How to pack fragile items so nothing breaks

Breakages are the #1 source of moving-day regret. The good news: almost every breakage we’ve seen in seven years of moving Gauteng homes could have been prevented with a bit of padding and the right box.

The golden rules

1. Never leave empty space in a box. Empty space means movement, and movement breaks things. Fill gaps with crumpled newspaper, packing paper or clothes.
2. Heavy on the bottom, light on the top. A frying pan on top of wine glasses is a recipe for disaster.
3. Use the right box. Small boxes for heavy items (books, plates), large boxes for light bulky items (pillows, duvets).
4. Label the box AND the side you want facing up. Big arrows and “FRAGILE” on all four sides.

Glassware and crockery

• Wrap each item individually in at least two layers of packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Use a dish pack box with cell dividers if possible — these are worth the extra cost for a single move.
• Stand glasses upright, never on their side.
• Pack plates vertically (on edge) — they’re stronger in that orientation than flat.

TVs and screens

• Original box is best. If you don’t have it, wrap in a thick moving blanket first, then bubble wrap, then a flat TV box.
• Always load screen-side facing another padded surface, never facing outward in the truck.
• If moving a large TV, disconnect all cables and photograph the back first so you remember where they go.

Mirrors and framed art

• Tape a big X across the glass with painter’s tape — it won’t prevent a break, but it will stop shards from flying if it does.
• Wrap in blankets, then cardboard on both sides, then secure with shrink wrap.
• Transport standing up, never flat under other items.

Electronics

• Remove batteries before packing — they can leak if the truck gets hot.
• Keep cables in a labelled ziplock bag inside the box with the device.
• Back up computers and hard drives before moving. Always.

When to let the pros do it

If you’re moving more than 20 km, have kids under 5, or own anything you genuinely couldn’t replace, let a professional crew pack the fragile items. Ask us for a packing quote — we can pack just the kitchen and master bedroom while you handle the rest.