Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Vlad Stoikovich
Are you worried about packing delicate items and valuables for an upcoming move? It’s natural to be concerned about the safety of your precious possessions during transportation. How to ensure your precious fragile things all arrive intact?
Rest assured, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to pack your delicate items and valuables efficiently and securely and they will arrive safe and sound.
Gather the Right Materials. Before you start packing, gather all the packing materials you’ll need to protect your delicate items and valuables. These include:
- High-quality moving boxes in various sizes
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Packing tape
- Scissors
- Permanent markers
- Soft cloths or towels
- Foam peanuts or cushioning materials
- Furniture blankets (for large delicate items)
Choose the right box size: Select the appropriate box size for each item to ensure a snug fit. It is essential to avoid using overly large boxes, as this can cause items to shift during transportation, leading to potential damage.
Create a cushioned base: Before placing your delicate items in the box, create a cushioned base using crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts. This will provide extra protection and absorb any shocks during the move.
Wrap each item individually: Carefully wrap each delicate item with bubble wrap or packing paper, ensuring there are no exposed surfaces. Use packing tape to secure the wrapping in place. For extremely fragile items, consider using multiple layers of bubble wrap for added protection.
Pack items with care: Place the wrapped items in the box, ensuring there is enough cushioning between each item to prevent them from touching. Fill any gaps with additional packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam peanuts, to minimize movement during transport.
Pack valuables separately: Pack valuable items, such as jewelry, documents, and electronics, separately from other belongings. Consider using a small, sturdy box with a lock or seal to ensure their security. Alternatively, transport these items personally in a secure bag or container.
Label your boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and indicate whether it contains fragile items. Use a permanent marker to write “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” on the box’s sides and top. This will alert the movers to treat these boxes with extra caution.
Safeguard large delicate items: For large delicate items like mirrors, artwork, and furniture, wrap them with furniture blankets or bubble wrap and secure them with packing tape. Use moving straps or rope to secure these items in the moving truck, ensuring they remain stationary during transit.
Create an inventory list: Document the contents of each box and the total number of boxes containing delicate items and valuables. This inventory list will help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that everything arrives safely at your new home.
Hire professional movers: Hiring professional movers like HomeMove with experience handling fragile items is the best way to ensure everything arrives safely. We have the necessary skills and equipment to ensure your possessions are transported safely and securely.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently pack your delicate items and valuables, ensuring their safety during your move. With proper preparation and attention to detail, your precious possessions will arrive at your new home intact and damage-free.
How to Pack Delicate Items and Valuables When Moving FAQs
Yes, many moving companies offer a packing service. This can be especially useful for extremely delicate, large, or valuable items that require special handling or custom crating.
To minimise the chance of damage, ensure you are using ample padding and protective material. When packing, make sure the items are snug in the box and don’t move when you shake the box. Use more padding for highly fragile items.
Consider making a detailed inventory list. Not only can it help you ensure that everything has arrived safely at your new home, but it may also be required by your insurance company if you are insuring your move.
Large items may require custom-made crates or boxes. Wrap them in bubble wrap, secure with packing tape, and ensure the box is well padded. Use “X” markings on mirrors to help absorb shock.
If possible, pack electronics in their original boxes. If these aren’t available, use sturdy boxes and plenty of padding. Anti-static bubble wrap is best for electronics as it can prevent static electricity that can damage some devices.
Jewellery can be packed in jewellery boxes or rolls designed for travel. To avoid tangling, you can thread necklaces through drinking straws or wrap them in tissue paper. Consider carrying valuable jewellery with you personally rather than putting it on the moving truck.
Yes, always label your boxes “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” so that those handling the boxes know to treat them delicately. It’s also a good idea to indicate which side of the box should face upwards.
You will need sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper or newspaper, foam peanuts, packing tape, and marker pens. For highly valuable items, you may also want to consider specialised containers or custom-made crating.
If you’ve hired a moving company, you should immediately file a claim for the damaged item. If you purchased moving insurance, reach out to your insurance provider to initiate a claim. It’s essential to have an inventory and photographs of your items before the move to support any claims.
Each piece should be wrapped individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. You can fill the insides of hollow items with crumpled paper to provide extra protection. Each box containing glassware should be lined with bubble wrap or foam peanuts.

Vlad Stoikovich is the General Manager of HomeMove, with more than twenty years in the Melbourne removalist industry, you won’t find anyone with more experience or greater integrity.