Most damage we see in moves comes from two mistakes: not enough cushioning at the top of the box, and packing items horizontally that should be vertical. Here's how to do it right.
Materials worth buying
- New double-walled boxes. Recycled grocery boxes are a false economy.
- Real packing paper (not newspaper — it stains).
- Bubble wrap for anything truly fragile.
- Dish-pack boxes — divided cardboard inserts for plates and stemware.
- Painter's tape for marking glass-side-up.
Plates (the right way)
- Wrap each plate individually in 2 sheets of packing paper.
- Stand them on edge, not flat. They're stronger that way — like records in a sleeve.
- Use a dish-pack box. If you don't have one, fill the bottom 4 inches of a regular box with crumpled paper first.
- Cushion top, bottom, and sides with at least 2 inches of paper.
Glassware
- One sheet of paper around the bowl, then stuff the inside with paper.
- Wrap again with 2-3 more sheets, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper.
- Stems (wine glasses) go upside down.
- Always at the top of the box, never the bottom.
Lamps
- Take the shade off. Pack it separately, in its own box, surrounded by paper.
- Remove the bulb. Wrap the base in a moving blanket or towel.
- Mark the box "fragile — lamp shade."
Mirrors and framed art
- Tape an X across the glass with painter's tape (helps if it cracks — keeps shards together).
- Wrap with paper, then bubble wrap.
- Stand on edge in the truck, never flat.
The two-rule top-of-box test
Before you tape any fragile box closed:
- Push down on the top. If it gives, add more paper.
- Shake it gently. If anything moves, add more paper.
That's it. Mark every fragile box with FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP on at least 3 sides. Our crews look for these labels first.
If you'd rather not do any of this, book our packing service and we'll handle it. Most of our 2BR pack-outs run $400–600 and save 10–15 hours of your time.