How to Pack Fragile Items: Dishes, Glass, Art

Why fragile items break (and how to prevent it 99% of the time)

In our 30 years moving families in South Florida, we have seen that almost all breakage of fragile items has a common cause: lack of cushioning between items. Not the size of the box, not the truck, not the road. The simple absence of a layer of paper or bubble between two glasses that touch each other.

This guide teaches you the exact techniques we use to pack dishes, glassware, art, mirrors, and ceramics so they arrive intact. Same techniques used by professional packers in Brickell, Coral Gables, and high-value moves where the contents of a single box can exceed 5,000 USD.

Essential materials

Do not start packing without these materials. Saving on materials is the worst false economy.

• White packing paper (kraft, not newspaper — ink stains): 1-2 rolls per room
• Bubble wrap: small bubble for dishes, large bubble for art
• Cell boxes for glasses: 25-40 USD each, divides the box into compartments
• Dish pack boxes: reinforced for dishes (45-65 USD each)
• Quality packing tape: 3 minimum per box
• Foam corners for picture frames and mirrors
• Stretch film for furniture and art
• Permanent markers to label "Fragile" on multiple sides

How to pack dishes (the vertical technique)

This is the most important secret. Dishes do NOT go flat. They go vertical, like vinyl records in a crate.

Step by step

1. Line the bottom of the dish pack box with 3-4 inches of crumpled paper
2. Take a plate, place it on a sheet of paper
3. Wrap completely, folding corners over the plate
4. Take another plate, place it on the first wrapped one, wrap both together
5. Place this bundle of 2 plates VERTICAL in the box (standing on edge)
6. Continue with bundles of 2-3 plates wrapped together
7. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper
8. Top final layer of crumpled paper before closing

Vertical orientation distributes pressure on the strongest part of the plate (edge), not on the flat surface that breaks more easily.

How to pack glasses and stemware

Glasses are tricky because of their cylindrical shape and stems on wine glasses.

Regular glasses

1. Crumple a piece of paper and stuff it INSIDE the glass (cushions internally)
2. Wrap the glass in additional paper, covering it completely
3. Place in cell box or in dish pack box separated by paper between each
4. Never lay glasses on their side: they go upright

Wine glasses and crystal stemware

1. Wrap the bowl with bubble wrap (2 layers)
2. Wrap the stem separately with extra paper
3. Cover the entire piece with thicker paper
4. Use specific cell box for stemware (compartments deeper)
5. If you have the original box, use it: it is the best protection

How to pack art and pictures

Art is one of the most damaged categories in non-professional moves. Each piece needs individual treatment.

Framed pictures and prints

1. If has glass, make X with painter's tape on glass (prevents complete shattering if cracks)
2. Wrap with packing paper or bubble wrap, covering entire surface
3. Place foam corners on the 4 corners of the frame
4. Wrap entire frame with bubble wrap (2 layers for valuable pieces)
5. Use picture box (telescoping cardboard box) or wardrobe box for large pieces
6. Place upright in truck, NEVER flat (vibrations crack frames flat)

Canvas paintings without glass

1. Cover front with acid-free tissue paper (avoid contact direct with paint)
2. Bubble wrap covering completely
3. Box of exact size or cardboard cut to size
4. Mark "Fragile - Art - This side up" clearly

Valuable art (over 5,000 USD)

For high-value art, consider professional service of crating (wooden crates custom made). Cost: 200-800 USD per piece depending on size. Worth it for irreplaceable art.

How to pack mirrors

Mirrors require special protection because of their size and fragility.

1. X of painter's tape on the entire surface of the mirror
2. Wrap with cardboard or specific foam blanket
3. Bubble wrap covering the entire surface
4. Foam corners on the 4 corners
5. Mirror box (telescoping) of exact size
6. Mark "Fragile - Mirror" on both sides
7. Transport vertical, never flat

How to pack ceramics, figurines and decoration

Each piece needs to be wrapped individually with paper, then bubble. Smaller pieces in cell box; larger pieces in box with paper cushioning at bottom and top.

For very delicate pieces (porcelain figurines, antiques), use double-box technique: pack the piece in a small box with paper, then put that box inside a larger one with more paper cushioning around. Maximum protection.

Special boxes: electronics, lamps, TVs

TVs

Ideally use the original box. If you no longer have it, buy a TV box at Home Depot (25-35 USD). Wrap TV in furniture blanket, place in box upright. Transport upright in the truck.

Lamps

Disassemble base, harp and shade. Pack each piece separately. Lampshade in its own box without weight on top (deforms easily). Bulb separately, wrapped in paper.

Computers and electronics

Backup ALL important data before moving. Pack in original boxes if possible. If not, well-padded boxes with bubble wrap on all sides. Mark "Fragile - Electronics."

Labeling: the small detail that saves boxes

Each fragile box must have visible labels on at LEAST 3 sides:

• "FRAGILE" in bright red letters
• "THIS SIDE UP" with arrow
• Contents (Plates - Kitchen)
• Destination room

This way, no matter how the mover takes the box, they see the warning.

Final inspection at destination

When boxes arrive, do not stack heavy items on fragile boxes. Open fragile boxes first to verify status. If something arrived broken, document immediately with photos and make claim on the spot.

Real case: a client in Coral Gables had a Lladro porcelain collection worth 15,000 USD. We packed each piece with double-box technique. Arrived 100% intact after 12 hours of transport.

When is it worth hiring professional packing

If you have antiques, art, valuable porcelain, or large collections of fragile items, hiring full packing service (including materials) is the best decision. Cost: 300-700 USD additional, but virtually zero breakage risk and full insurance coverage of items packed by professionals.

At Wadjet Logistics we have specialized packing teams in high-value items. Call us at +1 (305) 970-6538 for personalized quote.