Fragile items almost never break because of a dramatic accident. They break because they were packed with empty space around them, because something heavy was stacked on top, or because they were touching each other inside the carton. Every technique below exists to eliminate one of those three causes.
Use smaller cartons than you think you need
A large box of glassware becomes heavy enough to be handled badly, and heavy boxes get dropped or dragged. Fragile items belong in small or medium cartons where the total weight stays manageable and the contents cannot shift far.
Wrap every item individually
Two glasses wrapped together will still knock into each other. Wrap each piece on its own, then wrap pairs together if you want an extra layer. Fill hollow items such as glasses and vases with crushed paper so they resist pressure from outside.
Build the carton in layers
Cushion the base before anything goes in, place the heaviest pieces at the bottom, add a cushioning layer between each level, and finish with cushioning on top so nothing touches the lid.
- Cushion the base with crushed paper or bubble wrap
- Plates stand on edge, not stacked flat — they are far stronger that way
- Glasses and cups go in the upper layers, rim up
- Fill every gap so nothing can move when the box is tilted
Mirrors, frames and glass panels
Tape an X across the glass face to hold fragments in place if it does crack, wrap the item in cushioning, add corner protection, and carry and load it standing on edge rather than lying flat. Flat glass takes very little force to break across its face.
Electronics
Original boxes are the best option because they were designed for the shape inside them. Without them, wrap the device, cushion it on all six sides, and pack cables separately in a labelled bag so setup at the other end is not a puzzle. Photograph the back of your TV or desktop before disconnecting anything.
Seal, label and tell the crew
Seal along every seam, mark the carton fragile on more than one face, and note which way is up. Then say it out loud during loading — a label helps, but the person stacking the vehicle knowing in advance helps more.
Frequently asked questions
Newsprint can transfer ink onto plates and glassware. Plain packing paper or bubble wrap is a better choice for anything you will eat from.
Planning this move yourself?
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Written by Star Packers & Movers · Last updated 14 February 2026 · Back to blog
