We all know the awful sound of something valuable breaking. Not only are you looking at a big mess to clean up, but you’ve also got a broken item to deal with. When you are moving, especially long distances, the better packed you are, the less risk that something will break in transit or during the packing and unpacking process. 

At Best Rated Transport we only work with trusted transporters in the moving industry. We strive to ensure every single item is handled with care and delivered without damage but we also hope to assist you during the packing process by providing tips and tricks for how to pack delicate items and valuables when moving. 

Packing delicate items and valuables requires extra care, especially when moving them over long distances. Whether it's fine china, electronics, jewelry, or sentimental items, the goal is to minimize the risk of damage during transit. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Packing Delicate Items and Valuables

What You Need: 

• Bubble wrap

• Packing paper

• Tissue paper (for fragile items like glassware)

• Packing peanuts or foam inserts

• Small, sturdy boxes (for valuables)

• Heavy-duty tape

• Markers (for labeling)

• Ziplock bags or small containers (for jewelry and small valuables)

• Specialty boxes (e.g., dish pack boxes for china)

• Moving blankets (for larger, fragile items)

See also: Moving Supplies - What You Need and Where to Buy

Before you Move Valuable Items

Prepare Your Items

Clean and Dry: Before packing, clean your delicate items (e.g., dishes, glassware, or collectibles) to remove any dust or dirt. Ensure they're completely dry to avoid any moisture damage.

Take Photos: For high-value items like electronics or jewellery, take photos before packing. This helps with insurance claims, if needed, and provides a reference for reassembling any components (like electronics or furniture).

Use the Right Packing Materials

Bubble Wrap: This is one of the best materials to protect delicate items. Wrap each item individually, ensuring the bubbles face outward to provide cushioning. For items with intricate designs or sharp edges, use extra layers of bubble wrap for added protection.

Packing Paper: Use soft packing paper or tissue paper for fragile items like glass, ceramics, or porcelain. This helps prevent scratching and keeps items secure within their boxes.

Foam Inserts: Foam inserts or packing peanuts can be used inside boxes to fill any gaps and prevent movement. They are especially useful for filling space around delicate items.

Specialty Boxes: For items like fine china or artwork, use specialty boxes such as dish packs or picture boxes. These are designed to provide extra protection for fragile and valuable goods.

How to Pack Valuables and Delicate Items

Avoid Overpacking Boxes: When packing fragile items, don't overstuff boxes. Leaving a bit of space and ensuring that items are padded will prevent them from breaking if the box is dropped or jostled.

Label Boxes Clearly: Always label boxes containing delicate items with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.” This will alert the movers to take extra precautions.

Take out Insurance: For high-value items, consider purchasing moving insurance to cover any potential damage during the transit. Many moving companies offer coverage options for valuable items.

Keep Inventory: Create an inventory list of the valuable or fragile items you're moving, noting their condition. This is especially helpful if you're filing a claim for lost or damaged items later. We have several inventory checklists you can print out for free. 

How to Pack Delicate Glassware and Dishware

Wrap Each Item: Wrap each piece of glassware, china, or dishware individually in packing paper. Follow with bubble wrap for extra padding.

Use Dividers: If packing multiple plates, bowls, or glasses, use a dish pack box with dividers or create your own dividers with crumpled packing paper. This will prevent the items from touching each other during transit.

Top and Bottom Padding: Add a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled paper at the bottom of the box before placing items inside. Once the box is packed, add more padding on top to ensure everything is secure.

How to Pack Electronics (TVs, Laptops, Phones, etc.)

Original Boxes (If Available): If you still have the original packaging for your electronics, use them. The original packaging is usually designed with padding and fits the item perfectly.

Bubble Wrap for Protection: If the original box is not available, wrap the electronics in bubble wrap. For flat-screen TVs, wrap the screen in bubble wrap and use moving blankets or large cardboard pieces for extra protection around the edges.

Secure in Sturdy Boxes: Once wrapped, place the electronics in a box that is slightly larger than the item, and fill any gaps with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to avoid shifting.

Label as Fragile: Mark the box with "Fragile" and "This Side Up" to ensure it is handled carefully.

How to Pack Jewelry and Small Valuables

Small Boxes or Containers: For items like jewelry, small collectibles, or coins, place them in small boxes or padded containers. Use ziplock bags for smaller items or secure individual pieces in small padded pouches.

Bubble Wrap: Wrap each piece of jewelry or small valuable in a small layer of bubble wrap for added protection.

Keep with You: If possible, pack these items in your personal bag or carry them in your vehicle during the move. Valuable items like jewellery, passports, and cash should always be kept with you, as they are irreplaceable and sensitive to damage.

Label for Identification: Even if you're carrying valuables with you, labeling their storage bags or boxes can help you easily identify them when unpacking.

How to Pack Artwork and Antiques

Protect the Corners: Start by adding corner protectors (foam or cardboard) to prevent damage to the edges of paintings or framed artwork.

Wrap in Bubble Wrap: Carefully wrap the artwork in bubble wrap, ensuring the bubbles face the frame. For framed pieces, consider adding a layer of cardboard around the outside of the wrap for extra protection.

Use Picture Boxes: If you have picture boxes, place the wrapped artwork inside. If you don’t, use large, sturdy boxes and create padding with packing paper or foam inserts.

Mark as Fragile: Label the box with "Fragile" and "This Side Up" to make sure it is handled with care.

How to Pack Mirrors and Glass

Wrap with Bubble Wrap: For mirrors or large glass items, start by wrapping them in bubble wrap. Use extra padding on the edges and corners to prevent breakage.

Use Cardboard for Protection: If possible, sandwich the mirror between two pieces of cardboard, securing them tightly with tape.

Specialty Boxes: If you have a mirror box, use it to protect the item. If not, you can use a sturdy moving box with added padding around the sides to prevent shifting.

At Best Rated Transport we aim to provide you with the best rates possible from interstate removalists or container transport. Regardless of where you’re moving or how much you need to move, we offer free quote comparison. Start your search for the best removalists quotes at Best rated Transport and check out our other How To Guides when moving house. 

• How To Pack a Trampoline when Moving

• How to Pack a Shipping Container

• What Not to Pack when Moving