To pack fragile items for a move, wrap each piece on its own, fill every gap in the box so nothing can shift, and keep boxes small enough to carry safely. TVs travel best in their original box or a purpose-made TV box, standing upright. Mattresses should go into a sealed mattress bag to keep them clean and dry. Below you'll find step-by-step methods for dishes, glassware, art, electronics, TVs and mattresses.
Gather the Right Packing Supplies
Good packing starts with good materials. Old grocery boxes are fine for linens, but fragile items need sturdy boxes that won't collapse.
- Small and medium double-wall boxes for heavy or fragile items
- Dish-pack boxes with cell dividers for glasses and stemware
- Plain packing paper (newspaper ink can rub off)
- Bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces
- Strong packing tape and a tape gun
- Mattress bags and stretch wrap
- Moving blankets or towels for padding
- Markers and "Fragile" labels
The rule for fragile boxes is simple: if anything moves when you gently shake it, it needs more padding.
How to Pack Dishes and Plates
- Line the bottom of a small or medium box with crumpled packing paper.
- Wrap each plate in two or three sheets of paper.
- Stand plates on their edge, like records, rather than stacking them flat. They handle pressure better this way.
- Fill gaps with crumpled paper so the plates can't slide.
- Add another layer of paper on top, seal the box and label it "Fragile: Kitchen, This Side Up".
Bowls, mugs and glasses
Wrap each piece separately. Stuff paper inside glasses and mugs before wrapping the outside. Glasses and stemware travel best in a dish-pack box with cell dividers, standing upright. Wrap stems with an extra layer of bubble wrap.
How to Pack Art, Mirrors and Frames
- Put painter's tape in an X across glass to help hold it together if it cracks
- Protect corners with cardboard corner guards or folded cardboard
- Wrap in packing paper, then bubble wrap
- Use a picture or mirror box, or sandwich between two pieces of cardboard
- Always stand mirrors and art on edge, never flat
How to Pack a TV for Moving
Flat-screen TVs are among the most commonly damaged items in a move, mostly because the screen is easy to crack with pressure.
- Take a photo of the cable setup before unplugging anything.
- Remove the stand or wall mount and bag the screws, taping the bag to the back of the TV.
- If you kept the original box and foam, use it. Otherwise, use a TV moving box.
- Cover the screen with a soft blanket or foam sheet, never bubble wrap directly against the screen.
- Keep the TV upright for the whole move, and never lay anything on top of it.
Pack remotes, cables and power bricks in a labelled bag or small box so they stay together.
How to Pack a Mattress
A mattress doesn't break like a glass, but it can easily get dirty, torn or wet, especially on a rainy or snowy moving day.
- Strip all bedding and wash it before the move
- Slide the mattress into a sealed plastic mattress bag
- Tape the open end shut so dust and moisture can't get in
- Carry it on its side and keep it upright in the truck where possible
- Avoid folding or bending a mattress unless it's designed for it
Box springs and bed frames should be taken apart and the hardware bagged and labelled.
Electronics, Lamps and Small Appliances
Use original boxes when you have them. If not, wrap each item in paper and bubble wrap, then pack it in a box with plenty of padding. Remove light bulbs and lampshades and pack shades separately so they don't get crushed. Back up computers before the move.
Labelling and Loading Fragile Boxes
- Mark "Fragile" and "This Side Up" on at least two sides
- Write the room and contents so you know where it goes
- Keep fragile boxes under about 20 kg so they can be carried safely
- Tell your movers which boxes are fragile so they're loaded last and on top
When to Let the Professionals Pack
If you have a lot of fine china, artwork or electronics, professional packing can save time and reduce the risk of damage. Our Pack & Move service includes packing and moving, and our house moving crews wrap furniture in blankets and stretch wrap as standard. We help with moves across Toronto, Scarborough, Barrie and beyond. Moving into a condo too? See our guide to condo and apartment moving in Toronto.
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boxes that are too big for heavy items like books and dishes
- Leaving empty space at the top of a box so it caves in when stacked
- Wrapping several fragile items together instead of one at a time
- Packing liquids with electronics or paperwork
- Forgetting to label which side is up
- Leaving the most fragile items until the last night, when you're tired and rushing
Pack a room at a time
Working room by room keeps things organized and makes unpacking much easier. Start with rooms you use least, and keep a box of packing supplies with you as you go so you're not hunting for tape halfway through.
Unpacking Fragile Items Safely
Take your time unpacking boxes marked fragile. Open them on a table or the floor rather than lifting items out over a hard surface. Unwrap each piece over the box so small parts don't get lost in the paper, and check everything before you recycle the packing materials. If you notice damage, take photos straight away and let your moving company know as soon as possible. Keep a few sturdy boxes and some packing paper after the move; they're handy for storage and future moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use bubble wrap or packing paper?
Both. Packing paper is great for wrapping and filling gaps; bubble wrap adds extra protection for the most delicate pieces. Avoid putting bubble wrap directly on TV screens.
Can a TV be moved lying flat?
It's best to keep flat-screen TVs upright. Lying flat puts pressure on the screen and increases the risk of cracking.
Do I need a mattress bag?
A mattress bag keeps your mattress clean and dry during the move. It's inexpensive protection, especially in wet or winter weather.
How heavy should a box of fragile items be?
Keep it light enough to carry comfortably. Smaller boxes are safer for fragile and heavy items like dishes and books.
Want It Packed for You?
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