Packing Fragile Items: Glass, China, Mirrors & Art

Fragile items are the most frequent victims of move-related damage: glasses, china sets, mirrors, and artwork top the list of casualties on long-distance routes. As Avrupaya, a door-to-door moving specialist from Turkey to European countries, we know that correct packing technique matters just as much as a good insurance policy. This guide gives you the materials and methods used by professionals.

Choose the Right Materials

Material quality is the foundation of fragile packing. Bubble wrap with air pockets of at least 0.5 cm provides the primary impact protection for glass and china. Plain white packing paper or brown kraft paper works well as a first layer — avoid newspaper as printer ink can permanently stain porcelain. Foam sheets and corner protectors are essential for mirrors and framed artwork.

How to Wrap Glasses and Glassware

Wrap every single item individually. Start by stuffing a ball of packing paper inside the glass, then wrap diagonally from corner to corner in two or three layers of paper followed by one layer of bubble wrap. Never place glasses upright in a box — lay them horizontally, stem slightly raised. Between each layer in the box place a sheet of foam or a thick layer of crumpled paper.

• Wrap each item first in packing paper, then in bubble wrap.
• Lay glasses horizontally — never stack them upright.
• Put at least 5 cm of padding at the box base (crumpled paper or foam).
• Place a foam sheet between every layer of items.
• Close and tape the box securely; label all sides FRAGILE with arrows.
• Heavy items at the bottom, lighter items on top.
• Gently shake the sealed box in every direction — if things move, add more padding.

Packing Mirrors and Framed Artwork

For large mirrors, tape an X across the glass surface with masking tape (this holds shards together if breakage occurs). Then wrap in foam sheet or a moving blanket and place in a purpose-made mirror/picture box sized to fit. For framed artwork, first cover the surface with protective film or glassine paper, fit cardboard corner guards, and wrap in bubble wrap.

China and Antiques

Never stack china plates flat — pack each plate individually and store them on their edges side by side, separated by foam sheets. Teapot lids must be wrapped separately. For antiques or valuables use two layers of bubble wrap and give each object its own box. Avrupaya's professional packing service has specialists who apply these techniques on-site, with every box fully itemised and labelled.