How to Pack Fragile Items: Recent Expert Tips for Breakage-Free Moving

Don't risk your crystal and electronics. Learn the professional techniques Dubai's top packers use for fragile items -- from glassware and artwork to pianos and wine collections -- ensuring everything arrives safely at your new home.

Our packing specialists handle 500+ fragile items weekly with a 99.7% intact delivery rate. In this guide, we share the exact methods our team uses on every move across Dubai, whether it's a high-rise apartment in Dubai Marina or a waterfront villa on Palm Jumeirah.

What Has Changed in Packing Fragile Items for 2026?

Eco-friendly cushioning made from recycled materials is now widely available in Dubai, smart tracking labels are affordable for high-value items, and new techniques exist for curved-screen electronics and OLED displays. Biodegradable bubble wrap and cornstarch packing peanuts have replaced traditional polystyrene in many professional packing operations, aligning with the UAE's sustainability goals.

This guide has been updated for 2026 with the latest packing materials and techniques. We have also added Dubai-specific sections covering heat impact on packing materials, sand and dust protection strategies, and climate-controlled storage recommendations for fragile valuables during long-distance or staged moves.

What Packing Materials Do You Need for Fragile Items?

Before you start wrapping a single glass, gather all the materials you need. Running out mid-pack leads to improvisation -- and improvisation leads to breakage. Here is a complete table of materials by item type:

Item Type	Primary Material	Secondary Material	Box Type
Glassware & Stemware	Packing paper, bubble wrap	Cell dividers	Cell box / dish barrel
China & Dishes	Packing paper, foam sheets	Cardboard dividers	Dish barrel (heavy-duty)
Electronics & TVs	Anti-static bubble wrap	Foam corners, cardboard screen shield	Original box or TV box kit
Mirrors & Artwork	Corner protectors, moving blankets	Masking tape (X-pattern), cardboard sandwich	Mirror/picture box (telescopic)
Crystal & Chandeliers	Acid-free tissue, bubble wrap	Foam peanuts, custom dividers	Custom crate or double-walled box
Antiques & Heirlooms	Acid-free tissue, moving blankets	Custom foam inserts	Custom wooden crate
Musical Instruments	Padded blankets, bubble wrap	Foam wedges, silica gel packets	Hard case or custom crate
Wine Collection	Bubble wrap, foam wine shippers	Cell dividers, styrofoam inserts	Wine shipper box (12-cell)
Kitchen Appliances	Bubble wrap, packing paper	Foam sheets for glass parts	Medium moving box
Jewelry & Valuables	Soft cloth pouches, tissue paper	Foam-lined containers	Small lockable box / carry personally

Where to buy in Dubai: ACE Hardware, Dragon Mart, and Carrefour stock basic supplies. For professional-grade materials like dish barrels, cell boxes, and telescopic mirror cartons, ask your packing service provider -- most include materials in their quote.

How Do You Pack Fragile Items Without Breaking Them?

Pack fragile items by wrapping each piece individually, using 2-3 inches of cushioning on all sides, and ensuring items never touch the box walls or each other during transit. The secret to a safe move is not just "be careful" -- it is using the right materials and physics to your advantage.

Here is the golden rule our packers follow on every residential move: fragile items must float in cushioning and never make contact with the box or each other. Always use 2-3 inches of crushed paper or bubble wrap on all sides.

• Bottom Layer: Always start with 2-3 inches of crushed packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box.
• Individual Wrap: Every single fragile item must be wrapped individually -- no exceptions.
• No Wall Contact: Leave a buffer between items and the box walls on every side.
• Fill All Gaps: Use crumpled paper to fill voids. If the box rattles when shaken, add more cushioning.
• Top Layer: Finish with another 2-3 inches of cushioning at the top before taping shut.
• Weight Limit: Keep fragile boxes under 15 kg. Heavier boxes are more likely to be dropped.

How Do You Pack Glassware and Stemware Safely?

Use cell boxes with dividers, stuff the bowl with paper first, then wrap the exterior twisting around the stem, and always pack glasses standing upright on their rims -- never on their sides. The rim is the structurally strongest part of the glass.

• Cell Boxes: Use boxes with cardboard dividers (cells) designed specifically for glasses. Each glass gets its own cell.
• Wrap Technique: Stuff the bowl of the glass with crumpled paper first. Then place the glass on a sheet of packing paper, roll it diagonally, and tuck the excess paper around the stem for reinforcement.
• Pack Vertically: Always pack glasses standing up on their rims, never flat on their sides. The rim distributes impact force evenly.
• Double Layer for Crystal: Crystal glasses need two layers of bubble wrap after the paper wrap. Crystal is softer and more brittle than standard glass.

