How to Pack Fragile Items and Artwork for a Move

• Packing paper, specifically unprinted newsprint. Standard newspaper transfers ink onto items and should be avoided for anything that could be stained
• Bubble wrap in small-bubble form for most fragile items, and large-bubble for artwork and mirrors
• Double-walled boxes, which are significantly stronger than single-wall for heavy or fragile loads
• Picture and mirror boxes, which are adjustable flat boxes designed specifically for framed items
• Foam corner protectors for picture frames, mirrors, and furniture corners
• Packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper for void fill inside boxes
• Stretch wrap and plastic wrap for securing items without adhesive contact
• High-quality packing tape, not the cheap thin variety that fails under weight

If assembling all of this feels overwhelming on top of everything else a move involves, our professional packing team brings all materials and handles fragile items with the expertise that comes from packing thousands of moves. Everything we pack is covered under our cargo insurance policy.

Use small boxes for dishes and glassware without exception. Heavy items in large boxes break boxes and injure people. Line the bottom of each small box with at least two to three inches of crumpled packing paper to create a cushioned base. Wrap each glass individually in packing paper, tucking paper inside the glass as well as wrapping around the outside to create a padded column. Pack glasses upright in a standing position, never upside down and never on their sides. Place crumpled paper between each wrapped glass and fill all remaining void space so nothing can shift during transit.

Plates should be wrapped individually in packing paper and packed on their edge vertically, like records standing in a crate, not stacked flat. Plates packed flat are significantly more likely to crack under the weight of boxes stacked on top of them in the truck. Seal each box, write the weight on the outside if it’s heavy, and label clearly: “FRAGILE, GLASSES, THIS SIDE UP.”

For small to medium framed pieces, begin with a complete wrap in packing paper, making sure the paper covers all edges and corners. Follow with a layer of bubble wrap, securing the wrap with tape without touching the tape directly to the frame surface if possible. Place foam corner protectors on each corner of the frame before placing it in a picture box. Fill any gaps around the piece with crumpled paper so nothing can shift inside the box. Label clearly on multiple sides: “FRAGILE, ARTWORK, DO NOT LAY FLAT.”

Framed artwork should always travel vertically in the truck, never laid flat, where the weight of other items stacked on top can crack glass, damage frames, or puncture canvas. For large canvases without glass, wrap in packing paper followed by bubble wrap, then sandwich the piece between two pieces of rigid cardboard secured with stretch wrap. This protects against punctures and surface abrasion during loading and transport.

Mirrors deserve specific attention because broken mirror glass creates safety hazards in addition to the loss of the item itself. Start by placing an X of masking tape across the entire glass surface. This does not prevent the mirror from breaking, but it holds the glass together if it does crack, preventing dangerous shattering during transport or unloading. Wrap the entire mirror in packing paper first to protect the frame surface, then add a generous layer of bubble wrap secured with tape. Place foam corner protectors on each corner.

For large mirrors, use an adjustable picture and mirror box sized to fit snugly around the wrapped piece. For smaller mirrors, a standard picture box often works well. Pad the surrounding area with crumpled paper. Transport mirrors standing upright at all times, braced against the truck wall with furniture blankets between the mirror and any adjacent items. A mirror laid flat with anything placed on top of it has a very high probability of cracking under load.

For genuinely valuable or irreplaceable items, including antiques, sculptures, heirlooms, and high-value paintings, standard packing may not provide adequate protection for a long-distance move. Custom crating is the professional standard for these items. A custom crate is built specifically around the dimensions of your item, with internal foam or padding designed to absorb shock and prevent movement in every direction.

Our specialty items moving service includes custom crating, white glove handling, and climate-controlled transport options for items that require the highest level of care. Our white glove delivery service is available for artwork, antiques, and high-end furniture where placement, installation, and debris removal are part of the service. If an item has significant monetary or personal value, professional crating is almost always worth the additional cost compared to the risk and potential cost of damage.