How to Pack Fragile Items Safely During House Shifting

Before packing any fragile items, gather the right materials. Using the wrong materials is the most common cause of packing-related damage.

Essential materials for fragile items:

• Bubble wrap, at least 2 to 3 rolls for a standard home

• Double-walled corrugated boxes in small and medium sizes

• Foam sheets and foam peanuts for cushioning

• Packing tape, strong enough to hold a sealed box under weight

• Dish boxes or cell dividers for crockery and glassware

• Cardboard corner protectors for mirrors and frames

• Stretch wrap or furniture blankets for larger fragile surfaces

• Permanent marker for labeling

What not to use:

• Single-ply newspaper alone as the only wrap (it is not shock-absorbent enough)

• Oversized boxes for fragile items (more space means more movement inside the box)

• Standard tape that peels under humidity or weight

Plates and bowls are among the most commonly damaged items during a home shift. The reason is almost always incorrect stacking orientation.

• Wrap each plate individually from front to back with bubble wrap and secure with tape

• Place plates vertically on their edges inside the box, not flat. Plates stacked flat break far more easily than plates standing upright

• Place a layer of foam or crumpled packing paper at the bottom of the box before adding plates

• Add foam sheets between each plate even when they are individually wrapped

• Fill the top of the box with foam or crumpled paper so nothing shifts when the box is moved

• Seal and label FRAGILE on all four sides and the top

Glassware is the most delicate category in any kitchen. The stem of a wine glass or the handle of a mug needs specific attention.

• Wrap each glass individually starting from the base and spiraling upward

• For stemmed glasses, wrap the stem first with an extra layer before wrapping the bowl

• Place glasses upright in the box, never on their sides

• Use cell divider inserts inside the box if available. These keep glasses separated and prevent contact

• Never stack glassware directly on top of each other, even when wrapped

• The box should feel solid with no rattling when gently shaken before sealing

• Label FRAGILE GLASSWARE clearly on all sides

Electronics are expensive, sensitive to impact, and often difficult to replace with an exact equivalent. They need specific packing care.

Television:

• Use the original box if available. Original packaging is designed specifically for the TV's dimensions and weight

• If the original box is not available, wrap the screen in foam sheets first, then bubble wrap

• Place inside a box with foam padding on all sides, minimum 5 cm on each side

• The TV should not touch the walls of the box at any point

• Mark the box FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP, SCREEN

Computers and laptops:

• Remove any external accessories and pack them separately

• Wrap in bubble wrap and place in a snug box with foam on all sides

• Back up your data before moving and carry the device with you personally if possible

Smaller appliances:

• Wrap each appliance individually in bubble wrap

• Use the original box where available

• Pack cables and accessories in separate labeled bags inside the same box

• Do not place heavy items on top of appliance boxes

Home theatre and audio equipment:

• Wrap speakers individually in bubble wrap

• Pack cables and remotes in separately labeled bags

• Document all cable connections with a photograph before disconnecting

Mirrors and framed glass artwork are among the most difficult items to pack because of their surface area and fragility.

• Never wrap a mirror directly without protection on the corners first

• Apply cardboard corner protectors to all four corners before wrapping

• Wrap the entire mirror in foam sheets first, then a layer of bubble wrap

• Use stretch wrap to hold the padding in place before boxing

• For large mirrors that cannot be boxed, mark them clearly with FRAGILE stickers and carry them upright in the vehicle

• Store and transport mirrors vertically, never flat

• Keep mirrors away from heavy boxes in the vehicle

Framed artwork:

• Apply painter's tape in an X pattern across the glass to contain shattering if the glass is impacted

• Wrap in foam sheets and then bubble wrap

• Box individually in appropriately sized flat boxes with foam padding on all sides

• Label FRAGILE, DO NOT STACK

Ceramic decoratives and figurines:

• Wrap each item individually with at least 2 layers of bubble wrap

• Place in a box lined with foam peanuts on the bottom

• Pack items with space between them, filled with foam peanuts or crumpled paper

• A well-packed box of decoratives should not make any sound when gently shaken

Vases and tall decorative items:

• Wrap the body and base in bubble wrap separately

• If the vase has a narrow neck, give that area extra padding

• Pack upright in a box specifically sized for the item, not in a generic box with other items

These principles apply across every category of fragile goods:

• Always wrap individually, never rely on proximity to other wrapped items for protection

• Fill every gap inside a box so nothing can shift during transit

• Heavy items go at the bottom of the box, lighter items on top

• Never overpack a box to the point where it bulges at the top

• Seal every box with two strips of tape across the seam and down each side

• Mark FRAGILE on all four sides and the top of every box containing breakables

• When stacking boxes in the vehicle, fragile boxes always go on top, never at the bottom of a stack

• Do not place any other boxes on top of fragile boxes

Packing correctly is half the job. How fragile items are loaded onto the vehicle matters just as much.

• Fragile boxes should be the last items loaded and the first items unloaded
• Never place fragile boxes on the floor of the vehicle under other heavy boxes
• Position fragile items against the walls of the vehicle rather than in the middle where movement is greater
• All fragile boxes should be loaded upright, never on their side or upside down
• A trained loading team knows to secure fragile items with additional strapping inside the vehicle

Jeeva's Loading and Unloading Service is handled by a trained team that understands exactly how fragile boxes need to be positioned and secured in the vehicle.

Use this before your move to confirm everything has been packed correctly:

• Every fragile item individually wrapped in bubble wrap

• Boxes lined with foam or cushioning on the bottom before packing

• All gaps inside boxes filled with foam peanuts or crumpled paper

• No rattling or shifting when boxes are gently shaken

• All boxes sealed with strong tape on the seam and sides

• FRAGILE clearly marked on all four sides and the top

• Mirrors and large frames packed vertically, never flat

• Electronics wrapped in foam sheets and bubble wrap with 5 cm clearance on all sides

• Original boxes used for electronics where available

• Essentials and very high-value items carried personally, not on the truck