How do I pack fragile items safely when moving house?

The most important principle when packing fragile items is to ensure nothing can move inside the box. Any shifting during transit – even on a smooth road – can cause chips, cracks, or complete breakages. Start by selecting double-walled cardboard boxes rather than single-walled supermarket boxes, which compress easily under load.

• Wrap every item individually. Use several sheets of packing paper or a generous layer of bubble wrap (bubbles facing inward). For particularly delicate pieces such as wine glasses or ornaments, add a second wrap of bubble wrap secured with tape.
• Line the base of the box. Before placing anything inside, lay at least 5 cm of scrunched packing paper or foam peanuts on the bottom to act as a shock absorber.
• Pack heaviest items first. Plates should stand vertically like records rather than lying flat – this dramatically reduces the chance of cracking. Cups and bowls nest inside one another with padding between each layer.
• Fill every void. Gaps are the enemy. Stuff scrunched paper, clothing, or foam into any space so items cannot shift. Give the closed box a gentle shake – if you hear or feel movement, add more padding.
• Label clearly on every visible side. Write 'Fragile' and 'This Way Up' with an arrow in large letters using a permanent marker. Do not overfill boxes; a fragile box should ideally weigh no more than around 15 kg so it can be carried safely without being stacked under heavy loads.

For exceptionally valuable or irreplaceable items – antique china, artwork, or large mirrors – specialist packing materials such as mirror boxes, dish packs, and foam corner protectors are worth the small additional cost. Astra Removals can supply these materials directly, and our crews are experienced in handling delicate items on moves throughout Bournemouth, Poole, and the wider Dorset area.

Finally, keep a dedicated 'fragiles' box separate from general packing and load it last onto the van so it travels at the top of the stack and is unloaded first. Inform your removal team which boxes require extra care – at Astra we always ask customers to point these out before we begin loading.