Most damage during a move does not happen while carrying, but inside the box - when things move around freely in it. The goal of good packing is simple: nothing should be able to move.
What you need
- Sturdy boxes in several sizes - smaller ones for heavy and fragile things.
- Packing paper or old newspapers, and bubble wrap.
- Wide tape and a marker.
Plates and glasses
- Wrap each plate separately and stand them upright, like records - that way they handle pressure much better than in a stack.
- Fill glasses with paper on the inside, then wrap them on the outside.
- Put crumpled paper at the bottom and at the top of the box.
- Gently shake the closed box - if you hear movement, add more filling.
Mirrors and pictures
Tape a cross over the glass - it will not stop an impact, but it will hold the pieces together if it breaks. Protect the corners with cardboard and wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap. Carry them upright, never lying flat under other things.
TV and electronics
If you still have the original box - use it. If not, wrap the screen in a blanket or film and carry it upright. Put the cables in a labelled bag taped to the device itself.
Labels matter
Write “FRAGILE” and a “this way up” arrow on at least two sides of the box. That way the team immediately sees how to carry it and where to place it in the van.
Don’t want to pack yourself?
We can take care of all the carrying and loading - see more about our moving services and furniture transport, or read our moving preparation checklist.