Glass and stemware
The cheap, fast, and right way to pack wineglasses: stuff the bowl with packing paper (not newspaper — ink transfers) then wrap each glass individually in bubble wrap, taped closed. Stand them upright in a cell-divider box (free from any liquor store; ask for a wine-shipping divider). Never lay glass on its side in a moving box — vibration cracks the stem at the base.
China and ceramic plates
Plates go on their edge, never flat-stacked. Wrap each one in foam wrap or two layers of bubble wrap. Stand them vertically in a small box (dish-pack or any 1.5 cubic-foot box), packed tight so they can't shift. Cushion top and bottom with 2 inches of crumpled paper. A box of plates packed flat will lose 30% of them on a move; vertical loses approximately zero.
Mirrors and framed art
Tape an X across the glass with painter's tape (not duct — duct leaves residue on glass). This prevents shards from going anywhere if the glass cracks during transit. Wrap in bubble wrap then sandwich between cardboard sheets. Mark the box FRAGILE on all six sides and add an UP arrow. The most common mirror failure is a crew unloading it sideways thinking it's just a box.
The five-rules summary
- Wrap individually. Stacking similar fragile items inside each other transfers vibration straight through.
- Pad top and bottom. 2 inches of paper or foam minimum.
- Pack tight. Fragile items should not shift when you shake the box.
- Mark every side. FRAGILE + UP arrow on all six faces.
- Don't overstuff. A dish-pack should weigh 30-40 lb max. If you can't lift it comfortably, the box will get dropped.