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Moving with Fragile Items: Tips to Protect Your Belongings

Fragile belongings often hold the most value — both financially and emotionally. From glassware and artwork to heirlooms and electronics, these are the items you’ll want to arrive safely at your new home. Moving them requires extra care, planning, and the right packing techniques.

At Truckabout, we’ve moved thousands of delicate items across Christchurch, the South Island, and the lower North Island. Here’s how to prepare, pack, and transport fragile goods with confidence.

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Common Fragile Items to Watch Out For

When planning your move, here’s a list of fragile or delicate items that need extra attention:

Glass & Ceramics

  • Drinking glasses, mugs, and stemware
  • Plates, bowls, serving dishes
  • Vases and decorative ornaments
  • Mirrors and framed glass

Kitchen & Dining

  • Porcelain and china sets
  • Crystal glassware
  • Coffee pots, teapots, and decanters
  • Cookware with glass lids

Electronics

  • TVs, monitors, and computer screens
  • Laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles
  • Printers, scanners, and stereos
  • Smart home devices (speakers, hubs, security cameras)

Artwork & Collectibles

  • Paintings and framed prints
  • Sculptures and figurines
  • Antiques and heirlooms
  • Musical instruments (guitars, violins, keyboards)

Household Items

  • Light fittings, lamps, and chandeliers
  • Clocks (especially glass-faced or antique models)
  • Decorative photo frames
  • Candle holders and glass jars

Personal & Sentimental Items

  • Jewellery boxes with glass or ceramic components
  • Trophies and medals with delicate bases
  • Souvenirs and travel keepsakes
  • Family heirlooms (e.g. teacups, silverware)

Other Delicate Goods

  • Fish tanks and aquariums
  • Planters or pottery
  • Bicycles or sports gear with fragile fittings (e.g. carbon fibre)
  • Small appliances with glass parts (microwaves, blenders, coffee machines)
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Preparing Fragile Items for Packing

  • Sort and Prioritise:
    Prioritise Identify your most delicate items — glass, ceramics, antiques, electronics, mirrors, artwork. Decide whether you want to move them yourself or have movers handle them.
  • Gather the Right Supplies:
    Invest in quality packing materials: strong boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and corner protectors. For artwork and TVs, use purpose-built cartons if possible.
  • Create an Inventory:
    List fragile items and, if valuable, take photos for insurance purposes. This will give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
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Packing Techniques for Fragile Items

  • Double-Boxing:
    For highly delicate pieces, place the item in a small padded box, then put that box inside a larger one with cushioning around it.
  • Wrap Individually:
    Never stack fragile items bare. Wrap each glass, plate, or ornament separately in paper or bubble wrap.
  • Fill the Gaps:
    Use packing peanuts, towels, or crumpled paper to stop items shifting inside boxes. Movement is the main cause of breakage.
  • Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items:
    Books, plates, or glassware should be packed in smaller boxes to avoid excessive weight that could cause breakages (or back strain!).
  • Label Clearly:
    Mark boxes with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” so movers know to handle with care.

Special Considerations

Mirrors & Glass

Tape an “X” across the glass surface before wrapping — this reduces shattering if it breaks. Use mirror cartons or large sheets of cardboard for added protection.

Electronics

If possible, use the original packaging. Otherwise, wrap screens in bubble wrap, secure with blankets, and pack cords separately.

Artwork & Antiques

Use acid-free paper for valuable artwork, and corner protectors for frames. Consider professional crating for especially valuable pieces.

Kitchenware

Place plates vertically in boxes (like records) rather than stacked flat — it reduces breakage.

Moving Day Tips

Load Fragile Items Last

Keep them on top of heavier boxes to prevent crushing.

Secure in Truck

Use straps or blankets to stop fragile boxes from sliding around.

Communicate with Movers

Point out fragile boxes to your Truckabout team so they can take extra care.

Transport Valuables Yourself

For irreplaceable heirlooms or expensive electronics, consider carrying them in your own vehicle.

Checklist: Moving Fragile Items

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  • Identify and list all fragile items
  • Gather proper packing supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, paper, tape)
  • Wrap each item individually
  • Use double-boxing for extra protection
  • Fill gaps in boxes with cushioning
  • Label boxes “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP”
  • Load fragile items last and secure in truck
  • Transport especially valuable items yourself

Final Thoughts

Fragile items need extra time and care, but with the right preparation you can move them safely and stress-free. By using the correct packing materials, careful labelling, and a little patience, your glassware, artwork, and electronics will arrive in one piece.

Need help moving fragile items? Truckabout’s experienced team knows how to handle delicate goods with care.

Get a free moving quote today.