7 Expert Tips to Keep Fragile Items Safe During A Residential Move

Moving to a new home is exciting—but seeing your favorite dishes, heirlooms or electronics damaged in transit? Not so much. At Cowboy Moving & Storage, we know how important it is to protect your fragile and valuable belongings. That’s why we’re sharing our top packing tips to help you move with confidence—and without broken surprises at the other end.

1. Use the Right Packing Materials

Investing in high-quality materials makes a big difference. You’ll need:

• Sturdy boxes (double-walled for heavy or valuable items)

• Packing paper or foam sheets

• Bubble wrap

• Packing tape

• Cushioning like peanuts or crumpled paper Avoid using newspaper on delicate surfaces, as ink can transfer and cause damage.

  
  

2. Label Fragile Boxes Clearly

Mark all boxes containing breakables with large, visible “FRAGILE” labels on all sides. Also include a note like “This Side Up” to guide handlers and remind yourself how to unpack carefully.

3. Pack Heaviest Items on the Bottom

This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Always place heavier items at the bottom of a box and lighter items on top to prevent crushing and shifting.

4. Wrap Each Item Individually

Wrap dishes, glassware, vases and electronics one by one. Don’t stack or bundle without protection between them. Use bubble wrap or foam sleeves for delicate items and secure them with tape to keep everything snug.

5. Use Dividers for Glassware and Dishes

Dish and glass pack kits with cardboard dividers are a smart investment. These keep items from clinking together and provide extra protection during transport. It’s usually easy to resell them after your move is over.

6. Fill in the Gaps

Once your items are in the box, fill all empty spaces with crumpled paper, towels or bubble wrap. This prevents items from shifting when the box is lifted or during transport—a key cause of breakage.

7. Don’t Overpack Boxes

It might seem efficient to cram a box full, but overpacking puts fragile items at risk. A box that’s too heavy or bulging is more likely to break open or be dropped. Aim for a balanced weight—ideally under 50 lbs—and reinforce the bottom with extra tape.

Bonus Tip: Let the Professionals Help

At Cowboy Moving & Storage, we offer professional packing services to give you peace of mind. Our team is trained in protecting everything from everyday glassware to antiques and fine art.

Move Smart, Move Safe

A little extra care when packing your valuables goes a long way in making your move smooth and stress-free. If you have questions or want help protecting your most important items, reach out to the experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage in Englewood. We’re Colorado’s trusted moving experts—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.