How to Pack Fragile Items (Glass, China, Artwork) Like a Pro

Packing fragile items properly means using the right materials, wrapping each item individually, eliminating movement inside boxes, and labelling with care. Get those steps right and your delicate glassware, china and artwork will survive your move intact. Skip the shortcuts and you risk cracked plates, shattered glass or worse.

Why Fragile Packing Skills Matter

Fragile items are some of the most at risk during a move. Boxes shift, vehicles bump, and even a minor impact can ruin a once-pristine vase, expensive painting or fine china. By applying professional packing techniques, you significantly reduce the chance of damage. Expert guides stress that preventing movement and absorbing shock with cushioning materials are vital steps. 

At Three Counties Moves, we see too many claims for broken items. So if you want your precious belongings to arrive exactly as you packed them, follow the methods below—or let our team handle it via our packing services.

Getting Ready: Materials & Planning

Before you wrap anything, set yourself up for success.

Essential materials to have on hand:

• Strong, double-walled boxes (various sizes)
• Packing paper (acid-free for artwork)
• Bubble wrap, pad wrap, foam sheets
• Cardboard sheets and corner protectors
• Strong packaging tape
• Dividers or inserts (especially for stemware)
• Fillers (crumpled paper, packing peanuts)
• Markers / “FRAGILE” / “This Side Up” labels

Good packing begins with ordering everything you need. Don’t gamble with used or weak boxes—they may fail under pressure. 

Planning and sorting:

• Inventory all fragile items and prioritise the ones that absolutely need special care
• Sort by type (plates, glasses, frames) and by size
• Allocate time (don’t rush!)
• Reserve one “open-first” box with tools and spares
• Consult our packing tips page for further advice

Wrapping & Protecting Specific Fragile Items

Each category has its own quirks. Treat them accordingly.

Glassware & Stemware

1. Wrap each item individually – Use packing paper first, then bubble wrap. Fill interior cavities (e.g. wine glasses) with crumpled paper to reduce vibration. 
2. Use dividers or inserts – Keep glasses separated so they can’t knock into one another.
3. Pack upright (stem down) – Wherever possible, stow vertically rather than sideways.
4. Cushion & fill gaps – Ensure no movement by filling voids with cushioning materials.
5. Label clearly – Mark box “Fragile: Glassware” and “This Side Up.”

China, Plates & Crockery

• Wrap each plate in a few layers of packing paper, then bubble wrap. 
• Use cardboard sheets between plates in a stack, but limit stack to 3–4 plates.
• Place stacks vertically (on edge) instead of flat. This reduces stress. 
• Line the base of the box with cushioning and fill remaining voids.
• Seal and label “China / Plates – Fragile.”

Artwork, Frames & Mirrors

• Remove hanging hardware (screws, wires) and wrap those parts separately in labelled bags
• Tape a light “X” across the glass face with low-tack masking tape to mitigate shattering risk. 
• Wrap in acid-free paper, then bubble wrap. Add corner protectors or foam.
• Use cardboard sheets on both sides, then consider double boxing (box-in-box) for extra safety. 
• Always transport upright, never flat.
• Label “Fragile – Glass / Artwork,” with arrows showing the upright direction.

Vases, Ceramics & Sculptures

• Fill hollow spaces (vase interiors, hollow ceramics) with crumpled paper. 
• Wrap protruding parts first (handles, spouts), then the main body.
• Use padded blanket or foam wrapping on oversized or awkward shapes.
• Place in a suitably sized box with cushioning on all sides.

Box Composition & Packing Strategy

Even with individual wrapping, how you load the box matters.

• Reinforce box base and edges: Use multiple strips of tape to strengthen seams.
• Start with cushioning: Lay a generous base layer of padding.
• Box-in-box method: Place the wrapped item in a smaller box, then situate that box inside a larger one with padding all around. Leave ~5–7 cm between boxes. 
• Pack heavy items below: If stacking boxes, fragile ones should never go beneath heavy loads.
• Fill all gaps: Crumpled paper, bubble wrap or peanuts should prevent any movement.
• Seal generously: Use wide tape, cover all flaps and seams.
• Label boldly: All sides get “FRAGILE,” “This Side Up,” and a short content description.

Loading, Transit & Unpacking

Good packing can only go so far—how you handle boxes matters just as much.

During loading:

• Carry boxes with both hands; avoid tilting
• Don’t place fragile boxes beneath heavy ones
• Pad between boxes during loading to cushion movement
• Reserve a dedicated zone in the van for delicate boxes

In transit:

• Secure boxes so they can’t shift during braking or turns
• Avoid placing fragile goods beside heavy or vibrational loads
• Keep the vehicle’s interior temperate—extreme heat or cold can damage certain materials

Unpacking:

• Cut tape carefully—don’t damage inner wrapping
• Unwrap layer by layer, inspecting as you go
• Let artwork or ceramics rest before final display to allow for acclimatisation

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

When to Use the Experts

If your fragile items are particularly valuable, irregularly shaped or irreplaceable, consider professional assistance. With our trained staff, specialist materials and insurance, Three Counties Moves can manage the tricky packing so you can relax. Our packing services option covers exactly this. We also welcome enquiries—even partial support—via our contact us page.

Final Thoughts

Packing fragile items may seem tedious, but the effort you invest pays off in peace of mind and intact treasures at your new home. Use the proper materials, wrap each item individually, eliminate movement, reinforce boxes, label carefully—and never cut corners. 

If you’d rather entrust your delicate pieces to professionals, Three Counties Moves is ready with premium service, experience and care. You can also reach us by phone on 0800 699 0001.

Let us help your moving day be smooth, safe and stress-free.