Under-filled boxes are the most common cause of breakage. A box with empty space lets contents shift and collide during transport, fill gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap so nothing can move once the lid is closed.
Wrap glassware individually, not stacked together in paper. Each glass or plate should have its own layer of wrap, with plates packed vertically like records rather than flat-stacked, which spreads impact force more evenly.
Mirrors and artwork need edge protection, not just surface wrapping. Corner guards on picture frames prevent the most common damage point: impact on a corner. Standing frames upright for transport also beats laying them flat under other boxes.
Keep weight consistent within a box. A common mistake is putting a heavy item on top of a light, fragile one because there's space left. Pack heavy items in their own smaller boxes, and keep fragile items in dedicated boxes marked clearly.
If in doubt on high-value items, art, antiques, electronics, a professional packing service costs a fraction of a single replacement and is worth booking even if you're handling the rest of the move yourself.
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