Packing fragile items is one of the most stressful parts of any move. Whether it’s your grandmother’s china set, a flat-screen TV, or a collection of glassware, these delicate belongings require extra care and attention. One wrong move can lead to chips, cracks, or total breakage — and no one wants to open a box in their new home to find a disaster waiting inside.

At Kensington Man and Van, we’ve handled thousands of moves across London and know exactly how to protect fragile items from start to finish. Our experienced team treats every belonging as if it were their own, ensuring safe transport through careful packing, handling, and loading.

In this guide, we’ll share our expert tips on how to pack fragile items safely — so whether you’re moving locally in Kensington or across the city, you can rest easy knowing your valuables are protected.

1. Gather the Right Packing Materials

Before you start packing, it’s important to have the correct materials. Using cheap or makeshift supplies might seem like a way to save money, but it increases the risk of breakage.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Strong double-walled cardboard boxes: These provide the necessary support to withstand stacking and handling.
• Bubble wrap: Essential for cushioning and protecting fragile surfaces.
• Packing paper or tissue paper: Great for wrapping glass, ceramics, and small items. Avoid using newspapers, as the ink can transfer onto surfaces.
• Packing peanuts or foam inserts: Fill gaps in boxes to prevent items from shifting.
• Stretch wrap: Keeps items secure and prevents them from scratching each other.
• High-quality packing tape: Reinforces box seams and seals everything tightly.
• Markers and “FRAGILE” labels: Clearly mark boxes to ensure careful handling.

If you prefer, Kensington Man and Van can provide all the packing materials you need, including eco-friendly options such as recyclable boxes and biodegradable packing peanuts.

2. Create a Dedicated Packing Area

Set up a clean, spacious area where you can safely pack fragile items. Avoid cluttered or cramped spaces where items could fall or get knocked over. A dining table or large flat surface works well.

Keep all your packing supplies within easy reach, and make sure there’s enough room to wrap and box items without rushing. Packing fragile items properly takes time, so approach it patiently and methodically.

3. Wrap Each Item Individually

Every fragile item should be wrapped separately. Never place unwrapped items directly into a box — even if they’re the same material.

How to wrap correctly:

• Start with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Wrap the item fully, securing the wrap with tape.
• For highly delicate pieces (like porcelain figurines or glassware), double-wrap them for extra protection.
• Place small or sharp items inside smaller boxes before putting them into larger ones for added safety.

At Kensington Man and Van, our movers use professional-grade materials and techniques that reduce movement inside boxes and prevent direct contact between fragile items.

4. Pack Plates, Glasses, and Ceramics the Right Way

Each type of fragile item has its own best practice for packing. Here are some professional tips for the most common items:

Plates:

• Wrap each plate individually in packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Stack them vertically (like records) rather than flat. This reduces pressure and the chance of cracking.
• Fill gaps in the box with paper or foam for stability.

Glasses and Cups:

• Stuff the inside of each glass with tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent crushing.
• Wrap each glass individually and place them upright (not on their sides).
• Add a thick layer of cushioning at the bottom and top of the box.

Bowls and Ceramics:

• Wrap each piece carefully, using extra padding for handles or protruding parts.
• Stack bowls in small groups with soft paper or bubble wrap between each layer.

Label all these boxes “Fragile – Glass / Kitchenware” so your moving team knows to handle them with care.

5. Use the “Layering” Method

When packing boxes, start with a layer of cushioning material at the bottom. This could be crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts.

Then, as you place each item inside, fill any gaps with soft material. The goal is to make sure nothing can move around inside the box during transport. Finally, finish with another protective layer on top before sealing the box.

If you can gently shake the box without hearing movement, it’s properly packed.

6. Don’t Overpack Boxes

It’s tempting to fit as much as possible into one box, but overpacking leads to pressure and potential breakage. A heavy box is also harder to lift safely.

Instead, spread your fragile items across several smaller boxes. This reduces the chance of damage and makes each box easier to handle.

At Kensington Man and Van, we always recommend using multiple medium-sized boxes for fragile items rather than one large, overloaded one.

7. Label Everything Clearly

Every box containing fragile items should be clearly labelled on multiple sides with the word “FRAGILE” in bold letters. You can also indicate “This Side Up” to help ensure items remain in their correct position during loading.

Professional movers rely on these labels to determine how to stack boxes in the van. Clear labelling saves time, prevents confusion, and helps protect your belongings.

8. Pack Electronics with Care

Televisions, computer monitors, and other electronics are particularly vulnerable to damage during transit.

If you still have the original boxes for these items, use them — they’re designed to fit perfectly. If not, choose a sturdy box slightly larger than the item and fill the remaining space with padding.

Remove cables and accessories, wrap them separately, and label them clearly. Use stretch wrap to protect screens from scratches.

Kensington Man and Van’s team is trained in handling all types of electronics, from small appliances to large home entertainment systems, ensuring they arrive safely and in perfect working condition.

9. Consider Professional Packing Services

If the thought of packing fragile items makes you anxious — or if you simply don’t have time — professional packing services are a wise investment.

Our Kensington Man and Van packing team can handle everything for you, using years of expertise and the best materials to keep your valuables safe. We carefully plan each stage, from assessing the most delicate items to packing and labeling systematically.

Professional packing not only saves time but also guarantees peace of mind. You’ll know your most precious possessions are handled with precision and care by experienced professionals.

10. Loading and Transport: The Final Step

Even if everything is perfectly packed, the way boxes are loaded and transported matters just as much. Boxes containing fragile items should always go on top of heavier items in the van and be secured tightly to prevent movement during transit.

A professional man and van service understands proper loading techniques — balancing weight, minimising vibration, and ensuring stability throughout the journey.

At Kensington Man and Van, our team loads every van strategically to keep fragile items protected. We use straps, padding, and placement techniques that prevent shifting and damage on bumpy London roads.

11. Unpacking Safely at Your New Home

Once you arrive, take your time unpacking. Open boxes carefully, avoiding sharp blades that could damage contents. Unpack one box at a time and check each item as you go.

Dispose of packing materials responsibly — bubble wrap and cardboard can be recycled or reused. If you’ve booked our unpacking service, our team will handle everything efficiently, ensuring your fragile items are placed exactly where you want them.

Why Choose Kensington Man and Van for Fragile Item Moves?

Moving fragile belongings requires more than just good packing — it takes experience, attention to detail, and professional handling.

Here’s what sets Kensington Man and Van apart:

• Expertise: Years of experience handling fragile, valuable, and antique items.
• Safety First: We use the best packing materials and techniques.
• Local Knowledge: We know Kensington’s roads, traffic patterns, and parking rules.
• Insurance: Full coverage for added peace of mind.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Reusable and recyclable packing supplies.

Our goal is simple — to ensure every item, no matter how delicate, arrives at your new home in perfect condition.

Final Thoughts

Packing fragile items doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right materials, methods, and mindset, you can protect your valuables and enjoy a smooth, worry-free move.

Still, there’s no substitute for professional help. A trusted Kensington man and van service takes the guesswork out of packing and ensures everything arrives safely.

If you’re planning a move — whether it’s across Kensington or to another part of London — let Kensington Man and Van handle your fragile items with care.

Need a hand with the heavy lifting and delicate packing?
Contact Kensington Man and Van today for a free quote and discover how our expert team can make your move safe, efficient, and completely stress-free.

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Learn how to pack fragile items safely with expert tips from Kensington Man and Van. Discover professional packing techniques for glass, china, and electronics to ensure a smooth and secure move in Kensington.