Comparing moving quotes: what actually matters
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the right one — and the details to check before you book a mover.
Most breakages on moving day don't happen because something was dropped. They happen because an item could move inside its box — a plate rubbing against a plate, a glass knocking the side of the carton as the van turns a corner. Packing fragile items well is mostly about one thing: nothing should be able to move.
This guide walks through what you'll need, the rules that apply to every box, and how to pack the trickiest things room by room.
What you'll need
Gather your materials before you start. Running out of paper halfway through the kitchen is how corners get cut.
- Strong boxes in a few sizes — double-walled boxes for anything heavy or breakable. Small boxes are better for heavy items like crockery.
- Packing paper — plain, unprinted paper. Newspaper works, but the ink can transfer onto plates and glassware.
- Bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces and anything with a glass front.
- Cell dividers (or "glass packs") for glasses and stemware.
- Good packing tape, a tape gun and a thick marker pen.
- Blankets, towels and corner protectors for mirrors, frames and furniture.
Some Moving Partners supply materials or offer a full packing service — worth asking about when you compare services.
The golden rules for every box
- Line the bottom. Start every box with a cushion of scrunched paper.
- Heaviest at the bottom, lightest on top. Plates and bowls go in first; glasses and ornaments go on top.
- Wrap everything individually. Nothing breakable should touch anything else.
- Fill every gap. Pack empty space with paper until nothing shifts.
- Do the shake test. Close the box and give it a gentle shake. If you hear movement, open it and add more padding.
- Don't overfill. A box should close flat. If the lid bulges, it will be crushed when something is stacked on it.
- Label it clearly. Write "FRAGILE", the room and "THIS WAY UP" on at least two sides, not just the top.
Kitchen: plates, bowls and glasses
Plates
Wrap each plate in two or three sheets of paper, then bundle three or four wrapped plates together with another layer. Stand plates on their edge in the box, like records in a crate — they're much stronger that way than lying flat.
Bowls and mugs
Wrap bowls individually and nest small stacks together with paper between each one. For mugs, wrap the handle first, then the whole mug, and pack them upright or rim-down near the top of the box.
Glasses and stemware
Stuff a little paper inside each glass, then wrap it. Cell dividers make a big difference here. For wine glasses, give the stem an extra layer of paper or bubble wrap — it's the weakest point. Glasses always go in the top layer.
Tip
Use a few small boxes for the kitchen rather than one big one. A large box full of crockery quickly becomes too heavy to lift safely — and heavy boxes are the ones that get dropped.
Living room: mirrors, frames and TVs
Mirrors and framed pictures
Add cardboard corner protectors, wrap the whole piece in bubble wrap or a blanket, and slide it into a picture or mirror box if you have one. Large pieces should travel upright on their edge, never flat with things stacked on top.
TVs and monitors
The original box is best if you still have it. If not, wrap the screen in a soft blanket — avoid bubble wrap directly against the screen — and keep it upright. Check your manufacturer's guidance, as some screens shouldn't be transported lying down.
Lamps and ornaments
Remove bulbs and shades and pack them separately. Ornaments get the same treatment as glasses: individually wrapped, padded on all sides and packed in the top layer.
Electronics and cables
- Photograph the back of your devices before unplugging, so you know where every cable goes.
- Back up computers and phones before moving day.
- Put cables, remotes and chargers for each device in a labelled bag and pack it with that device.
- Use original packaging where you can, or pad boxes generously on every side.
Bathroom and bedroom
Open bottles leak. Unscrew the cap, cover the opening with a piece of cling film, screw the cap back on and pack bottles upright in a sealed bag. Perfume and glass bottles should be wrapped like glasses. Keep medication and anything you'll need on the first night in an essentials bag that travels with you, not in the van.
Labelling and loading
Number your fragile boxes and keep a simple list of what's in each. On the day, point them out to your crew so they're loaded last — near the doors — and unloaded first. Fragile boxes should never be at the bottom of a stack.
When to get professional packing help
If you have a lot of glassware, antiques, artwork or large mirrors — or simply not much time — a professional packing service can be worth it. When you compare quotes, check whether packing is included, whether materials are supplied, and what goods-in-transit cover the Moving Partner provides. Our guide to comparing moving quotes explains what to look for.