Packing Fragile Items: Tips for Valuables and Artwork

Moving By Cury
4 days ago
4 min read

How to Protect What Matters Most During Your Move

Packing fragile and valuable items is one of the most stressful parts of any move — whether you’re relocating down the street, across the state, or out of town. Fine china, heirlooms, glassware, ceramics, mirrors, and artwork require special care to make sure they arrive at your destination safe and undamaged.

This guide will walk you through expert tips for packing fragile belongings correctly, choosing the right materials, and making sure your valuables and artwork stay protected throughout your move.

1. Gather the Right Packing Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the proper supplies on hand. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and help avoid last-minute scrambling when packing delicate items.

Essentials You’ll Need:

Sturdy moving boxes — small to medium sizes work best for fragile pieces
Bubble wrap — several sizes and thickness levels
Packing paper — acid-free paper for wrapping items
Packing peanuts or crumpled paper — cushioning for box interiors
Heavy-duty tape — to secure boxes and seams
Corner protectors — for framed artwork and mirrors
Furniture blankets or protective pads — for large framed pieces and sculptures
Labels and markers — to clearly mark fragiles and contents

Tip: Always choose clean, sturdy boxes in good condition — don’t reuse damaged or worn boxes, as they compromise protection.

2. Prepare a Packing Plan

Fragile items often take the longest to pack, so starting early and working systematically helps reduce stress.

Packing Strategy:

Sort by category: Group similar items such as dishware, figurines, or frames
Pack one room at a time: Keeps you organized and prevents misplacement
Address artwork separately: Artwork needs different handling than household objects

This plan also helps prevent last-minute rushes and ensures each item gets the care it deserves.

3. Packing Glassware, China & Ceramics

Fragile kitchen and dining pieces can be surprisingly heavy and delicate.

Step-by-Step Packing:

Wrap each item individually: Use packing paper first, then bubble wrap
Stack with care: Place heavier items on the bottom, light on top
Use dividers when possible: Inserts help keep pieces separated
Fill gaps: Use crumpled paper or peanuts so items don’t shift

Extra Tips:

For stemware, wrap the bowls separately from the stems
Never overload boxes — heavy boxes are harder to move and more prone to breakage

4. Packing Artwork and Mirrors

Artwork — especially framed pieces — deserves extra attention. Even slight pressure or flexing can damage frames, glass, or canvas.

Packing Tips:

Remove hanging hardware and label it in a small bag
Wrap with glassine or acid-free paper: Protects surfaces without sticking
Add corner protectors: Especially important for framed pieces
Use rigid cardboard or flat panels: Sandwich artwork between protective boards
Wrap in bubble wrap or quilted moving blankets: For extra cushion

Special Needs for Canvas or Glass:

For canvas prints, bubble wrap is usually enough with a protective outer layer
For framed art with glass, keep paper between the glass and wrap to prevent sticking

5. Packing Antiques & Heirlooms

Antiques often have irregular shapes and sentimental value, making them more challenging to pack.

How to Pack:

Use extra padding on all sides — antiques hate pressure points
Wrap delicate embellishments individually
Label boxes clearly with FRAGILE — HEIRLOOM

Consider Professional Help:

If an item is extremely valuable, rare, or irreplaceable, consider professional crating and specialty packing services.

6. Label Carefully

Labeling is more important than most people realize. Clear labeling helps movers handle boxes with proper care and lets you unpack fragile items first.

Labeling Tips:

Write FRAGILE on all four sides of the box
Include contents (e.g., “Glassware — Kitchen — Top”)
Use bright labels or colored tape for quick identification

7. Load Fragile Items Smartly on Moving Day

How you load fragile items matters almost as much as how you pack them.

Loading Checklist:

Place fragile boxes on top of heavier, sturdier boxes
Keep fragile boxes together in one area of the truck
Avoid placing anything stacked on top of them
Use straps or tie-downs to secure them in place

This helps prevent shifting during transport and protects delicate items throughout the move.

8. When to Use Professional Packing Services

Professional packers are trained to protect your valuables with industry-grade materials and techniques.

Consider Professional Help If:

You have very valuable artwork
There are many fragile pieces
You want extra protection for antiques and heirlooms
You’re short on time or concerned about handling

Moving professionals can also provide custom crating and specialized packing for one-of-a-kind items.

9. Unpacking Fragile Items at Your New Home

Moving doesn’t end when the truck arrives — careful unpacking is just as critical.

Unpacking Tips:

Start with fragile boxes first
Place unpacked items gently and inspect them for damage
Reuse packing materials for re-wrapping if needed
Dispose of packing waste responsibly

Starting with fragile items also gives you a sense of accomplishment early in the unpacking process.

10. Final Thoughts: Protect What Matters Most

Packing fragile and valuable items takes time, patience, and the right strategy. By planning ahead, using proper materials, and approaching each step with care, you can confidently protect your cherished belongings from start to finish.

Whether it’s delicate heirlooms, fine china, antiques, or artwork, a little extra preparation goes a long way — and professional assistance is always available if you want added peace of mind.

If you’re planning a move and want help packing your most precious items, Moving By Cury is here to assist. Our team delivers careful, professional packing services so your valuables arrive safely and securely at your new home.