How to pack fragile items for a move

Most breakage during a move comes from three things: items touching each other, empty space that lets things shift, and containers that crush under weight. Fix those three and fragile items travel well. Here's how to pack the breakables in every room.

The three rules

  • Wrap every item individually so nothing touches anything else.
  • Fill every gap so nothing can shift — crumpled paper, towels and soft clothes all work.
  • Use a container that won't crush, and put heavy items below light ones.

Supplies you'll need

Packing paper for most wrapping, bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces, tape, and markers. Household linens — towels, sheets, sweaters, pillowcases — make excellent padding and reduce what you need to buy.

Glassware, ceramics and vases

Stuff paper inside hollow items first, then wrap the outside. Vases with narrow necks need extra padding around the neck, which is usually the weakest point. Stand cylindrical items upright and keep them in the top layer of a container.

Framed art and mirrors

Tape an X across glass with painter's tape to help hold pieces together if it cracks. Wrap the face in paper, add corner protectors or folded cardboard, then wrap the whole piece in a blanket. Large frames and mirrors usually don't fit in standard containers — move them standing on edge, never flat, and never with anything leaning on the glass.

Lamps

Remove shades and bulbs. Pack shades separately with nothing heavy on top — a shade can nest inside a larger shade with paper between. Wrap the base in a blanket or bubble wrap and wrap the cord around it.

Electronics

Photograph the cable setup before unplugging. Bag and label cables by device. Original boxes are ideal; otherwise wrap in a blanket and pad all sides. Televisions should travel upright. Back up computers before the move.

Heirlooms and valuables

Jewelry, important documents, irreplaceable photos and small valuables should ride with you in your car, not in the truck. Make a short list so you can check they all arrived.

Labeling and loading

Mark containers 'FRAGILE' and note which side is up. Load fragile containers on top of stacks, never under heavy ones, and tell your helpers which ones they are. Rigid totes with lids are easier to stack safely than soft cardboard, but weight distribution still matters.

Unpacking fragile items safely

Unpack fragile containers on a table or the floor rather than lifting items out over a hard counter. Unwrap over the open container so small pieces that fall out land in the padding instead of on tile. Check each piece as you go and keep the wrapping until you're sure everything is accounted for — tiny parts like lamp finials and vase lids hide in crumpled paper.

If something did break, photograph it before you throw anything away, especially if you hired movers or bought coverage. Finally, flatten and reuse your packing paper for the next fragile container instead of buying more.

How STORVA tote rental works

STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.

Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.

  • Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
  • 1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
  • 2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
  • 4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.

Rent totes · Use the tote calculator

Frequently asked questions

Is bubble wrap or packing paper better?

Packing paper works for most items. Use bubble wrap for the most delicate or valuable pieces, and use towels and clothes as extra padding.

Can I pack mirrors in a tote?

Small mirrors and frames can be wrapped and stood on edge in a tote. Large mirrors and art should be wrapped and moved separately, standing on edge.

What should I carry myself?

Jewelry, documents, medications, irreplaceable photos and small valuables.

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