How to pack your fragile items ahead of a move
How to pack your fragile items ahead of a move
When it comes to moving home, delicate items like glassware, crockery, and ornaments require extra special care. Glass, crystal, fine china, and ceramics can shatter with even the smallest knock, and anyone who’s ever dropped a plate or cup knows how quickly an accident can happen.
These fragile pieces often hold more than just practical value — they can be sentimental, heirlooms, or expensive investments that you simply can’t replace. That’s why taking the time to pack them properly before moving day is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your belongings.
Without the right preparation, fragile items can easily break during transport, especially when boxes shift in the moving truck or when they’re stacked among heavier items. But with a few simple precautions and the right packing materials, you can prevent chips, cracks, and breakages — keeping your valuables intact from start to finish.
Below, we’ve outlined some easy, effective ways to safeguard your breakables during your next move. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional removalist in NSW, these steps will help ensure your items arrive safe and sound in your new home.
1. Figure out what needs packing
Not everything needs to go in boxes — some more precious or awkwardly shaped items might be better off travelling with you in the car.
Work out what can be safely boxed up (like plates and glasses), and identify which items need extra care, such as:
- Statues, vases, or decanters
- Antiques and heirlooms
- Irregularly shaped or highly fragile pieces
If you’re unsure what should be packed by you versus handled by your removalist in NSW, make a list of fragile or high-value pieces first. This ensures you can plan the right level of protection for each.
2. Get your supplies together
Having everything on hand before you start makes packing smoother and more efficient. You’ll need:
- Boxes in various sizes
- Bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape
- Labels and markers
At Frontline Removals, we provide everything you need to make packing simple and stress-free. Our range of high-quality packing materials ensures your fragile items are protected during every stage of your move. We even supply specialised book and wine cartons for delicate or irregularly shaped items that require extra padding and stability.
If you’re preparing for a large move, ask us about our bulk material discounts — an easy way to save on costs while ensuring you have everything needed to keep your belongings safe and secure.
3. Line boxes with padding
Whether you’re using cardboard or plastic boxes, the first step is to line the inside with a soft, protective base. This extra cushioning helps prevent chips, cracks, or scratches caused by friction or movement during transit.
Use materials such as:
- Old linen, towels, or sheets – a great way to repurpose what you already have.
- Plastic bubble wrap or foam sheets – ideal for creating a shock-absorbing layer.
- Packing paper or shredded cardboard – useful for filling in smaller gaps.
Think of this step as building a soft foundation for your fragile items. A well-padded base absorbs any bumps and vibrations that happen while boxes are being lifted, stacked, or transported in the moving truck.
The goal is to minimise empty space inside the box. The more room items have to shift around, the higher the risk of damage. Once your box is lined, carefully place your wrapped items in a snug but not overly tight fit — ensuring they’re secure without putting pressure on delicate surfaces.
Taking a few extra minutes to pad and pack your boxes properly can make all the difference between your valuables arriving intact or damaged. It’s a small step that offers major protection for your most fragile belongings.
4. Irregular items — the bubble wrap and cardboard method
Some oddly shaped items such as decanters or jugs, for example, can be secured by using a bubble wrap and cardboard method. This means wrapping your item in bubble wrap as much as possible so there are no exposed parts.
If you are wrapping jugs or large hollow vessels, place some bubble wrap inside as well as on the top and bottom. Measure out a piece of cardboard so it can wrap around the item or sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard. Tape up the entire lot and make sure there's no wobbling or moving around.
5. Fill up open spaces
Once everything is packed, don’t leave gaps in your boxes. Open spaces can cause items to shift during the move.
Fill empty sections with:
- Crumpled paper
- Bubble wrap
- Soft linen, socks, or old clothing
The aim is to make your box feel firm and stable when you gently shake it. The tighter your contents are packed (without overstuffing), the less likely they’ll move around during transport. Overfilling, on the other hand, can put pressure on delicate surfaces, so it’s all about finding that balance.
Taking this simple step will give your fragile items extra protection and help ensure they arrive at your new home just as you packed them — safe, secure, and damage-free.
6. Tape up your box and mark it
Now is the time to tape up your box and mark it as FRAGILE. When taping up, make sure each end is secure. For irregular items, make sure the taping is tight around the top and bottom as well as side to side.
When marking the box as fragile, use a thick permanent marker so it can be seen from a distance. Do not use thin felt-tip pens – they can be hard to see under bright lights or sunlight.
This helps other movers or your removalist at Frontline identify which boxes need to be handled with extra care.
7. Get Frontline involved
Frontline has everything you need to get started with packing fragile items, including specialised boxes, packing material, tape, and more!
Want the professionals to pack your fragile items securely and safely? We can do it all. Whether you need materials or a full packing service, our experienced removalists in NSW can handle the job with care and attention to detail.
Get a quote on materials or book a complete packing service below.
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