How to Safely Pack Fragile Items

Use the right box size. Fragile items need snug boxes, not oversized ones — too much room means too much movement, and movement is what breaks things in transit, not the drive itself.

Wrap individually, then cushion. Each glass, plate or ornament should be wrapped on its own before it goes in a box, with padding between layers and extra cushioning at the bottom and top of the box, not just around the sides.

Plates go on their edge, not flat. Stacked flat, plates crack under their own weight when the box shifts. Stood on their edge like records, they distribute pressure far better.

Label it clearly — on more than one side. "Fragile" plus which way is up matters more than people think, especially when boxes get stacked or turned during loading.

For genuinely high-value items — artwork, antiques, electronics — custom crating or professional packing is worth the cost. It's the difference between an item that's protected and one that's just boxed.