If you have a lot of fragile items to pack and move, such as vases, mirrors, or antiques, you understandably may be concerned about how you will safely get them from one home to the other unscathed. You can ask your New England mover to help with the fragile packing, but we also thought we would compile these helpful tips if you decided to tackle the job yourself.
Packing fragile items is one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a move. Whether you’re moving down the road in Manchester, NH, relocating your family to Portsmouth, or planning a long-distance move across New England, ensuring your delicate belongings make it safely from point A to point B is essential. Broken dishes, cracked picture frames, or damaged electronics can turn what should be an exciting new chapter into a frustrating and expensive headache.
At College Bound Movers, we’ve been helping families and businesses move across New Hampshire and New England since 1991. With decades of experience, our professional movers know exactly how to protect delicate items and reduce the risks that come with transporting them. In this guide, we’ll share five easy tips for packing fragile items, along with a step-by-step breakdown for specific belongings.
1. Prepare Well Beforehand
Plan Ahead to Protect Fragile Items During Your Move
The first step to protecting your fragile items is giving yourself enough time. Many people underestimate how long packing takes — especially for delicate belongings that need extra attention.
- Start at least two weeks before moving day if you have a typical household.
- Make a checklist of fragile items: dishes, glasses, mirrors, lamps, electronics, antiques, and artwork.
- Designate a packing area in your home — perhaps the dining room table or an empty corner of the living room — where fragile items can be carefully sorted and wrapped.
If you’re moving from a busy city like Boston, MA, or a college town like Durham, NH, where housing turnover is high, it’s even more important to start early. Moving trucks, packing supplies, and professional movers can book quickly, especially during peak summer months in New England.
Pro tip: If you don’t have time to plan or pack properly, College Bound Movers offers professional packing services. Our trained team knows the safest techniques for fragile items, saving you stress and time.
2. Gather the Right Tools
Essential Packing Supplies for Fragile Belongings
Using the right materials makes all the difference between a smooth move and broken boxes. At a minimum, you’ll want to gather:
- Sturdy moving boxes (small, medium, and specialty dish/glass boxes)
- Bubble wrap and packing paper (avoid newspapers for valuables, as ink can transfer)
- Packing tape (extra-strong for securing boxes)
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Markers and labels (for clearly identifying fragile items)
- Packing peanuts or crumpled paper (for cushioning empty spaces in boxes)
If you’re tackling a move in historic towns like Concord, NH or Portland, ME, where many homes have narrow staircases or tight hallways, using smaller boxes for fragile items is crucial. Smaller boxes are easier to carry and reduce the chance of dropping or tilting items.
Pro tip: College Bound Movers can provide packing materials in advance, so you don’t have to worry about sourcing supplies.
3. Label Every Box
Clearly Label Fragile Boxes for Safer Handling
Labeling isn’t just about making unpacking easier — it’s about safety. A box marked “fragile” is far less likely to be stacked under something heavy or handled carelessly.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Write “FRAGILE” in bold letters on at least three sides of the box.
- Add arrows or “This Side Up” indicators.
- Include a short description: “Glassware – Kitchen” or “Picture Frames – Living Room.”
When moving through busy areas like Nashua or Lowell, MA, where movers often carry items quickly through apartment complexes, clear labeling ensures fragile items are treated with the care they deserve.
Pro tip: If you hire local movers in New Hampshire, clearly labeled boxes make it much easier for the crew to load and prioritize them correctly in the moving truck.
4. Know Proper Packing Techniques
Use the Right Packing Techniques for Fragile Items
Every type of fragile item requires a slightly different technique. A set of wine glasses won’t be packed the same way as a flat-screen TV or a delicate canvas painting. Proper technique reduces the risk of items shifting inside the box or being damaged during bumps on the road.
For example:
- Plates should be stacked vertically, not flat.
- Glasses should be wrapped individually and placed upright.
- Mirrors and artwork should be cushioned with cardboard and bubble wrap.
Pro tip: For especially delicate or high-value items (antiques, heirlooms, or artwork), consider College Bound Movers’ specialty packing services.
5. Restrict Product Movement
Prevent Shifting and Breakage with Smart Packing
Even the best-packed fragile items can break if they move around inside a box. To prevent shifting:
- Place items in the center of the box with padding on all sides.
- Use packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or bubble wrap to fill empty spaces.
- Shake the box gently before sealing — if you hear movement, add more cushioning.
- Heavier items always go at the bottom; lighter ones at the top.
This is especially important for long-distance moves across New England — for example, from Keene, NH to Hartford, CT — where boxes spend hours on highways and are more prone to shifting during transit.
How to Pack Fragile Items:
Different fragile belongings call for different packing methods. Here’s a detailed guide:
How to Pack Plates Safely
- Wrap each plate individually with bubble wrap.
