How to pack fragile items for a move

What you need

• Small, strong boxes (or dish-pack boxes for the kitchen).
• Plenty of packing paper, and bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces.
• Tape and a marker for “FRAGILE” and “THIS WAY UP”.
• Towels and linen: they make good padding and save space.

Plates, glasses and kitchenware

• Line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper.
• Wrap plates one at a time and stand them on their edge.
• Stuff glasses and cups with paper, then wrap them. Don’t nest them inside each other.
• Fill every gap with paper until nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
• Heavy things at the bottom, lighter things on top.

Pictures, mirrors and glass

• Tape a cross over the glass so it holds together if it cracks.
• Wrap in paper, then in bubble wrap or a blanket, with card on the corners.
• Always stand them upright, never flat with something on top.
• Glass table tops and shelves come off and are wrapped separately.

TVs and electronics

• The original box is best. Without it, wrap the screen in a blanket and keep it upright.
• Photograph the cables at the back before you unplug them.
• Keep remotes, cables and screws together in a labelled bag.
• TV boxes can be bought for the move. With our packing service they’re charged at cost price.

Tell your removalist first

Removalists plan the crew, the protection and the space in the truck around what you tell them. Let them know about artwork, large vases or sculptures, glass furniture, mirrors, stone tops, safes and anything that took more than two people to deliver. Fragile items should be packed before the crew arrives, unless you’ve booked packing.