How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving (Without Breaking Everything)

Nothing ruins move-in day quite like opening a box and hearing that unmistakable crunch of broken glass. Packing fragile items for a move doesn't have to end in disaster — but it does take more than tossing everything in a box and hoping for the best.

Whether you're wrapping your grandmother's china, a set of wine glasses you definitely overpaid for, or a mirror that barely survived the last move, this guide breaks down exactly how to pack fragile items so they actually make it to your new place in one piece — along with your pets, your sanity, and your security deposit.

The packing supplies you actually need

Before you wrap a single plate, get your supplies together. Running out of bubble wrap halfway through your kitchen is a recipe for cutting corners — and broken dishes.

Here's what you need: dish boxes (they have double-thick cardboard walls and are worth every penny), regular moving boxes in small and medium sizes, packing paper (unprinted newsprint works great), bubble wrap for your most delicate items, packing tape and a dispenser, a permanent marker for labeling, and cell dividers for glasses and stemware (check your local liquor store — they usually have extras).

One pro tip from over 1 million Lugg moves: packing paper is almost always better than bubble wrap for everyday dishes. It's more flexible, takes up less space in the box, and creates natural air pockets when you crumple it. Save the bubble wrap for the really fragile stuff — crystal, thin glass, and anything irreplaceable.

Moving bags and reusable bins: the box alternatives worth knowing about

Cardboard boxes aren't your only option — and for some items, they're not even the best one.

Reusable moving bags with backpack-style straps have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. A pack of eight heavy-duty bags runs about $32 on Amazon, and they solve a real problem: you can wear them like a backpack, which frees up your hands and distributes weight across your shoulders instead of straining your arms. They're a game-changer for walk-ups and buildings without elevators. After the move, they fold flat and work as storage bags for seasonal clothes, blankets, or bulky bedding.

Plastic moving bins (the kind you can rent from companies like Bin It or buy at Home Depot) are another solid alternative. They're sturdier than cardboard, stackable, water-resistant, and you don't need tape. They're especially good for items that aren't super fragile but still need protection — books, kitchen gadgets, bathroom supplies. The downside: they're not great for truly delicate items because you can't crumple paper around items as easily in a rigid bin.

The move? Use boxes for fragile kitchen items, bags for soft goods and clothes, and bins for everything in between.

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How to pack plates and bowls

Plates break more often than any other item during a move. The good news: the technique is simple once you know it.

Start by lining the bottom of a dish box with two to three inches of crumpled packing paper. Then wrap each plate individually — lay it on a sheet of packing paper, fold the corners in, and roll it up. Yes, every single plate. Stacking unwrapped plates together is the number one cause of chipped edges.

Here's the part most people get wrong: pack plates vertically, on their edges, like records in a crate. Not flat. When plates are stacked flat, the weight of the stack puts pressure on the bottom plates. Standing them on edge distributes the force evenly and dramatically reduces breakage.

For bowls, nest them in pairs (two bowls facing each other) with paper between them, then wrap the pair together and stand them upright in the box. Fill every gap with crumpled paper until nothing shifts when you gently rock the box.

How to pack glasses and stemware

Glasses break for one reason more than any other: movement inside the box. If a glass can shift even half an inch during transport, it's at risk.

Start by stuffing the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper. This absorbs vibrations and prevents the glass from collapsing inward. Then wrap the outside with two to three sheets of packing paper, tucking the excess into the opening.

For wine glasses and stemware, the stem is the weak point. Wrap extra paper or a small piece of bubble wrap around the stem before wrapping the whole glass. Pack stemware upside down in the box — the rim is stronger than the base and can handle more weight.

If you have cell dividers (the cardboard grids that come in liquor boxes), use them. They keep glasses separated and prevent them from knocking into each other. No dividers? Wrap each glass thicker and pack them snugly in rows, filling every gap.

For especially expensive or sentimental stemware, double-box it: pack the glasses in a small box, then place that box inside a larger one surrounded by crumpled paper on all sides.

How to pack mirrors, artwork, and picture frames

Mirrors and framed artwork need a different approach than dishes. The glass surface is large, thin, and wants to flex during transport — which is exactly how it cracks.

First, make a large X across the glass surface with painter's tape. This won't prevent a break, but it will hold the shards together if it does crack, protecting the artwork underneath and making cleanup safer.

Wrap the entire piece in at least two layers of bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the corners. Corners take the most impact during a move, so add extra padding there — some people use cut-up cardboard pieces as corner guards.

Use a specialty mirror box or picture box if you can find one. If not, you can make a custom sleeve from two flat pieces of cardboard taped together around the piece. The key rule: always transport mirrors and frames on their edge, standing up, never flat. A flat mirror in a stack of boxes will crack under almost any weight.

