7 Steps to Packing Fragiles

Best Packing Method for a Move

Written by
Diane Schmidt
Diane E. Schmidt is a moving expert, published author, and freelance writer. She has been writing on topics surrounding moving for over a decade.
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Diane Schmidt
Updated 07/19/20
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Gather all the packing supplies you're going to need. Make sure you have lots of bubble wrap, tape, a large piece of sturdy cardboard, and a box strong enough to hold your glassware.

Give yourself plenty of room to work and if possible, work on the floor. Working with fragile glassware on table surfaces can sometimes scratch or if you're not careful, be knocked to the floor.

  • 01 of 07

    Tape up the Box

    Sealing a package with packing tape.
    PeopleImages / Getty Images

    Load your tape gun with sealing tape and tape the bottom flaps of the box securely. For extra protection against breakage, tape it twice, then tape the bottom flaps along the inside seam.

    The tape is fairly inexpensive, so don't be shy using it. Although most manufacturers claim that one strip is sufficient, play it safe, especially with fragile kitchen items.

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  • 02 of 07

    Measure Your Cardboard

    Above view of a decanter and a person measuring it.

    Place the item on a large piece of strong, but pliable cardboard. Leave 2 to 3 inches around the perimeter of your object to allow for a tight, yet firm seal. Make sure you double the size of your object to allow the object to be rolled up.

    If you've purchased a precut cardboard, two pieces will also suffice. Just make sure the pieces are large enough to accommodate the item, while still allowing the cardboard to wrap around it.

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  • 03 of 07

    Cut the Cardboard

    Person using scissors to cut the cardboard.

    Cut the cardboard to size by following the layout you marked in the previous step.

    If you purchased a piece of cardboard that isn't very pliable, you may have a hard time cutting it. Try using an X-Acto knife or similar blade; otherwise, a sharp pair of scissors should do the job.

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  • 04 of 07

    Use Bubble Wrap

    A roll of Bubble Wrap.
    Image Source / Getty Images

    Unroll the Bubble Wrap and take a close look at it. You'll notice that there are two sides; one composed of bubbles and the other smooth and bubble-free.

    Make sure you unfold the Bubble Wrap and place it so the bubble side faces down. You want the smooth side directly next to the glass for ease of use. If you try placing the bubble-side next to the glass, you'll notice that it sticks to the surface making it more difficult to work with.

    To make cleanup of your glassware easier, purchase antistatic wrap. This will keep unwanted dust, hair, and other particles away from delicate surfaces.

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  • 05 of 07

    Wrap Decanter in Bubble Wrap

    Person wrapping a decanter in Bubble Wrap.

    Place the object on the Bubble Wrap and slowly roll it up until the object is completely protected. Make sure ends and tops are covered well.

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  • 06 of 07

    Wrap the Cardboard Around the Item

    Person wrapping the cardboard around the glassware.

    If you're using one large piece of cardboard, place the bubble-wrapped object at one end and roll it tightly. Make sure you keep a firm grip on it to ensure the object is well-protected and won't slip out the bottom.

    If you opted to use two pieces of precut cardboard, place the object on one piece, then cover it with the second, just like a sandwich.

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  • 07 of 07

    Tape the Cardboard

    Person using packing tape to tape the cardboard.

    Tape the cardboard ends securely by wrapping the tape gun around the circumference of the package several times.

    The package should be so tightly wrapped that the object can't slip out. If it isn't, fasten cardboard around the top and bottom, then tape it well. For extra protection, wrap the entire package in another layer of Bubble Wrap and securely tape both ends.

    Your object is now fully protected against bumps and shifting. Place it in a box marked fragile, along with your other glassware and delicates.