How to Pack Fragile Items for Apartment Moves

There’s something oddly humbling about holding a bubble-wrapped wine glass and realizing your entire dinnerware collection is now your most fragile cargo. Apartment moves are tricky enough — tight stairwells, limited parking, and the never-ending negotiation with your landlord over elevator access — but packing breakables adds a whole new layer of stress.

We’ve helped hundreds of renters navigate apartment moves at POG Moving & Helpers, and trust us — we’ve seen everything from shattered heirloom vases to perfectly packed IKEA glassware that made it through a five-story walk-up without a scratch. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Stop Calling It "Just Stuff" — Fragile Items Deserve Respect

That chipped coffee mug you use every morning? That was your comfort item during midterms. The hand-painted bowl from Sedona? A memory in ceramic form. When people say "it’s just stuff," they usually don’t mean the fragile things — those often carry the most meaning.

Personal tip: One client of ours once wrapped her grandmother’s teacups in her old flannel shirts — soft, secure, and sentimental. Brilliant.

Your takeaway? Think about what each item means before you pack it. That mindset shift will change how carefully you handle the process.

2. Use Materials You Actually Trust (Not Just What’s in the Kitchen Drawer)

Sure, old newspapers are nostalgic and socks are resourceful — but they’re not always reliable. Ink smudges, thin fabric, and overconfidence are why many renters unpack tears instead of tea sets.

What to stock up on instead:

• Packing paper: It cushions without staining.

• Bubble wrap: Use it generously — this isn’t the time to be stingy.

• Foam plates or cardboard dividers: Absolute lifesavers for stacking dishes.

• Sturdy, double-walled boxes: A few extra bucks, but worth it when carrying things down three flights of stairs.

Real-world hack: A college student we helped used foam takeout containers to separate and pack her glassware — she said if they survived a year in a dorm, they’d survive the move. She wasn’t wrong.

3. Pack Like You’re Assembling a Jigsaw Puzzle (Not Tossing in Laundry)

There’s a method to the madness, and it starts with thinking like an over-cautious Tetris player.

• Heaviest items at the bottom.

• One layer at a time, with padding between each.

• No empty space — fill gaps with crumpled paper, not wishful thinking.

Anecdote: One renter we worked with filled the top of her fragile box with a layer of instant noodles. She said it was for cushioning — and dinner later. Honestly? It worked.

4. Label Like Your Life Depends on It

We once moved a woman who had labelled every box with not just “Fragile,” but also “Open THIS side” and “Contains grandma’s china — PLEASE CARE!” That box got special treatment.

Don’t just write ‘FRAGILE’ and call it a day. Use large, bold lettering. Write which side is up. Better yet, list the actual items inside — it helps you (and your movers) know what to expect and where to place it.

5. Don’t Pack Everything in One Go (Your Back Will Thank You)

Packing fragile items is not a sprint — it’s a slow, careful waltz. Give yourself time to wrap and layer properly, and take breaks. Trying to rush it the night before moving day is how plates get cracked and nerves get fried.

Insider advice: We always tell clients to start with the breakables first. They're the most time-consuming, so if you get them out of the way early, the rest feels easy.

6. Trust, But Verify Your Movers

Not all moving companies treat your boxes like their own. Ask if they have experience with fragile items, and be clear about what you expect. If possible, point out which boxes need the most care on moving day.

At POG Moving & Helpers, we always ask our clients during the walk-through which boxes matter most. It’s not just a safety measure — it builds trust.

7. Consider the Space You’re Moving Into

Tight corners? Tiny elevators? Narrow staircases? Plan for the unpacking as much as the packing. Make sure boxes with fragile items are accessible and not crushed under heavy ones during the move-in.

Pro tip: Mark fragile boxes with a coloured sticker so they’re immediately spotted, even in a sea of cardboard chaos.

Final Thoughts: Pack With Purpose

Packing fragile items isn’t just about protecting glass — it’s about preserving memories, routines, and irreplaceable moments. You don’t need to be a professional mover to do it right, just someone who cares enough to be thoughtful.

At POG Moving & Helpers, we’ve helped Phoenix renters move everything from antique mirrors to handmade pottery, and we know how important it is to get it there in one piece — physically and emotionally.

Need help with your Apartment/Home, Rentals & Leases Moving Services? Let’s make sure your fragile items arrive exactly how you remember them — safe, intact, and ready for a new beginning.