Moving fragile items by van
Most breakage happens because of movement, not impact. Items that cannot shift cannot break, so packing and positioning matter more than anything else.
Pack to stop movement
Use sturdy boxes and fill gaps so nothing can slide. Wrap each item separately and use plenty of paper or foam. Heavy items go at the bottom and light ones on top.
- Strong boxes, not worn ones
- Gaps filled with paper
- Heaviest at the bottom
Mark and position
Label boxes as fragile with the top clearly marked, and tell the driver which boxes to keep upright. Mirrors and pictures travel upright, with cardboard corners.
Cover and cost are not assumed
Cover for fragile items is not confirmed here. For high-value pieces, ask what protection exists and consider specialist transport.
Photograph before and after
Take photos before loading so any damage can be discussed with context.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special boxes?
Dish packs and picture boxes help, but ordinary strong boxes with good padding work for many items.
Can I move a piano this way?
Piano moving is not confirmed here. See the piano page for questions to ask.
Related guides
- Piano moving by man and vanRequest a piano move with its type, dimensions, weight, stairs and access details ready. Confirm the vehicle, crew and handling plan before booking.
- Moving box calculatorEstimate how many moving boxes you need using a transparent rule of thumb, with each rule shown so you can adjust the result to your home.
- How to pack a van efficientlyLoad a van so it carries more and arrives undamaged: heaviest first, boxes in tiers, soft items in gaps, and the one thing to keep by the doors.
Ready to plan your job?
Go straight to the quote form. A quote request does not reserve a driver.