How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro

Most moving damage comes down to three mistakes: too big a box, too little cushioning, and dead space that lets things shift. Here's how our professional packers handle the delicate stuff.

Glassware and dishes

Use cell dividers inside a double-walled box. Wrap each piece in packing paper (never newsprint — it stains), cushion the bottom with six inches of crumpled paper, and pack plates vertically like records. Nothing should move when you shake the box gently.

Artwork and mirrors

Tape an X across glass to contain shards, add corner protectors, then sleeve in a flat picture box with foam. Large or valuable pieces deserve a custom wooden crate — it costs less than reframing.

Electronics

Photograph cable setups first. Remove toner and ink cartridges, bag screws and remotes, and label them to the device. TVs travel upright in their original box or a fitted flat-panel kit — never flat, never stacked.

The golden rules

Heavy items in small boxes. Fill every gap. Tape seams twice. Mark boxes "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" on two faces — and tell your crew which boxes matter most during the walkthrough.