Making sure everything gets safely from A to B during a move can be a challenge. When it comes to items like televisions, picture frames, dishes, keepsakes, and other fragile items, it can be worrisome to pack them away with the rest of your belongings.
Luckily, there are a few extra precautions you can take to avoid items breaking or being damaged in a move. Our professional movers in Edmonton have helped hundreds of customers pack up their prized possessions, so they’re sharing ten tips to master packing fragile items for your next move.
Buy new packing supplies, especially boxes.
Older boxes that have been used in a few moves already may not be as firm or reliable. If you can, invest in new boxes, which you can usually purchase directly from moving companies in various sizes.
Get more packing supplies than you think you’ll need upfront.
It’s easier to return unused items than to run out and buy more when you’re in the middle of packing.
Start packing early.
If you have to deal with moving fragile items, try to pack them first so you can spend more time making sure they’re secure.
Tape your boxes well, top and bottom.
There’s nothing worse than having a box break open from the bottom while you’re carrying it. Putting packing tape on the bottom is far more secure than a simple fold, especially for heavy items.
Pack fragile items separately and in small, well-marked boxes.
Keeping your fragile items separate helps ensure they’re given extra care by your movers on moving day. Mark them with a pen or “fragile” sticker and keep them separate from the rest of your boxes.
Pack light items at the top and heavy items at the bottom of each box.
Just like you wouldn’t squish your bread in the grocery bag, don’t squish your lighter items. Marking boxes with arrows to indicate “up” can ensure they don’t get turned over while being moved.
Use packing paper for heavy items.
If you have a lot of heavy, somewhat fragile items (such as dishes), packing paper is a great option. Be sure to pack items tightly in the box, so there isn’t room for them to move around. You can also pack extra paper between any spaces to fill the gaps.
Use bubble wrap for very light, fragile items.
Often, this includes Christmas ornaments, small keepsakes, and very light glassware. Wrap items individually with bubble wrap and secure with a piece of tape.
Pack your moving truck with blankets to separate items – especially large items like furniture.
The Eager Beaver moving team uses blankets and other materials to secure your belongings in our moving truck.
Keep fragile items separate from the rest of your belongings, if possible.
We like to keep smaller, fragile belongings up front in the moving truck, or in a separate area in the back of the truck. It’s also important to tie down your items in the moving truck to ensure nothing bumps out of place while driving. If you’re completing a long-distance move that includes moving fragile items, it’s always ideal to stop and check every few hours to ensure all your straps are tight.
Packing Fragile Items: The Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Use Proper Packing Materials
Always use sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong packing tape. Each thing during moving fragile items should be wrapped individually, with extra cushioning around corners, rims, and edges. Using high-quality materials significantly reduces the risk of damage during transport.
Do: Pack Fragile Items Methodically
Take your time when packing delicate belongings. Dishes should be wrapped one by one and packed vertically, while glasses need padding inside and around the rim. Remove detachable parts from items like lamps and pack them separately with adequate cushioning.
Do: Label Boxes Clearly
Mark boxes “FRAGILE” on multiple sides and indicate which side should face up. Clear labeling helps anyone handling the boxes understand they require extra care, whether it’s friends or a professional moving crew.
Do: Consider Professional Packing Services
Packing fragile items takes time, patience, and experience. For moves involving valuable or sentimental belongings, professional packers use proven methods and proper materials to ensure everything arrives intact, reducing stress and risk during your move.
Don’t: Use Weak or Worn Boxes
Boxes that are soft, damp, or previously damaged are more likely to collapse when stacked. Even if a box looks fine on the outside, weakened cardboard can fail under pressure and put fragile items at risk.
Don’t: Leave Empty Space in Boxes
Unfilled gaps allow items to shift during transit. Always fill empty space with packing paper, towels, or soft materials. A properly packed box should feel stable, with no movement inside when gently shaken.
Don’t: Overload Fragile Boxes
Heavy boxes are harder to carry and more likely to be dropped. Keep fragile-item boxes at a manageable weight so they can be lifted safely and stacked correctly in the moving truck.
Don’t want to do all the hard work by yourself?
Stress-free moving is made easier with packing services from Eager Beaver Moving. We are a professional moving company in Edmonton, ready to help with your long-distance or local move, including start to finish packing services.
Learn more about packing services, packing supplies, box rentals and more on our FAQ page.
