How to pack fragile items: Expert tips for protecting your valuables

Posted: 15 January, 2026

Packing delicate belongings takes time, patience and good technique. As experienced local removalists, we’re often asked how to pack fragile items safely before a move. The truth is, a little extra care during packing can make a big difference to how your items travel.

This guide explains the best ways to prepare breakables, valuable items and anything that needs extra protection, giving you peace of mind long before the truck arrives.

Reduce risk

Whether it’s glassware, crockery, artwork, mirrors or family keepsakes, fragile items require a different approach from general household packing. Understanding how to pack fragile items correctly helps reduce the risk of chips, cracks and transit damage. It also saves time on moving day because your boxes are secure, clearly labelled and ready to be loaded safely.

Below are our local expert tips to help you pack confidently.

Use the right packing materials

Using strong, good-quality materials is the foundation of safe packing. We recommend:

Removalist cartons rather than household plastic tubs (which often crack).
Butcher paper or clean white wrapping paper for padding and wrapping.
Bubble wrap for added cushioning around highly breakable items.
Tape and markers to seal and clearly label each box.
Dividers for items like glasses and bottles, where available.

If you’re short on materials, our team can supply high-quality cartons and packing supplies.

Wrap each item individually

Never stack fragile items unwrapped. Instead:

Wrap every item separately, using multiple layers for anything glass, ceramic or delicate.
Pay extra attention to handles, stems and corners.
Line the bottom of every box with scrunched paper to create a shock-absorbing base.

When in doubt, more padding is always better than less.

Pack boxes firmly but not too tightly

A well-packed box shouldn’t rattle, but it also shouldn’t be overfilled. Aim for:

No empty gaps - fill them with scrunched paper.
Lighter items on top, heavier items at the bottom.
A final layer of padding on top before sealing.

This helps absorb movement during transport and keeps items stable on the road.

Label boxes clearly and accurately

Clear labelling is essential for the safety of your fragile items. Make sure you include:

“Fragile”
“This way up”
The room the box belongs to
You can even write a quick note about what’s inside for easier unpacking

All of this allows our removal team to place boxes carefully and load them in the safest position on the truck.

Special handling for artwork, mirrors and odd-shaped items

Some items need a little extra attention:

Mirrors and framed artwork should be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in purpose-made picture cartons.
Odd-shaped ornaments need generous padding to keep them stable.
TVs and electronics travel safest in their original boxes if you still have them.

If you’re unsure how to pack a specific item, we’re happy to offer guidance.

Not confident packing fragile items? We can help!

Packing fragile belongings can be time-consuming and a bit stressful. If you like the sound of packing experts taking care of this for you, our professionally trained packers use the right techniques and materials to protect your valuables, ensuring everything arrives safely and ready to unpack.

If you’d like us to take the pressure off, request a free quote for our packing service anytime.