If you're planning to move, we understand how stressful it can be. The packing and moving process can be tedious and overwhelming, from gathering the right supplies to keeping track of your moving timeline. Even the most minor details must be carefully accounted for to ensure the move goes off without a hitch.

The packing process should be smooth and considered to protect every fragile object and beloved item from becoming damaged during relocation chaos. If you're looking for guidance on packing your fragile items, keep reading our expert tips.

#1. Use the Right Packing Materials When Packing Fragile Items

Wondering how to pack fragile items? To properly pack fragile items start by gathering suitable supplies. You need to use the right materials for different objects. For example, packing a TV differs from packing fragile items like glassware.

Here are some essential packing supplies and materials to have on hand:

Packaging peanuts: This packing material fills empty spaces in boxes. Packaging peanuts are designed to withstand shocks or vibrations and protect the items inside boxes.
Bubble wrap is a protective material that comes in different sizes, so choose accordingly.
Furniture pads or padded inserts can help protect your more oversized fragile items, such as furniture or larger glassware. The pads also keep things in their proper place.
Paper: A simple and affordable method of packing glassware and other fragile items. Remember that many people are tempted to use newspapers to replace packing paper. However, it can leave behind marks on your items.

#2. Put Glass and Ceramics in Small Boxes

Small boxes for fragile items are ideal for keeping vases, plates, china cups, or other glasses safe. Consider wrapping each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap before you put it into the small box. The tighter you fill each box, the less extra space there is for the items to move during transit.

#3. Label Fragile Boxes

You'll want to label the box as fragile when packing delicate items. Make sure you write "fragile" on all the box's sides and in big letters so it is apparent to anyone that the box shouldn't be dropped, smooshed, or handled roughly.

If you don't have a black or red sharpie, consider buying one to help your "fragile" label stand out. Consider buying different tape, such as red or pink, to attract attention to the breakable boxes.

#4. Place the Heaviest Items at the Bottom of the Box

When grocery shopping, you'd never put a carton of eggs underneath a bag of dog food. The same concept applies to packing. As you start to put your boxes together, you'll want to place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. The same philosophy holds when you are loading your moving truck.

Consider investing in portable storage to pack your breakables. This will give you more time to organize the moving container without the added pressure or expense of paying for professional movers.

#5. Wrap Items and Add Protection

Make sure you carefully wrap your delicate items in bubble wrap, tissue paper, or packing paper. You can also use towels and blankets to cover your TV and picture frames. To be extra safe, use tape or bungee cords to secure the blankets or towels around more oversized items, so they don't fall off during the move and arrive in one piece.

#6. Stack Fragile Items When Possible

Fragile items like plates and bowls can be stacked together to reduce the risk of damage. Start by placing a solid piece of cardboard at the bottom of the box. From there, take packing paper or a portion of bubble wrap and stack it between each plate or bowl. Take 4-5 plates or bowls and seal the stack with packing tape.

#7. Pack TVs and Monitors in Their Original Packaging

If you still have the original boxes for your televisions, monitors, and other electronics, now is the time to put them to use. Using the original boxes can help keep your electronics safe during the move.

If you don't have the boxes, start by removing the cables and wrapping them in a layer of bubble wrap. Make sure to label each item to track where it goes for the reassembly process.

All screens should be carefully wrapped with bubble wrap as they are the most fragile part. Cover the bubble wrap with a thick towel or blanket and secure it onto the item with a rope or cord.

#8. Disassemble Bulky Furniture

If you have large, bulky furniture, make sure you take it apart before you move. It makes it easier to transport the pieces through the door frame and on and off the moving truck. Once you've separated the furniture into smaller parts, carefully wrap each piece in bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape.

If you have a mirror to transport, you'll want to add a large piece of cardboard to the inner and outer layers and sandwich bubble wrap in the middle. Use the same system for packing fragile paintings and artwork. Keep these items upright during the move.

#9. Fill Hollow Items with Packing Paper

Use packing paper to soften vibrations and prevent cracks in vases, jars, bowls, and canisters. You can stack individually wrapped items together to save space, such as mixing bowls or glasses, if it is safe to do so. (This is a bad idea for glasses of the same size since they could get stuck.) Put items in boxes and fill leftover empty space with packing peanuts, towels, or paper to prevent the things from moving.

#10. Use Cardboard Dividers and Bubble Wrap for Glasses

Use cardboard dividers or special boxes to separate glassware. Due to their shape and pressure points, glasses are prone to breakage, so they need specialty boxes to avoid broken glass. Secure wine glass stems with bubble wrap first, then wrap the entire glass in paper, and then bubble wrap.

Generally, if your items are big and heavy, you'll want to do one of two things: use bubble wrap with larger bubble sizes or wrap items in more layers. You can't be too careful when packing glass, especially if what you're packing is valuable, sentimental, or family heirlooms.

Moving? Contact Alliance Movers Today

Packing fragile items may seem daunting, but with the above tips and guidance, the process isn't as overwhelming as it seems. If you're looking for hands-on assistance packing fragile items, our team at Alliance Moving is here to help!

We have successfully executed countless moves in the Chicagoland area, always treating our customers' belongings as our own. We always offer straightforward pricing that will not impact your budget, and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.

For a moving & storage quote, don't hesitate to contact us anytime!