How to Pack and Move Fragile Items Safely

General Principles for Packing Fragile Items

The rule of thumb for fragile items is simple: if it can break, wrap it individually. Never let two fragile items touch each other inside a box — glass-on-glass contact is how dishes shatter in transit. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or clean towels as barriers between every piece.

Always use small to medium boxes for fragile items. A large box filled with wrapped dishes becomes dangerously heavy and harder to control. Keep fragile boxes under 30 pounds — your movers (and your back) will thank you.

The bottom of the box needs a thick cushion layer — at least 2–3 inches of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This absorbs shock when the box is set down. Fill the top with another cushion layer, and make sure nothing moves when you gently shake the closed box. If it rattles, add more padding.

Packing Dishes, Glasses, and Kitchen Fragiles

Wrap each plate individually in 2–3 sheets of packing paper. Stack plates vertically (on their edges, like records) rather than flat — plates are much stronger on edge and less likely to break. Use a dish-pack box with cell dividers if you have one.

For glasses and mugs, stuff the inside with crumpled paper first, then wrap the outside. This prevents the walls from flexing and cracking. Place glasses upside down in the box, and never stack glasses on top of each other without a cardboard divider between layers.

Wine glasses and stemware need extra attention. Wrap the stem separately with additional paper, then wrap the whole glass. SAQ boxes with cardboard dividers are perfect for wine glasses — ask your local SAQ in Montreal for their empties.

Packing Electronics Safely

If you kept the original packaging for your TV, monitor, or gaming console, use it — manufacturers design those boxes for maximum protection. If you don't have the original box, wrap the screen in a moving blanket and transport it upright, never flat.

For flat-screen TVs, never lay them face-down. The weight of the TV on its screen can cause internal damage. Wrap in blankets, secure with stretch wrap, and stand it upright in the truck between two mattresses or other flat, padded surfaces. At Up & Out, we carry TV-specific boxes and foam corners for safe transport.

Computers and laptops should ride with you in your car, not on the moving truck. Back up all data before the move. For desktop towers, remove and transport the hard drive separately if possible — it's the most sensitive component.

Packing Artwork, Mirrors, and Picture Frames

Mirrors and framed artwork are among the most commonly broken items during a move. The key is using mirror boxes (also called picture boxes) — telescoping cardboard boxes designed to fit flat items of various sizes.

Before boxing, tape an X across the glass surface with painter's tape. If the glass does break, the tape holds the shards together and prevents further damage to the art. Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap and secure with tape.

For valuable or original artwork, consider custom crating. This is especially important for large pieces, oil paintings (which shouldn't be wrapped in plastic as it traps moisture), and anything irreplaceable. Up & Out can arrange custom crating for high-value art as part of our premium moving service.

Mark all fragile boxes with "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" arrows on every side. Stack them last in the truck (first off), and never place heavy items on top. With proper packing and careful handling, your fragile items will arrive at your new Montreal home in the same condition they left the old one.