How to Pack Fragile Items the Right Way (From Our Packing Team)
Practical, technique-level advice from our packing team on protecting glassware, mirrors, LED TVs and ceramic items during a move.
Fragile damage during a move almost always happens for one of three reasons: thin packing, loose packing, or wrong loading. Fix those three and you fix 90% of breakage.
Use three layers, not one
A single layer of bubble wrap is not enough for glass and ceramic items. Use this stack: a foam sheet around the item, then bubble wrap with the bubbles facing inward, then a corrugated sheet wrap on the outside. Three layers, in that order.
Cartons must be tight
If items move inside the carton when you shake it, the packing is wrong. Fill all empty space with crushed paper or extra bubble wrap. A tight carton survives a long truck ride; a loose one doesn't.
FRAGILE marking on all six sides
Loaders should see 'FRAGILE' no matter which face the carton is shown. Add 'THIS SIDE UP' arrows. These are loaded last and unloaded first.
LED TVs need their original carton — or a custom one
Original TV cartons with the original foam inserts are designed for the screen. If you've thrown them out (most people have), the next-best option is a fitted carton with foam sheets, corner protectors, and a wooden crate for any outstation move.
When in doubt, ask your packers to walk you through how they're packing the fragile items before they tape the carton. Good packers welcome this; rushed packers don't.