How to Pack Fragile Items: Recent Expert Tips for Breakage-Free Moving

Don't risk your crystal and electronics. Learn the professional techniques for packing fragile items, from glassware to artwork, ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.

What Has Changed in Packing Fragile Items for 2026?

Eco-friendly cushioning is now widely available in Dubai, smart tracking labels are affordable for high-value items, and new techniques exist for curved-screen electronics and OLED displays.

This guide has been updated for 2026 with the latest packing materials and techniques. New eco-friendly cushioning options are now widely available in Dubai, and smart tracking labels have become more affordable for high-value items. We've also added tips for packing the latest curved-screen electronics and OLED displays that require special handling.

How Do You Pack Fragile Items Without Breaking Them?

Pack fragile items by wrapping each piece individually, using 2-3 inches of cushioning on all sides, and ensuring items never touch the box walls or each other during transit.

The secret to a safe move isn't just "be careful"—it's using the right materials and physical laws to your advantage. Here is how the pros pack breakables. Or better yet, let our professional packing team handle it for you.

What Is the Most Important Rule for Packing Fragiles?

The golden rule: fragile items must float in cushioning and never touch the box or each other—always use 2-3 inches of crushed paper or bubble wrap on all sides.

• Bottom Layer: Always start with 2-3 inches of crushed packing paper (or bubble wrap) at the bottom of the box.
• Individual Wrap: Every single fragile item must be wrapped individually.
• Top Layer: Finish with another 2-3 inches of cushioning at the top before taping.

How Do You Pack Glassware and Stemware Safely?

Use cell boxes with dividers, stuff the bowl with paper first then wrap the exterior twisting around the stem, and always pack glasses standing upright on their rims—never on their sides.

• Cell Boxes: Use boxes with cardboard dividers (cells) designed for glasses.
• Wrap Technique: Stuff the bowl of the glass with paper first. Then wrap the exterior, twisting the paper around the stem for reinforcement.
• Pack Vertically: Always pack glasses standing up on their rims, never on their sides. The rim is the strongest part of the structure.

How Do You Pack Plates and China to Prevent Breakage?

Never stack plates flat—wrap each individually and stand them vertically on their edges in the box, bundling 3-4 wrapped plates together for additional protection.

• Vertical Stacking: Never stack plates flat like pancakes. Wrap them individually and stand them up on their edges (vertically) in the box.
• Bundle: Wrap 3-4 plates together in a bundle, then place the bundle in the box.

How Do You Pack Electronics and TVs Safely?

Use original boxes if available, apply anti-static bubble wrap for computers, and tape cardboard over screens before wrapping to prevent punctures from impact or pressure.

• Original Boxes: If you kept them, use them. They were engineered for shipping.
• Anti-Static: Use anti-static bubble wrap for computers to avoid static shock.
• Screen Protection: Tape a piece of cardboard over the screen before wrapping in bubble wrap to prevent punctures.

How Do You Pack Mirrors and Artwork for Moving?

Apply masking tape in an X across glass surfaces, use cardboard corner guards on frame joints, and sandwich artwork between two oversized cardboard sheets before bubble wrapping.

Large glass surfaces need rigidity. For valuable pieces, consider our art moving specialists.

• X-Tape: Use masking tape to make a large 'X' across the glass. If it cracks, this holds the shards together to prevent slashing the artwork.
• Corner Protectors: Use cardboard corner guards to protect the frame joints.
• Sandwich Method: Place the artwork between two sheets of cardboard (larger than the frame) and tape them together before bubble wrapping.

How Should You Label Boxes with Fragile Items?

Write "Fragile" plus "Top Load Only" on all sides—this tells movers not to stack heavy boxes of books on top of your crystal and glassware collection.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Packing Fragiles?

Avoid overpacking boxes until bottoms drop out, underpacking that causes rattling, and using printed newspaper that stains fine china with ink—use clean packing paper instead.

• Overpacking: Don't make the box too heavy. The bottom might drop out.
• Underpacking: If you hear rattling when you shake the box, it's not packed tight enough. Add more crumpled paper.
• Newspaper: Avoid using printed newspaper on fine china—the ink can stain the porous surface.

Do You Need Professional Packing for Fragile Items?

For high-value fragiles like antiques, art, and expensive electronics, professional packers bring specialized materials and insurance coverage that DIY packing cannot match.

Get a free quote for professional packing services, or call +971 55 301 3309 to discuss your fragile items with our team.