From glasses and stemware to electronics and keepsakes, there’s a right way and a wrong way to secure your belongings for a move. Whether you’re moving from Glens Falls to Saratoga, Lake George to Queensbury, or to another state altogether, here’s how to pack your fragile items to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.

Choose the Right Box

When packing fragile items always opt for thick, sturdy boxes that can withstand the possibility of punctures, as opposed to reusing cardboard boxes that have lost their integrity. Small boxes are also best to keep items snug and to prevent the box from getting too heavy.

Secure the Bottom of the Box with Extra Tape

After carefully packing up all your fragile items, the last thing you want is for the bottom of the box to bow or give way. Always use heavy-duty packing tape and apply a few extra strips of tape on the bottom of boxes with fragile items for added reinforcement.

Use the Right Packing Material

Layer the bottom of the box with a soft packing material, such as bubble wrap, foam, packing peanuts, or even towels. You’ll also want to use additional packing material to fill any empty space in the box and prevent fragile items from shifting and knocking together during transport.

Wrap Items Individually

Fragile items should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap, foam or packing paper based on the size, shape, and material. Remove any loose pieces, like lids, and wrap those separately. The most delicate items should be wrapped in bubble wrap and secured with tape.

Fill Hollow Items

Vases, glasses, jars, bowls and other items with a hollow space should be filled with packing paper to help soften vibrations and prevent cracks. You can also stack individually wrapped items together to save space, such as mixing bowls and baking dishes.

Use Dividers

We recommend purchasing cardboard dividers or special boxes with the inserts included to separate glasses and stemware. Likewise, you’ll want to add a layer of cardboard or bubble wrap between each plate when stacking, or secure each plate in a foam sleeve.

Pack the Heaviest Items on the Bottom

When packing each box, start with the largest or heaviest items on the bottom and stack the smallest and lightest items on top. This creates a well-supported base and prevents small items from getting crushed from the weight.

Reuse Original Packaging for Electronics

If you still have the original boxes for your televisions, monitors, and other electronics, this is the safest and easiest way to pack them for moving. For packing electronics without the original boxes, make sure to remove any cables and carefully wrap screens in a thick layer of bubble wrap, and secure moving blankets around items with bungees or tape.

Label Boxes with Fragile Items

Although you may know which boxes contain fragile items, those helping you with your move, such as friends or professional movers, will not. It’s important to clearly label boxes containing fragile items on all sides so that those moving the boxes and packing the truck know to handle these items with care.

Leave the Packing to Our Experts

Packing is the most tedious and time-consuming part of a move, especially when it comes to the fragile stuff. Unlike most people, the experienced team at Frontrunner Moving Company is not only good at packing fragile items, we actually enjoy it. We guarantee that fragile items are packed safely, all your belongings are handled with care, and boxes are clearly labeled and organized.

Request a quote for packing and moving services in Queensbury, Glens Falls, Saratoga and beyond, or give us a call at (518) 832-0310.