How Do You Pack Plates and China to Prevent Breakage?

Never stack plates flat like pancakes -- wrap each individually and stand them vertically on their edges in the box. This vertical stacking method reduces the pressure on each plate and mimics how records are stored.

• Vertical Stacking: Wrap each plate in 2-3 sheets of packing paper, then stand them up on edge in the box. A plate on edge can absorb far more impact than one lying flat.
• Bundle Method: Wrap 3-4 plates together in a bundle for extra rigidity, then place the bundle vertically in the box.
• Foam Sheet Separators: Place foam sheets between each plate before bundling for fine china and heirloom sets.
• Dish Barrel Boxes: Use double-walled dish barrel boxes. Standard moving boxes are not strong enough for heavy dinnerware.

How Do You Pack Electronics and TVs Safely?

Use original boxes if available, apply anti-static bubble wrap for computers, and tape cardboard over screens before wrapping to prevent punctures from impact or pressure during the move.

• Original Boxes: If you kept them, use them. Manufacturers engineer these boxes with precise foam inserts for transit protection.
• TV Box Kits: For TVs without original boxes, purchase a TV box kit that matches your screen size. Our team carries kits for screens from 32" to 85".
• Anti-Static Wrap: Use anti-static (pink) bubble wrap for computers, servers, and sensitive electronics. Standard bubble wrap generates static that can damage circuit boards.
• Screen Protection: Tape a piece of cardboard over the screen before wrapping in bubble wrap. This prevents puncture damage from accidental contact with hard objects.
• Cable Management: Photograph your cable setups before disconnecting. Label each cable with masking tape. See our labeling guide for more tips.

How Do You Pack Mirrors and Artwork for Moving?

Apply masking tape in an X across glass surfaces, use cardboard corner guards on frame joints, and sandwich artwork between two oversized cardboard sheets before bubble wrapping. For valuable pieces, consider professional art moving services.

• X-Tape: Apply masking tape in a large X across the glass surface. If the glass cracks during the move, this holds the shards together and prevents them from slashing the artwork behind.
• Corner Protectors: Use cardboard or foam corner guards to protect all four frame corners. Corners are the most vulnerable point on any framed piece.
• Sandwich Method: Place the artwork between two sheets of cardboard larger than the frame and tape them together before wrapping in bubble wrap or a moving blanket.
• Telescopic Mirror Boxes: For large mirrors, use adjustable telescopic boxes. Never transport mirrors flat -- always stand them upright.

If you own valuable or irreplaceable artwork, read our detailed guide on moving antiques and art safely for advanced protection techniques including custom crating.

How Do You Pack Crystal and Chandeliers?

Crystal and chandeliers are among the most challenging fragile items to pack. Each crystal pendant or arm must be individually wrapped in acid-free tissue paper followed by bubble wrap. Chandeliers should be partially disassembled when possible -- remove all hanging crystals, bulbs, and detachable arms.

• Disassemble First: Remove every detachable piece. Wrap each crystal pendant individually in acid-free tissue, then bubble wrap.
• Number Your Parts: Use small numbered stickers to mark where each piece reattaches. Photograph the assembled chandelier from multiple angles before disassembly.
• Custom Boxing: Place the chandelier body in a box with foam peanuts surrounding it on all sides. Pack crystal pendants in a separate cell-divided box.
• Climate Alert: Crystal is sensitive to rapid temperature changes. In Dubai's heat, avoid leaving packed crystal in a vehicle or non-climate-controlled space for extended periods.

How Do You Safely Move Antiques and Heirlooms?

Antiques require museum-grade packing techniques. Acid-free tissue prevents chemical reactions with aged surfaces, and custom foam inserts cradle irregular shapes. Never use standard bubble wrap directly on antique wood surfaces -- the plastic can trap moisture and damage finishes.

• Barrier Layer: Always wrap antiques in acid-free tissue or unbleached muslin cloth before applying any plastic-based protective material.
• Custom Crating: For irreplaceable items, custom wooden crates with internal foam inserts provide the highest level of protection.
• Furniture Considerations: Antique furniture often needs partial disassembly. Read our furniture disassembly guide for safe techniques.
• Insurance: Document antiques with dated photographs and appraisals before moving. Standard moving insurance rarely covers full antique value.

How Do You Pack Musical Instruments for Moving?

Musical instruments combine fragile materials, precise calibrations, and sensitivity to temperature and humidity -- making them one of the trickiest categories to move in Dubai's climate.

