Most breakages on moving day happen inside the box, when things shift against each other. Good packing is about stopping that movement.
What you need
- Small and medium double-wall boxes (big boxes get too heavy when full of crockery).
- Plenty of packing paper and some bubble wrap.
- Strong packing tape and a thick marker.
Plates and bowls
- Put a layer of scrunched paper in the bottom of the box.
- Wrap each plate on its own, then stand plates on their edge, like records, not flat in a pile.
- Fill every gap with paper so nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
Glasses and mugs
- Stuff the inside of each glass with paper, then wrap the outside.
- Pack glasses upright, rims up, with heavier items at the bottom of the box.
- Use cardboard dividers if you have them.
Pictures, mirrors and lamps
- Tape a cross over mirror glass, wrap the frame in bubble wrap and stand it upright.
- Take shades off lamps, remove bulbs and wrap the base and shade separately.
- Ask your movers about picture boxes for large frames and TVs.
Label clearly
Write “FRAGILE” and “THIS WAY UP” on at least two sides, plus the room it goes to. Tell the crew which boxes are fragile before loading starts, and keep anything truly irreplaceable with you.