Packing fragile items is an art—and a science. Done right, everything arrives intact. Done wrong, you’ll find yourself glue-gunning your Grandma’s heirloom vase back together. Here’s your ultimate guide to packing fragile items with care (and a few laughs along the way).
The Dos
• DO invest in quality packing supplies: forget those flimsy liquor store boxes. For fragile items, bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing paper are your holy trinity. Plus, bubble wrap doubles as a stress reliever when you’re done.
• DO pack plates vertically. Think of plates as vinyl records. Stacking them upright reduces pressure, meaning fewer cracks. They’ll thank you for it—if plates could talk.
• DO label boxes clearly. Write “FRAGILE” in bold letters on every side of the box. Movers are great, but they’re not psychic. Also, include “THIS SIDE UP” to save your champagne glasses from becoming a mosaic.
• DO go wild with padding: Your fragile items deserve the royal treatment. Wrap each item as though it were a gift for your clumsiest friend, and fill empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts, towels, or even socks.
The Don’ts
• DON’T procrastinate. Rushing the night before leads to poorly packed boxes and lots of regret. Take your time; your wine glasses deserve it.
• Don’t use newspaper as padding for glassware. Unless you love ink stains on everything, go for packing paper instead. Your hands will also thank you.
• Don’t overpack boxes. There’s a special kind of horror in watching a box rip apart mid-move. Keep each box manageable. If you can’t lift it, neither can your movers—or your ego.
Bonus Tip: Test Your Work
Once you’ve packed, give the box a gentle shake. If you hear clinking, unpack and pad some more. Your porcelain teacups are not meant to play bumper cars.
Packing fragile items doesn’t have to give you gray hair. With the right tools, techniques, and a sense of humor, you can make sure everything makes it without a scratch. If all else fails, just buy more bubble wrap-it’s cheaper than therapy.