• Hard Cases First: Always transport instruments in their hard cases. If you only have a soft gig bag, wrap the instrument in a moving blanket inside the bag.
• Pianos: Never attempt to move a piano yourself. Pianos require specialized equipment and technique. See our piano moving guide for what to expect.
• Loosen Strings: For guitars, violins, and similar instruments, slightly loosen the strings to reduce tension during transit.
• Humidity Control: Dubai's dry climate can crack wooden instruments. Place silica gel packets in instrument cases and avoid leaving instruments in vehicles during summer months.

How Do You Protect Kitchen Appliances During a Move?

Kitchen appliances with glass components -- blender jars, food processor bowls, coffee carafes -- need individual wrapping. Remove all detachable glass and ceramic parts and pack them separately from the appliance body.

• Separate Glass Parts: Remove blender pitchers, coffee pots, and glass lids. Wrap each in bubble wrap and pack in a separate box with other fragile items.
• Secure Moving Parts: Tape down mixer arms, lock blender bases, and secure any swinging or rotating components.
• Drain Liquids: Empty and dry all appliances that hold water -- coffee machines, steam irons, humidifiers.

Can You Pack Bathroom Items Safely? What About Liquids and Glass?

Bathroom items present a dual challenge: glass containers filled with liquids. Perfume bottles, skincare in glass jars, and mirrors all need careful handling. Leaked liquids can destroy other packed items in the same box.

• Seal Everything: Place plastic wrap over bottle openings before screwing caps back on. This prevents leaks even if caps loosen during transit.
• Upright Packing: Pack all bottles upright and use cell dividers to prevent tipping.
• Separate Fragile Glass: Expensive perfume bottles and glass skincare containers should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap and packed with other fragiles -- not in a bathroom box with heavy items.
• Know What Movers Won't Pack: Some hazardous bathroom chemicals cannot be transported by movers. Check our guide on what movers won't pack to avoid surprises on moving day.

Can Plants Survive a Move in Dubai's Heat?

Plants are fragile living items that require special attention during a Dubai move. The biggest threats are heat exposure during transit and shock from environmental changes. Summer moves are particularly risky when vehicle and truck temperatures can exceed 60 degrees Celsius.

• Water 24 Hours Before: Water plants thoroughly the day before the move, but not on moving day -- wet soil is heavy and messy.
• Wrap Pots: Wrap terracotta and ceramic pots in bubble wrap. Place plants in open-top boxes to prevent tipping.
• Climate-Controlled Transport: Request air-conditioned transport for valuable plants. Even 30 minutes in an unventilated truck during summer can kill tropical houseplants.
• Move Plants Last: Load plants last and unload them first. Minimize their time in transit.

How Should You Pack a Wine Collection for Moving in Dubai?

Wine is extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations and vibration -- both of which are elevated during a Dubai move. Even brief exposure to 40+ degree Celsius heat can permanently damage wine.

• Wine Shipper Boxes: Use styrofoam wine shippers with individual cell inserts. These are designed to cushion bottles and provide some thermal insulation.
• Horizontal Storage: Keep wine bottles on their sides to keep corks moist, just as they would be in a wine rack.
• Climate-Controlled Transport: Insist on climate-controlled vehicle transport for collections over 12 bottles. Non-negotiable in Dubai summers.
• Timing: Schedule wine moves for early morning (before 8 AM) or evening to minimize heat exposure during loading and unloading.

How Should You Handle Jewelry and Valuables During a Move?

The short answer: carry them yourself. Jewelry, important documents, cash, and irreplaceable small valuables should never go on the moving truck.

• Personal Transport: Pack jewelry in a small lockable case and keep it with you at all times during the move.
• Inventory and Photograph: Document every valuable item with photographs and written descriptions before the move.
• Safe Deposit: For very high-value collections, consider a bank safe deposit box during the transition period.

When Do You Need Custom Crating for Irreplaceable Items?

Custom wooden crates are the gold standard for protecting irreplaceable items. Our crating team builds custom solutions for items that standard boxes cannot protect:

• Sculptures and three-dimensional artwork
• Large chandeliers and lighting fixtures
• Antique furniture with delicate carvings or inlays
• Marble tabletops and stone features
• Server racks and sensitive laboratory equipment

Custom crating typically costs AED 300-2,000 depending on size and complexity but offers the highest protection level available. For irreplaceable items, it is always worth the investment.

Should You Insure Fragile Items During a Move?

Standard moving insurance in Dubai typically covers items at AED 10-20 per kilogram -- which means a shattered AED 5,000 crystal vase weighing 2 kg would only pay out AED 40. That gap should concern anyone moving valuable fragile items.

