Dishes, glassware, and artwork need special attention. Our professional packers share the exact techniques and materials they use to protect your most delicate belongings.
Nothing is more disheartening than opening a box after a move to find your grandmother's china in pieces. The good news is that with the right materials and techniques, virtually any fragile item can be transported safely — even across long distances. The Box Truck Boys packing team has wrapped thousands of delicate items over the years, and here's exactly how they do it.
Start With the Right Materials
The single biggest mistake DIY packers make is using inadequate materials. Newspaper leaves ink stains and provides minimal cushioning. Instead, invest in proper packing paper (unprinted newsprint), bubble wrap in multiple sizes, foam packing peanuts or foam sheets, and sturdy double-walled boxes. For dishes and glasses specifically, dish-pack boxes with built-in cell dividers are worth every penny.
The Golden Rule: Wrap Each Item Individually
Every single fragile item — every plate, every glass, every figurine — should be wrapped individually before being placed in a box. Lay a sheet of packing paper flat, place the item in the center, and fold the paper over it completely, tucking in the edges. For extra protection, add a layer of bubble wrap secured with tape. Never let two unwrapped items touch each other inside a box.
Packing Dishes the Right Way
Plates should always be packed vertically — on their edge — not stacked flat. This is counterintuitive but critical: plates packed flat are far more likely to crack under the weight of other boxes. Line the bottom of your dish-pack box with at least three inches of crumpled packing paper or foam. Stand each wrapped plate vertically and pack them snugly side by side. Fill any gaps with crumpled paper so nothing shifts in transit. Finish with another thick layer of cushioning on top before closing the box.
Glasses and Stemware
Glasses are best packed in cell-divided boxes, with one glass per cell. Before placing each glass in its cell, stuff the inside of the glass with crumpled packing paper — this prevents the glass from collapsing inward under pressure. Wrap the outside with a full sheet of packing paper, then add bubble wrap for stemware or anything particularly delicate. Never stack glasses directly on top of each other without dividers.
Artwork and Framed Photos
For framed artwork, start by placing an X of painter's tape across the glass — this holds the glass together if it cracks and prevents shards from damaging the artwork itself. Wrap the entire frame in bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Use mirror boxes (telescoping flat boxes) sized to fit the piece as closely as possible. Pack artwork vertically, never flat, and mark the box clearly as "FRAGILE — DO NOT LAY FLAT."
Electronics and Screens
The original manufacturer's box is always the best option for electronics — it was designed specifically for that item. If you don't have it, use a box that's only slightly larger than the device and fill every gap with foam or bubble wrap. For flat-screen TVs, use a TV moving box with foam corner protectors. Never lay a flat-screen TV flat during transport — always keep it upright.
Labeling Is Half the Battle
Every fragile box should be labeled on all four sides and the top with "FRAGILE" in large, clear letters. Add directional arrows indicating which side is up. Communicate clearly with your moving crew — at Box Truck Boys, our team is trained to identify and prioritize fragile boxes, but clear labeling ensures nothing is missed in the rush of move day.
Weight Limits Matter
Keep fragile boxes light — under 30 pounds is a good rule of thumb. Heavy boxes are harder to control and more likely to be dropped or set down roughly. If a box of dishes is getting heavy, start a new box. Use the extra space in lighter boxes to add more cushioning rather than more items.
When in Doubt, Let the Pros Pack It
For truly irreplaceable items — antiques, heirlooms, original artwork, or anything with significant sentimental value — consider letting Box Truck Boys handle the packing. Our professional packers bring the right materials and the experience to protect your most precious belongings. Request a packing quote and we'll take it from there.