How to pack electronics and screens

TVs, monitors, and laptops are fragile in a different way — they're sensitive to pressure on the screen and to static.

If you still have the original box, use it. Manufacturers design those boxes specifically to protect the product during shipping. If not, wrap the screen in a soft blanket or microfiber cloth first (never place bubble wrap directly against a screen — the texture can leave marks), then wrap the whole unit in bubble wrap.

For TVs, a specialty TV box is worth buying. They're available at most moving supply stores and cost $15–25. Considering what a replacement TV costs, that's an easy call.

What to use for what: a quick reference

5 packing mistakes that break things

Mistake 1: Using boxes that are too big.

Oversized boxes let items shift during transport, and they're heavier, which means they're more likely to get dropped. Use small and medium boxes for fragile items — always.

Mistake 2: Not enough cushioning on the bottom.

The base of every box needs two to three inches of crumpled paper before you place anything inside. That bottom layer is your shock absorber.

Mistake 3: Packing plates flat.

We covered this above, but it bears repeating: plates go on their edges, not stacked flat. This single change prevents more breakage than anything else.

Mistake 4: Leaving gaps in the box.

If you can hear or feel anything shift when you gently rock a sealed box, open it back up and add more paper. Movement inside the box is the enemy.

Mistake 5: Rushing.

Packing fragile items takes longer than you think. Budget extra time for the kitchen — it's almost always the room with the most breakables and the one people leave until the last minute, which is why planning a stress-free moving day starts with packing early.

Loading fragile boxes on the truck

Your packing job is only as good as the loading job. Fragile boxes should go on top of heavier, sturdier boxes — never at the bottom of a stack. Make sure they're wedged in so they can't slide around during transit.

If you're doing the move yourself, this is honestly the hardest part to get right. It's one of those situations where having experienced movers makes a huge difference. Lugg movers handle fragile items every day and know how to load a truck so nothing shifts. You can book same-day in over 500 U.S. cities if you'd rather not gamble with your good china.

Frequently asked questions about packing fragile items

What is the best material for packing fragile items?

Packing paper is the best all-around material for most fragile items. It's flexible, takes up less space than bubble wrap, and creates natural cushioning when crumpled. Use bubble wrap as a secondary layer for especially delicate items like crystal, thin glass, and electronics. For mirrors and artwork, use at least two layers of bubble wrap with cardboard corner guards.

Should I pack plates vertically or flat?

Always pack plates vertically, on their edges, like records in a crate. Stacking plates flat puts all the weight on the bottom plates, which causes cracking and chipping. Standing them on edge distributes pressure evenly and significantly reduces breakage during transport.

How do I pack wine glasses without breaking them?

Stuff the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper, then wrap extra padding around the stem (the weakest point). Wrap the entire glass in two to three sheets of packing paper and pack upside down in a box with cell dividers. For expensive stemware, double-box by placing the packed box inside a larger box with padding on all sides.

Can I use towels and clothes instead of packing paper?

Yes — towels, t-shirts, and cloth napkins work great as gap fillers and extra cushioning. But don't rely on them as your only wrapping material for very fragile items. Soft fabrics can shift during transport, while packing paper holds its shape better. Use clothes to fill gaps in boxes after wrapping items properly.

How do I pack a mirror so it doesn't break?

Make an X across the glass with painter's tape to hold shards together if it cracks. Wrap in two layers of bubble wrap with extra padding on the corners. Use a mirror box or make a cardboard sleeve. The most important rule: always transport mirrors on their edge, standing up, never laid flat.

What's the best way to pack a TV for moving?

Use the original box if you have it. If not, wrap the screen in a soft microfiber cloth first (never put bubble wrap directly on the screen), then wrap the whole TV in bubble wrap. Place it in a specialty TV box available at moving supply stores for $15–25. Transport upright, screen-side facing inward toward other soft items.

How many dishes fit in a dish box?

A standard dish box (18" x 18" x 28") holds about 12–15 individually wrapped dinner plates packed vertically, or 8–10 wrapped bowls. Don't overpack — if the box is too heavy to carry comfortably, it's too full. Aim for 30–40 pounds per box maximum for fragile items — and if you're stocking a first apartment, you probably don't need as many dish boxes as you think.

Packing fragile items takes patience

..and the right technique, but it's not complicated. Wrap everything individually, pack tight so nothing moves, and use the right box for the job. Your kitchen will take the longest — give yourself an extra day for it if you can. And when it's time to load it all up, let the people who do this every day handle the heavy part.