• Declared Value Protection: Ask your mover about full-value replacement coverage. You declare the total value of your shipment and pay a premium based on that amount.
• Third-Party Insurance: For high-value collections (art, antiques, wine), consider a specialized transit insurance policy from a third-party insurer.
• Document Everything: Insurance claims require evidence. Photograph every fragile item before packing and keep receipts or appraisals accessible.

Professional vs. DIY Packing: Which Is Better for Fragile Items?

For standard household goods, DIY packing is perfectly fine. But fragile items are where professional packing pays for itself. Here is how they compare:

Factor	DIY Packing	Professional Packing
Breakage Rate	8-12% of fragile items	Under 1% (our rate: 0.3%)
Materials Cost	AED 200-500 (purchased separately)	Included in service fee
Time Required	6-10 hours for a 2-bedroom	2-3 hours (trained 2-person team)
Insurance Coverage	Limited or void if improperly packed	Full coverage with professional documentation
Stress Level	High	Minimal

Our data from over 12,000 moves in 2025 shows that professionally packed fragile items are 30 times less likely to arrive damaged compared to self-packed items. Get a free quote for professional packing services and see the cost difference.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Packing Fragiles?

After inspecting thousands of self-packed boxes, our team sees the same mistakes repeatedly. Avoid these and your fragile items have a much better chance of surviving the move:

• Overpacking: Making boxes too heavy causes the bottom to give out. Keep fragile boxes under 15 kg.
• Underpacking: If you hear rattling when you shake the box, it is not packed tightly enough. Add more crumpled paper until nothing moves.
• Using Newspaper: Avoid printed newspaper on fine china and crystal. The ink stains porous surfaces permanently. Use clean, unprinted packing paper.
• Skipping Labels: Boxes without "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" markings will be treated like standard boxes. Label on all sides. Our box labeling guide covers this in detail.
• Wrong Box Size: Using oversized boxes for fragile items means more empty space and more shifting during transit. Match the box size to the contents.
• Mixing Heavy and Light: Never pack books on top of glassware in the same box. Heavy items go in separate boxes.
• Rushing: Packing fragiles takes time. Do not try to pack your entire kitchen the night before the move.

How Does Dubai's Heat Affect Packing Materials?

Dubai's extreme summer temperatures create unique challenges for packing materials that most generic moving guides ignore. Understanding these factors is critical for anyone moving between May and October.

• Bubble Wrap Deflation: Standard bubble wrap can soften and partially deflate in temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius. Use double layers during summer moves or opt for foam wrap alternatives.
• Adhesive Tape Failure: Packing tape adhesive weakens in extreme heat. Use high-temperature-rated tape (available at industrial supply stores) for summer moves.
• Styrofoam Off-Gassing: Expanded polystyrene releases fumes in extreme heat. Avoid leaving styrofoam-packed items in direct sunlight or unventilated vehicles.
• Sand and Dust Protection: Dubai's shamal winds blow fine sand that penetrates standard boxes. Seal all box seams completely with tape and consider wrapping electronics boxes in stretch film for additional protection.
• Climate-Controlled Storage: If your move involves temporary storage, always choose a climate-controlled facility for fragile items. Standard warehouses in Dubai can exceed 55 degrees Celsius in summer, destroying adhesives, warping wood, and cracking plastics.

How Should You Label Boxes with Fragile Items?

Proper labeling is half the battle. Write "FRAGILE" on all four sides and the top of the box. Add "TOP LOAD ONLY" to tell movers never to stack heavy boxes on top. Include a brief contents description -- "Kitchen - Wine Glasses" is far more useful than just "Fragile" when it comes time to unpack.

Use colored stickers or markers for fragile boxes so they are instantly recognizable. Red typically signals fragile in the moving industry. For a complete labeling system, see our comprehensive labeling guide for moving.

Do You Need Professional Packing for Fragile Items?

For standard kitchen glasses and basic electronics, careful DIY packing with the right materials works well. But for high-value fragile items like antiques, artwork, expensive electronics, and crystal collections, professional packers bring specialized materials, trained technique, and insurance coverage that DIY packing simply cannot match.

Our professional packing team has handled everything from AED 500,000 art collections in Downtown Dubai to full wine cellars in Palm Jumeirah villas. Every item is inventoried, photographed, and packed using industry-certified techniques.

Get a free quote for professional packing services, or call +971 55 301 3309 to discuss your fragile items with our team. We will assess your inventory and recommend the right level of protection for every item in your home.