Tips for packing 4 types of fragile items

Not everything comes with you when you move, but your most important items tend to make the trip. In many cases, that means high-value, fragile items are part of the equation. How can you keep these delicate possessions safe during the trip from your old home to your new one?

Books

Although less fragile than glass or fine china, books, magazines and similar items are very susceptible to damage from water, humidity, dirt and mud. If packed incorrectly, it's very easy for books to tear through the bottom of a box and face an uncertain future as they hit the ground.

There are a number of steps you can take to keep your books safe and make each box of them manageable:

• Use only small or medium-sized boxes, as the weight of your books can make it easy for large boxes to tear.

• Reinforce the bottom of the box with packing tape.

• The Spruce recommended storing hardcover books standing upright and paperback books on their backs, or storing them with their spines down.

Dishware

Whether it's china or your everyday plates and glasses, dishware is easily broken. Even the plastic cups and plates you may keep on hand for more casual occasions can be broken if care isn't taken to secure them.

To keep your dishes safe, follow these instructions:

• Use a medium-sized box and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper before adding any dishes.

• Place one dish on a stack of packing paper and pull one of the four corners of the paper over to cover it.

• Put a second dish on top and, working clockwise, pull the next corner of the paper over it.

• Add a third plate and pull the last two corners of the paper over the top of it.

• Wrap the stack in another layer of packing paper, then seal with packing tape and store the plates on their edge.

For a more detailed breakdown and advice on safely packing other dishes and glasses, visit our dedicated Packing the Kitchen page.

Electronics

There are many types of electronics - and many ways to pack them - but some general advice can help you get on the right track:

• Check the user manual  for the device, and look online if you don't have a physical copy, for specific instructions, Moving.com suggested.

• Use plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap to secure each item.

• Remove batteries from portable electronics, remotes and similar devices.

• Clearly label fragile boxes as a reminder.

Mirrors

You'll probably bring any mirror not attached to your walls with you when you move. To prevent the bad luck that's supposed to come with breaking one, consider these steps:

• Use towels, sheets or blankets to wrap several layers around each mirror, with a more stable material like cardboard in between.

• Fill any spaces in the box in which it's packed with crumpled packing paper.

• Look for a box that is as close to the size of your mirror as possible to avoid movement in transit.

Working with the professionals

Atlas offers professional packing services to go along with our experienced and capable movers. Want to make sure all your fragile belongings stay safe in transit? Bring in the professionals from Atlas.