How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro
How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro (and Avoid a Moving Day Meltdown in Santa Rosa)
Moving is stressful enough—shattered dishes or a broken family heirloom can send anyone over the edge. At Betsy’s Moving, we’ve packed everything from fine china to full-size mannequins (yes, really), and we’re here to share our best tips for packing fragile items like a pro—and preventing a moving day meltdown.
Whether you’re moving across Santa Rosa or relocating from Sonoma County to Palm Springs, proper packing is key.
1. Use the Right Packing Materials (Skip the Towels and T-Shirts!)
While it might be tempting to grab whatever soft item is nearby, professional packing requires purpose-built materials, like:
Packing paper (aka “scrunchie paper”) for cushioning
Bubble wrap for delicate glass and ceramics (Which is REALLY better?? Bubble wrap or paper?)
Sturdy moving boxes that close completely (Tips for choosing the right size moving boxes)
Packing tape—and lots of it!
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using random boxes from the grocery store. They’re often flimsy, can collapse under weight, and don’t stack well in the truck.
2. The “Scrunchie Paper” Secret: Cushion, Cushion, Cushion
This is where most DIY movers fall short. The base of your box needs a thick layer of crumpled packing paper to absorb shock. Add paper:
On the bottom of the box
Between each layer of breakables
Around the sides of the box
On the top before sealing
Think of it like building a nest—your items should feel snug and secure.
3. Wrap Each Item Individually (Don’t Be Lazy!)
Even if two glasses look identical, each piece should be wrapped on its own. For sets (like plates), wrap each plate and then bundle 2–3 together with more paper. Then stack them vertically, not flat. (Trust us, it’s safer that way.)
4. Pack Tightly—but Not Too Tightly
Boxes should be full, but not overstuffed. If there’s extra space inside, fill it with more scrunchie paper so nothing shifts. A good rule of thumb? Shake the box gently. If you hear movement, you’ve got more work to do.
5. Label Clearly: Fragile + Contents + Room
Slapping a quick “FRAGILE” label on the top isn’t enough. Every box should include:
“FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”
What’s inside (e.g., “Grandma’s teacups”)
The room it belongs to (e.g., “Kitchen” or “Dining Room”)
The more detail, the smoother your unpacking will be.
6. Consider Letting a Pro Handle It
If you’re unsure or running short on time, let us help. Our white-glove packing service is ideal for:
Artwork and antiques
China, stemware, and crystal
Electronics and televisions
Piano components (we specialize in Baby Grand and Grand Pianos!)
We’ll customize a plan to ensure your high-value or sentimental items make it safely from point A to point B—especially for those tricky moves in and out of Santa Rosa’s hillside homes or tight driveways.
Bonus: Our Weirdest Fragile Packing Job Ever?
A set of fully dressed mannequins. Let’s just say… packing a person-shaped object is a whole new level of weird.
Moving in or out of Santa Rosa?
If you’re preparing for a local or long-distance move, we’re here to help—packing, moving, and even storage coordination. We work with local storage companies across Sonoma County to help you find the right fit, whether you need short-term or climate-controlled options.
🎯 Need help packing fragile items in Santa Rosa or beyond?
Contact us for a custom quote or visit our packing services page to learn more.