- Place plates vertically in a small box.
- Add packing paper between each plate.
- Fill empty space with crumpled paper.
Best Way to Pack Glasses and Stemware
- Wrap each glass in bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Place upright in a divided box or dish pack.
- Cushion the bottom and top with extra padding.
- Store heavier glasses at the bottom of the box.
Packing Lamps and Lampshades for Moving
- Remove bulbs and shades.
- Wrap lamp bases with bubble wrap.
- Store lampshades in separate boxes with soft paper.
- Label clearly: “Lamp Shade – Fragile.”
How to Protect Picture Frames When Moving
- Wrap frames in bubble wrap.
- Place in small to medium boxes standing upright.
- Add cardboard between frames for extra protection.
- Use crumpled paper around edges.
Tips for Packing and Moving a TV
- Remove accessories and cords.
- Wrap with a moving blanket or bubble wrap.
- Use the original box if available.
- Otherwise, purchase a specialty TV moving box.
Packing Specialty or Irregular-Shaped Items
- Wrap each piece carefully in bubble wrap.
- Place between two sturdy cardboard sheets.
- Cushion with crumpled paper to fill gaps.
- Avoid using newspaper ink on valuable pieces.
How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors Without Damage
- Apply painter’s tape in an “X” across the glass (to prevent shattering).
- Cover with cardboard or foam board.
- Wrap with bubble wrap and secure with tape.
- Place upright in a specialty mirror box.
Protecting Canvases During a Move
- Cover the front with acid-free paper.
- Wrap the entire canvas with bubble wrap.
- Store upright between sturdy boards.
- Avoid stacking heavy boxes against canvases.
Get Professional Packing Help from College Bound Movers
Packing fragile items isn’t just about saving money — it’s about protecting the things you love. If you’re moving locally within New Hampshire (Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth) or relocating across New England (Boston, Hartford, Portland, or beyond), College Bound Movers is here to help.
Since 1991, we’ve provided residential moving, commercial moving, portable storage, packing services, and labor-only moving solutions. Whether you need help packing a single fragile item or moving an entire household, our experienced movers know how to keep your belongings safe.
When you choose College Bound Movers, you’re choosing:
- Local movers who know New England’s neighborhoods, towns, and roads.
- Long-distance moving expertise for relocations across states.
- Corporate relocation services for offices and businesses.
- Portable storage containers for flexible moving and storage solutions.
Ready to Move Without the Stress?
Contact College Bound Movers today to schedule your move or request a free estimate. Let us take care of the packing and moving so you can focus on settling into your new home — whether that’s in the heart of Manchester, NH, near the historic streets of Portsmouth, or across state lines in the wider New England region.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to pack fragile items for a move?
The best way to pack fragile items is to wrap each piece individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, place them upright in sturdy boxes, and cushion all empty spaces with crumpled paper or packing peanuts. At College Bound Movers, we recommend smaller boxes for easier handling, especially when moving around tight staircases and hallways common in New England homes.
2. What packing supplies do I need for fragile belongings?
Essential supplies include small to medium moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, strong tape, and markers for labeling. Specialty boxes, like dish packs or mirror boxes, are also highly recommended. College Bound Movers can provide professional-grade packing supplies for customers across New Hampshire and New England.
3. How do you pack dishes and plates to prevent breaking?
Wrap each plate individually in bubble wrap, place them vertically (not flat) in a box, and add packing paper between each one. Fill gaps with cushioning material and label the box clearly. This method ensures your kitchenware arrives safely, whether you’re moving locally in Manchester, NH or relocating across New England.
4. How can I protect glassware and stemware during a move?
Glasses should be wrapped individually, placed upright in a divided box, and cushioned with packing paper at the top and bottom. Stemware requires extra padding around delicate stems. For peace of mind, many customers hire College Bound Movers’ packing services to handle delicate glassware professionally.
5. How do I move mirrors, artwork, and picture frames safely?
Apply painter’s tape in an “X” across the glass, cover with foam board or cardboard, wrap in bubble wrap, and place upright in a specialty mirror box. For larger artwork or mirrors, our movers use moving blankets and professional techniques to protect them during transit across New England and beyond.
6. Is it worth hiring movers to pack fragile items?
Yes. Professional movers like College Bound Movers have decades of experience packing and transporting delicate items such as TVs, antiques, and artwork. This reduces the risk of breakage and saves you valuable time, especially if you’re moving long distance or handling a corporate relocation in New Hampshire or New England.
7. Do College Bound Movers provide packing services in New Hampshire?
Absolutely. College Bound Movers offers full-service packing for residents and businesses in Manchester, Concord, Portsmouth, Nashua, and throughout New England. Whether you need help packing your entire home or just fragile items like dishes, mirrors, or electronics, our team has you covered.
