom.
- Taping boxes without testing the base.
- Moving fragile boxes in the car boot at an angle.
Unpacking fragile items
Open the box on a flat surface, unwrap slowly and keep the packing until you have checked each piece. Dispose of paper after, so a small item does not get thrown away by mistake.
Frequently asked questions
Is newspaper okay for wrapping?
It works, but ink can transfer to items. Plain packing paper is cleaner, and you can use newspaper as outer filler.
Should I use bubble wrap for everything?
No. Paper is enough for many items. Use bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces and for corners.
How tight should fragile boxes be packed?
Firm enough that nothing moves if you gently shake the box, but not so tight that items are being squeezed.
Can I pack fragile items in suitcases?
Yes, if padded well, and it can be a good use of a sturdy case. Wrap each item, fill gaps with clothing and avoid overfilling the case so it can still be lifted safely.