How to Pack Fragile Items: Glassware, Electronics & Artwork Guide

Fragile items are the most anxiety-inducing part of any move. That favorite crystal vase from your grandmother, the flat-screen TV you just bought, the framed artwork from your vacation—these pieces carry both monetary and sentimental value. Packing them incorrectly can lead to heartbreak on the other end.

Over 17+ years of moving families across Colorado Springs and beyond, the iHaul iMove team has packed everything from antique china to server racks. Here’s our professional guide to packing your most delicate belongings safely.

Essential Packing Supplies for Fragile Items

Before you start wrapping a single glass, make sure you have the right materials on hand. Using the wrong supplies is the number one cause of preventable damage during a move.

Your Fragile-Item Packing Kit

• Packing paper (clean, ink-free newsprint) — The workhorse of fragile packing
• Bubble wrap (small and large bubble) — For extra cushioning on high-value items
• Cell box dividers — Essential for glassware and stemware
• Dish pack boxes (double-walled) — Stronger than standard moving boxes
• Mirror/picture boxes — Telescoping boxes designed for flat, framed items
• Foam pouches — Ideal for plates and electronics
• Packing tape — High-quality, 2-inch tape (not masking tape)
• Markers — For labeling every fragile box clearly

Pro Tip: Don’t use newspaper to wrap items directly. The ink transfers onto surfaces and can be difficult to remove from dishes, glass, and artwork. Clean packing paper is inexpensive and worth the investment.

Need supplies? Our packing supplies service delivers everything you need right to your door.

How to Pack Glassware and Stemware

Glassware is fragile but surprisingly easy to pack safely when you use the right technique. The key is individual wrapping and proper box preparation.

Step-by-Step Glassware Packing

1. Prepare the box. Line the bottom of a dish pack box with 3-4 inches of crumpled packing paper. This creates a cushion that absorbs shock.
2. Wrap each glass individually. Lay 2-3 sheets of packing paper on your work surface. Place the glass on the corner and roll it diagonally, tucking the sides in as you go.
3. Stuff the interior. For wine glasses and stemware, stuff crumpled paper inside the bowl before wrapping. The stem is the weakest point—extra padding here prevents snapping.
4. Use cell dividers. Place wrapped glasses upright in cell box dividers. Each glass gets its own compartment with no contact between pieces.
5. Fill gaps. Once all glasses are placed, fill any remaining gaps with crumpled paper. The box should feel firm with no shifting when gently shaken.
6. Label clearly. Write “FRAGILE — GLASSWARE — THIS SIDE UP” on the top and at least two sides.

How to Pack Electronics Safely

Electronics require a different approach than glassware. They’re sensitive to temperature, moisture, static electricity, and impact. Here’s how to protect your tech during a move.

Televisions and Monitors

• Use the original box if you saved it. The factory foam inserts are custom-molded for your specific model.
• No original box? Purchase a specialty TV moving box from a moving supply store or ask your movers. Wrap the screen in a moving blanket and secure with stretch wrap.
• Transport upright. Never lay a flat-screen TV face down or on its side. The screen can crack from its own weight.
• Disconnect and label cables. Take photos of cable connections before unplugging. Use zip ties or rubber bands to bundle labeled cables together.

Computers and Laptops

• Back up your data before moving day. External hard drives and cloud backup provide peace of mind.
• Remove internal hard drives from desktop computers if possible. Transport them separately in anti-static bags.
• Laptops should travel with you in your personal vehicle, not on the moving truck.

Small Electronics

• Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap rather than standard bubble wrap. Static buildup can damage circuit boards.
• Remove batteries from all devices to prevent corrosion and accidental activation.
• Keep remotes with their devices. Tape remotes to the corresponding equipment or place them in the same labeled bag.

Temperature Considerations

If you’re moving during winter in Colorado, electronics need time to acclimate. Let devices reach room temperature for at least 24 hours before powering them on. Condensation from temperature changes can cause short circuits.

How to Pack Artwork and Framed Pieces

Whether it’s an original oil painting, a family portrait, or a poster in a glass frame, artwork requires special handling.

For Glass-Framed Pieces

1. Apply painter’s tape in an X pattern across the glass. If the glass breaks, the tape holds the shards together and prevents damage to the artwork underneath.
2. Wrap in bubble wrap. Start with the glass side and wrap the entire piece.
3. Place in a mirror/picture box. These telescoping boxes adjust to fit various frame sizes snugly.
4. Fill the gaps. Stuff crumpled paper around the piece so it can’t shift inside the box.
5. Transport vertically. Artwork should stand on edge in the truck, never flat. Flat transport increases the risk of punctures and pressure damage.

For Canvas Paintings (Unframed)

• Do not wrap in bubble wrap directly. Bubble texture can imprint on canvas surfaces. Place a sheet of glassine paper or acid-free tissue over the face first.
• Use corner protectors on all four corners.
• Transport face-to-face. If moving multiple canvases, place them face-to-face with protective sheets between them.

For Sculptures and 3D Art

• Custom crating is recommended for valuable sculptures. Our custom crating service builds protective wooden crates sized to your specific piece.
• Photograph everything from multiple angles before packing for insurance documentation.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned packers make mistakes that lead to damage. Here are the most common errors we see:

• Overloading boxes. Fragile item boxes should be light enough to carry comfortably. If it’s too heavy, the bottom can give out.
• Skipping the cushion layer. Always line the bottom and top of every fragile box with crumpled paper. Items should never touch the box walls directly.
• Using the wrong box size. Fragile items should fit snugly. Too much space allows shifting; too little space creates pressure.
• Not labeling. Every fragile box needs clear labels on multiple sides. Movers can’t protect what they don’t know about.
• Packing too quickly. Rushing leads to shortcuts. Give yourself adequate time or hire our packing services team to handle it properly.

When to Hire Professional Packers

If you have a large collection of fragile items—china cabinets, wine collections, home offices full of electronics, or valuable artwork—professional packing is worth serious consideration. Our packing crew uses commercial-grade materials and techniques refined over thousands of moves.

With 700+ five-star reviews, families across Colorado Springs trust iHaul iMove with their most precious belongings. Whether you need full packing services or just help with the fragile stuff through our partial packing option, we’ve got you covered.

Call us at 719-357-5865 to discuss your packing needs, or get a free quote below.

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