How to Pack Fragile Items So They Actually Survive the Move

Damage during a move is rarely random. It comes from a short list of avoidable causes: empty space inside a carton, items packed flat that should stand upright, insufficient cushioning at the base, and boxes stacked heavy-on-light.

Crockery, plates and glassware

1. Line the base of the carton with 5 cm of crushed paper or foam.
2. Wrap each piece individually. Never wrap two plates together — they chip against each other.
3. Stand plates on their edge, like records in a rack. Plates packed flat crack under the weight above them; on edge they are dramatically stronger.
4. Stuff the inside of glasses, cups and bowls with paper before wrapping the outside.
5. Put heavier items at the bottom, lighter and more delicate on top.
6. Fill every gap. Shake gently — if you hear movement, add more filling.
7. Use small cartons. A large box of crockery becomes too heavy to handle safely and bursts at the base.
8. Label FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP on the sides, not just the top.

Mirrors, glass tabletops and framed art

• Tape a large X across the glass face with masking tape. It does not prevent breakage, but it holds shards together if it does break.
• Wrap in bubble wrap, bubbles facing inward, then a layer of corrugated sheet.
• Use a flat mirror carton or sandwich between two sheets of cardboard cut to size.
• Always transport standing on edge, never flat. Flat glass flexes and cracks over road bumps.
• Mark clearly on both faces so nobody stacks anything on it.

Television

• Use the original box if you kept it. Nothing else fits as well.
• If not, wrap the screen in a soft cloth or foam sheet first — bubble wrap directly against some panels can leave marks — then bubble wrap, then corrugated sheet, then a purpose-made TV carton.
• Photograph the cable connections at the back before disconnecting.
• Remove the stand and bag the screws, taping the bag to the TV carton.
• Always transport upright, never flat. Modern panels can crack under their own weight when laid down.

Refrigerator

1. Empty and defrost 24 hours before the move. Drain the water tray completely.
2. Clean and dry the interior, then wedge the doors slightly ajar until loading to prevent odour.
3. Tape the doors shut for transit — but only just before loading.
4. Secure or remove loose shelves and the crisper drawers.
5. Wrap the body in foam sheet and stretch film to protect against scratches.
6. Keep it upright throughout. Laying a fridge flat can let compressor oil enter the cooling lines.
7. After delivery, let it stand upright for 4 to 6 hours before switching on, so the oil settles back.

Washing machine

• Disconnect and drain both the inlet and outlet hoses fully; residual water leaks into cartons.
• For front-load machines, fit the transit bolts if you still have them. These lock the drum — moving a front-loader without them frequently damages the suspension.
• Tape the door and the detergent drawer shut.
• Transport upright.

Air conditioner

• Always use a qualified technician to uninstall, not the moving crew. Gas needs to be pumped down properly.
• Book the uninstall a day or two before the move, not on moving day itself.
• Keep the indoor and outdoor units, the bracket, remote and copper piping together and labelled.
• Protect the copper pipe ends from dust and moisture.

Marble, granite and stone tops

• Always transported on edge, never flat — stone snaps under its own weight when flat over a bump.
• Foam sheet, then corrugated, then a wooden crate for anything large or valuable.
• Tell your mover in advance so a crate is prepared. This is not something to improvise on the day.

Five mistakes that cause most breakage

1. Leaving empty space in the carton. Every gap is room for an item to move and hit something.
2. Overloading boxes. A carton that is too heavy gets dropped or bursts at the base.
3. Packing plates flat. On edge is far stronger.
4. Laying TVs, fridges and glass flat. Upright or on edge, almost always.
5. Not labelling the sides. Once stacked, nobody can read the top of a box.

Frequently Asked Questions

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