How do I pack fragile items safely when moving house to Bridport?

Bridport's narrow streets and the winding A35 route from Bournemouth mean your removal lorry will navigate bends and uneven road surfaces, so securing fragile items properly before the journey is essential. Start by sourcing strong, double-walled cardboard boxes specifically rated for fragile or dish packing — standard supermarket boxes are rarely robust enough for glassware or ceramics.

• Wrap every item individually in acid-free packing paper or bubble wrap, securing with tape so the wrapping cannot unravel.
• Place a 5–7 cm layer of crumpled packing paper or foam peanuts at the base of each box before adding any items.
• Stand plates and dishes on their edges rather than flat — they are far less likely to crack under pressure this way.
• Nest cups and bowls inside one another only after each has been individually wrapped, and pad between each piece.
• Fill every void in the box with packing paper or foam so contents cannot move; shake the box gently before sealing to test for shifting.
• Label every fragile box clearly on the top and at least two sides with the word FRAGILE and an arrow indicating which way is up.

For particularly valuable or irreplaceable items — antique pottery, lead crystal, artwork — consider double-boxing: place the wrapped item in a correctly sized inner box, then surround that inner box with packing material inside a larger outer box. This creates a buffer against any impact during the rural roads around the Bride Valley and West Dorset.

Mirrors, large framed pictures, and glass tabletops should be wrapped in moving blankets or specialist mirror cartons and stored upright in the lorry, never laid flat. If you are using Astra Removals, our crew carry purpose-made picture cartons and blankets as standard, and we can advise on the best way to protect specific pieces when we carry out your pre-move survey.

Finally, keep a separate box or bag for items you will transport in your own car — the most fragile heirlooms, liquids that could leak, or anything with particular sentimental value. This gives you full control over their handling on moving day.