That sinking feeling when you hear glass breaking during a move is something no homeowner wants to experience. Yet thousands of fragile items get damaged every year because people don’t know the right packing techniques.
Your grandmother’s crystal vase, your wedding china, or that expensive painting you bought on vacation all deserve better than being tossed in a box with some newspaper. The difference between items arriving safely and finding them shattered comes down to understanding proper packing methods and using the right materials.
Why Proper Packing Materials Matter
Cheap packing supplies create expensive problems. Many people try to save money by using old newspapers and flimsy boxes, only to discover their antique glass shattered during transit.
Quality packing material absorbs shock, prevents shifting, and creates protective barriers around your valuables. The cost of proper supplies is minimal compared to replacing broken antiques or fine art. Green Bay Moving Co. uses professional-grade materials specifically designed to ensure maximum protection for delicate items.
Essential supplies you need:
- Heavy-duty moving boxes in various sizes with double-wall construction for fragile possessions
- Bubble wrap with small bubble options for wrapping delicate materials and glassware
- Clean packing paper and tissue paper for cushioning layers
- Specialty wooden crates and boxes for dishes, mirrors, and high-value items
- Corner protectors and foam sheets for padding around valuable pieces
- Strong packing tape with extra strips of tape for reinforcing box bottoms
- Packing peanuts for filling empty spaces and preventing movement
- Clear labels to always mark boxes with “FRAGILE” warnings
Investing in the right materials can protect thousands of dollars worth of belongings. Professional movers know this, which is why they never cut corners on packing supplies.
Packing Glassware and Dishes Safely
Glass items are among the most commonly damaged possessions during moves. Start by selecting sturdy boxes that match the size of the box to the weight of the contents.
Place a thick cushioning layer at the bottom of the box using crumpled packing paper. Wrap each fragile item individually with at least two layers of paper. For drinking glasses, tuck paper inside first, then wrap the outside to create protection both inside and out.
Follow these tips for packing fragile items like glassware:
- Bundle plates in groups of three with paper between each
- Use cell dividers for wine glasses and stemware to prevent contact
- Fill hollow items with crumpled paper before wrapping
- Use a smaller box for heavier dishes to manage weight properly
- Never exceed 30 pounds per box to prevent damage
- Fill all spaces with use packing peanuts to prevent shifting
- Place cushion material on sides of the box for extra protection
Mirrors and glass tabletops require special care. Use mirror boxes or create protective cardboard sandwiches by taping pieces of cardboard on both sides. Mark these boxes clearly with “GLASS” and “THIS SIDE UP” labels.
Green Bay Moving Co. offers expert packing services for customers who want professional handling of their collectible glassware and antique porcelain.
Protecting Artwork During Relocation
Fine art presents unique challenges because damage often cannot be repaired through cleaning or repair. Water damage, scratches, or broken frames can permanently destroy irreplaceable pieces.
Remove all hanging hardware before packing. Take detailed photos of valuable items for insurance purposes before wrapping them.
Different types of artwork need different protection methods:
- Wrap framed pieces in bubble wrap with corners protected by foam
- Use acid-free paper for valuable prints and watercolors prone to breakage
- Place smaller framed art in boxes with proper cushioning
- Wrap sculptures and glass sculpture pieces individually with heavy padding
- Consider professional crating for large or high-value pieces requiring museum-grade protection
- Keep artwork in climate-controlled conditions during transit
Canvas paintings need rigid backing boards to prevent bending. Cut cardboard slightly larger than the canvas and tape it to the back before wrapping.
For extensive art collections, professional handling makes sense. Green Bay Moving Co. provides white-glove moving service throughout Manitowoc and Oshkosh with trained personnel who understand proper art handling techniques.
Antique Furniture and Collectibles Care
Antiques requires extra attention because they combine delicate materials with sentimental value. Document everything before you start packing fragile antiques.
Photograph antiques from multiple angles and write down any existing damage. Disassemble antique furniture when you can do so securely. Remove table legs, detach mirrors from dressers, and separate bed frames.
Protecting antique details:
- Wrap carved elements in foam sheets to ensure safe transport
- Use furniture blankets for larger box items and full pieces
- Pad drawer interiors to prevent contents from shifting
- Remove glass shelving and doors before the move
- Secure drawers with stretch wrap, avoiding tape on wood
- Fill hollow areas to maintain structural integrity during antique moving
Small collectible items like porcelain figurines need individual wrapping and tight packing. Vintage books should lie flat rather than stand upright. Antique jewelry requires padded boxes and should travel with you rather than on the moving truck.
Musical instruments, grandfather clocks, and pianos need professional moving services. Green Bay Moving Co. has the equipment and training to handle these specialty items with expert care.
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Most damage during moves results from preventable errors. Overpacking boxes creates problems when excess weight crushes items inside the box inside.
Using the wrong size boxes wastes materials and increases breakage risk. Standard packing methods don’t work for fragile items securely protecting high-value pieces.
Mistakes that cause damage:
- Skipping the bottom cushioning layers at the bottom of the box
- Leaving empty spaces where items shift during transit
- Using old or damaged boxes without proper strength
- Packing fragile items weeks in advance without climate control
- Failing to label boxes clearly with fragility warnings
- Mixing heavy books with fragile possessions in one box
- Not securing the box tops properly with sufficient packing tape
Newspaper might seem economical, but the ink transfers to your belongings and provides less protection than proper packing paper. This is one area where spending extra delivers peace of mind.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Some items exceed the typical homeowner’s abilities for fragile items abilities. Large mirrors, chandeliers, and extensive collections benefit from professional expertise and special care.
Professional movers have specialized equipment for packing and installation. Custom crates, climate-controlled trucks, and proper lifting tools make certain moves much safer. The full-value insurance coverage that comes with professional moving company services adds another layer to ensure your valuables arrive safely.
Green Bay Moving Co. offers complete packing services and unpacking for residential customers throughout Green Bay and surrounding areas. Our family-owned company provides upfront pricing with no hidden fees for pack and ship services.
If you’re moving valuable antiques, large artwork, or extensive glass collections, expert packing delivers peace of mind. Our experienced team handles fragile items daily and knows how to move valuables during every step of the relocation process.
Final Thoughts on Safe Packing
Protecting fragile items during a move requires time, proper materials, and careful attention. Starting early allows you to pack fragile items methodically instead of rushing.
Create an inventory as you pack. Number each box and list the contents for easier unpacking and to ensure safe delivery. Remember that replacing broken heirlooms is often impossible, not just expensive.
Contact Green Bay Moving Co. today for professional moving tips and services with the care your fragile items deserve. Whether you need full packing services or just help with specialty items requiring cleaning, repair, or installation support, our team is ready to make your move smooth and stress-free.
