Fragile items are where the difference between a professional pack and a DIY pack shows up sharpest. A poorly packed 55-inch TV is a ₹50,000 mistake. A marble tabletop packed without a wooden crate can crack from vibration alone during transit. Here is exactly how we pack each category of fragile item, whether you are doing it yourself or just want to verify your packers are doing it right. If you'd rather have professionals handle it, our packing and unpacking service covers all these techniques.
Materials You Need for Fragile Packing
The foundation of good fragile packing is quality material. You need corrugated 5-ply cartons (not thin single-wall), bubble wrap with 10mm bubbles, foam sheets, stretch film, paper wrap (not printed newspaper as ink transfers), packing peanuts or crumpled paper for void fill, sturdy packing tape, and wooden crates for the most fragile items. See our packing materials guide for what each material does and where to source it.
Glassware and Crockery
Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, taping it closed. Nest smaller items inside larger ones with paper padding between. Pack in a small carton (larger cartons let items shift). Fill all gaps with crumpled paper so nothing moves when you shake the carton – if you can hear rattle, add more padding. Label “FRAGILE – GLASS” clearly on top and sides, and mark which side is up. Never mix glassware with heavier items in the same carton.
Televisions and Monitors
TVs above 32 inches need wooden crating for any intercity move. For local Ranchi moves under 30 km, a heavy-gauge carton with corner protectors, screen protector foam and bubble wrap around the whole unit is acceptable if handled carefully. Always transport TVs upright, never flat, to avoid pressure on the screen. Detach the stand, wrap it separately, and pack the remote plus manual in the same carton. Photograph the back connections before disconnecting so reassembly is fast.
Mirrors, Framed Art and Paintings
Tape a large X across the face of the mirror with painter's tape to hold glass together if it cracks. Wrap in bubble wrap, then in a layer of cardboard cut to size. For anything above 3 feet, add a wooden frame or full wooden crate. Transport standing up on edge, never flat. Same for framed art – corner protectors, bubble wrap, then a cardboard sleeve. Original paintings on canvas should be crated for intercity moves.
Marble Tabletops and Stone Items
Marble is heavy and cracks from flexing, not just impact. Never transport marble flat – vibration in a moving truck flexes the surface. Always crate marble upright in a wooden frame with foam padding on all sides. The crate should have handles for lifting. For dining tabletops above 6 feet, custom crating is essential. Same principles apply to granite countertops and stone sculptures.
Aquariums, Chandeliers and Specialised Items
Empty and dry aquariums 48 hours before the move. Pack the tank in bubble wrap and a wooden frame. Transport fish, plants and accessories separately in aerated bags. For chandeliers, remove all crystals or hanging elements, wrap each in tissue and pack in a small carton. The chandelier body needs its own carton with heavy padding. Reassemble at the new home before installing. Grandfather clocks, pianos and pool tables need professional dismantling – do not attempt DIY.
Electronics: Computers, Speakers, Kitchen Appliances
Original packaging is best. If unavailable, use bubble wrap plus a properly-sized carton with foam or paper void fill. Detach cables, coil them, and pack in a labelled zip-lock bag inside the same carton. Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting. Never pack electronics with anything that could leak (kitchen items, plants, liquid containers). For kitchen appliances like microwaves and mixers, remove any glass parts and pack separately.