There are plenty of things to pack before a move that don't require much advance planning, from the bookshelf to the linen closet. Just make sure the box isn't too heavy and the load is balanced, and you're good to go. However, more delicate items need to be carefully protected, boxed up and transported to avoid breaking them during your move.

Let's look at five of the best ways to pack fragile items for moving, helping you keep your possessions safe and sound while you head to your new home.

1. Use what you have on hand

You'll likely need to get your hands on some combination of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, paper and other protective materials to make the trip as safe as possible for glassware, mirrors and your many other fragile possessions. But you can cut down on waste and save yourself some money by using towels, blankets, pillows and similar items to fill space in boxes and serve as a protective cushion. Bed Bath & Beyond suggested placing especially fragile and valuable items in dedicated boxes, with a blanket at the bottom and a pillow on top.

2. Be careful from the very beginning

The act of packing by itself can expose your fragile belongings to dangers they don't normally face. It's important to have a safe area for packing and recognize the weak points of the items you're working with - the last thing you want to do is knock your set of good wine glasses off the table as you reach for the packing paper. The Spruce suggested packing fragile items on the floor to prevent a fall, as well as potentially scratching a tabletop. 

You can also lay down a towel or blanket in the area where you'll pack for maximum protection.

3. Use multiple materials for increased protection

One layer of protection is good, but many layers is often even better. You can wrap fragile items in a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper, then fill the empty space in the box with crumpled newspaper, packing peanuts and similar filler material. This minimizes the ability of the box's contents to move and potentially break during transit. When it comes to large, flat items, like mirrors or glass tabletops, you can consider a layering strategy. Wrap the glass in a very soft material, like a towel, then use a slightly more rigid yet still yielding layer, like cardboard, and repeat as many times as is practical. This same sort of strategy can be applied to a number of other fragile items.

4. Pay special attention to the kitchen

Your kitchen is full of items you use on a daily basis and can stand up to some less-than-gentle handling while being washed, but are still extremely vulnerable to the dangers of the moving process. We have a dedicated guide you can follow for wrapping up everything from dishes to cups, bowls, glasses and stemware.

5. Rely on experienced professional packers to keep your belongings safe

Unless you move on a regular basis, you've probably only packed up your belongings, fragile or otherwise, a handful of times. Turning to the professionals helps you save time and make sure your possessions are as safe as possible during the trip to your new home. While many people think of movers as mainly focusing on getting boxes, furniture and other items from point A to point B, packing is another important service to consider. At Atlas, we offer experienced, dependable and professional packers who spend every day on the job carefully protecting your possessions. To learn more, get in touch with your local Atlas agent today!