Few things are more stressful on moving day than opening a box to find a shattered heirloom or chipped dish. The good news is that packing fragile items well isn’t complicated โ it just takes the right materials and a little patience. Here’s how to protect your most delicate belongings on their way to your new home in Bellingham or anywhere across Whatcom County.
Start with the right supplies
Strong boxes, plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, and quality packing tape are your essentials. Skip the free boxes from behind the grocery store when it comes to fragiles โ they’re often weakened by moisture from our rainy Pacific Northwest climate. Dish pack boxes with dividers are worth the small investment for glassware and stemware.
Wrap every single piece individually
It’s tempting to bundle a few wine glasses together in one sheet of paper, but that’s how chips happen. Each plate, bowl, glass, and figurine should get its own wrap. Crumple paper inside hollow items like vases and mugs so they don’t collapse under pressure.
Pack plates on their edge, not flat
Plates are surprisingly sturdy when stacked vertically, like records. Line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper, wrap each plate, then stand them on edge. This distributes weight evenly and prevents the bottom plates from cracking under the stack.
Fill every empty space
Movement is the enemy of fragile items. Once your items are in the box, fill any gaps with crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or even clean towels. Give the box a gentle shake โ if you hear or feel anything shifting, add more padding.
Don’t overload boxes
A box of dishes shouldn’t weigh more than about 45 pounds. Smaller boxes are your friend for heavy, breakable items. Bigger boxes are fine for lighter things like lampshades and pillows.
Label clearly and point up
Write “FRAGILE” on at least two sides and the top, along with which way is up. Include the room it’s headed to so your movers know where to place it gently in your new home.
When in doubt, let the pros handle it
If you have an antique mirror, a grand piano, artwork, or a collection of fine china that’s been in the family for generations, it’s worth having professional movers pack and transport those pieces. At Cast Iron Moving, we offer custom crating and specialty packing services for Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Whatcom County, Skagit County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote.
