Packing Fragile Furniture: Expert Tips for a Safe Move

Packing Fragile Furniture: Expert Tips for a Safe Move

Moving or delivering valuable furniture is nerve-wracking—especially when the pieces are heavy, delicate, or irreplaceable. A single scratch on a marble table or antique cabinet can cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

As a professional luxury goods courier with years of hands-on experience, I’ve packed thousands of fragile deliveries.

This guide explains the exact materials, techniques, and step-by-step process we use to keep every item safe.

Why Proper Packing Matters

Even the shortest journey can expose furniture to vibration, knocks, or moisture.

Industry studies show that over 20% of transit damage occurs inside the vehicle, not during loading or unloading.

Repairs to marble, high-gloss wood or antique veneers can far exceed the cost of professional packing.

By investing a little time and the right materials, you dramatically reduce the risk of damage and costly insurance claims.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the right packing supplies. Quality matters — cheap tape or thin wrap will fail when weight shifts during transport.

1. Double-walled boxes – for small to medium sized fragile items.
2. Furniture blankets - thick, padded and reusable to prevent surface scratches.
3. Industrial shrink wrap / stretch film – heavy-duty wrap that tightens when applied, locking everything in place.
4. Use Large-cell bubble wrap – best for marble, glass and mirrors.
5. Packing tape & edge protectors – strong tape keeps blankets and wrap secure, while corner guards absorb impacts.
6. Eco-friendly options – recycled paper wrap, biodegradable peanuts and reusable blankets are excellent if you want to reduce plastic waste.

Pro Tip - Professional couriers like a Luxury Furniture Courier use blankets and industrial wrap in combination for maximum protection and minimal plastic.

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Step-by-Step Packing Process

1. Clean & Inspect the Item

   Dust or grit can cause micro-scratches during transit. Wipe surfaces with a soft micro-fibre towel and photograph (or video) any existing marks for insurance purposes.
2. Disassemble Where Possible

   Remove table legs, glass shelves, or marble tops. Bag screws and small fittings in labelled pouches and tape them securely to the underside of the main piece - see our guide on how to pack and transport items like marble dining tables.
3. First Layer – Bubble Wrap

   Add large-cell bubble wrap over vulnerable edges, corners and protrusions. For glass panels or mirrors, apply masking tape in an “X” pattern to reduce shattering if breakage occurs.
4. Second Layer – Furniture Blankets

   Wrap the entire item in thick moving blankets to create a cushioned base layer. Secure with packing tape or stretch film, ensuring tape never touches finished surfaces.
5. Final Layer – Shrink Wrap

   Apply heavy-duty shrink wrap around the blankets to lock everything in place and protect against moisture. Unlike household cling film, industrial wrap is thicker and designed to seal more effectively. Apply a low heat to the wrap, never lingering, in a continuous movement.
6. Secure on a Pallet or Base

   If the item is particularly heavy—such as a marble dining table—strap it to a pallet. Keep weight evenly distributed and use ratchet straps to prevent movement during loading.
7. Label Clearly

   Mark "FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP" so handlers know the correct orientation, and to treat with extra care. Use a red indelible ink marker pen.

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Special Considerations by Material

1. Marble & Stone

   Always transport vertically to reduce cracking risk. Use foam edge protectors and keep the surface dry, ideally transport within a custom built a-frame - see our guide on how to pack and transport marble dining tables - same applies to stone.
2. Glass & Mirrors

   Use bubble wrap and a cardboard layer for extra rigidity.
3. High-Gloss Wood / Lacquer

   Place a breathable sheet between the surface and plastic wrap to avoid condensation marks.
4. Antiques

   Use acid-free paper and avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not use heat on the shrink wrap.

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Eco-Friendly Packing Tips

Sustainable packing doesn’t mean weaker protection.

Reusable moving blankets, recycled paper bubble wrap and biodegradable fill can all match or exceed the cushioning of traditional plastic.

If you hire a professional courier, ask about their green options — many now offer recyclable shrink films and reusable straps.

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Professional vs DIY Packing

If your item is worth more than £500, professional packing is often cheaper than even a single repair

Our instant quote tools provide a price in seconds, so you can quickly compare the cost of professional help against the risk of DIY.

Our standard insurance (Goods-in-Transit) is £30K, but this can be increased to +£1 Million.

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FAQs

Can I use normal cling film instead of shrink wrap?

Normal cling film is too thin and lacks the tension needed to secure heavy furniture. Industrial-grade shrink wrap provides far better hold and moisture resistance.

Do I need insurance if I pack my furniture myself?

Yes. Even with careful packing, accidents can happen. Always arrange insurance or choose a courier who provides coverage. PRO Tip - Ask to see their Goods-in-Transit Insurance certificate, generally you'll be looking for more than £20K, but this won't cover expensive items. Calculate the cost and ask the courier to increase their insurance for the day your items are being transported.

How much does professional packing cost in the UK?

Costs vary with size and materials but typically range from £40 to £150 per item for fragile furniture. At Venture, we charge a standard £17.50 / hour for packing.

Can I reuse packing blankets?

Yes. High-quality blankets are designed for multiple uses as long as they remain dry and clean. Ideally use brand new blankets - they're cheap to purchase.

What is the safest way to transport a marble dining table?

Always transport marble tops vertically with foam edge protectors and secure them to a pallet to prevent movement during transit. Horizontal placement puts its entire weight on a limited surface area, creating stress that can cause it to crack, snap, or fold under its own weight.

Are eco-friendly packing materials as protective as plastic?

Yes. Recycled paper bubble wrap and reusable moving blankets can match or exceed the cushioning of traditional plastic when used correctly.

How far in advance should I book a professional courier?

Ideally book at least 2 weeks ahead to secure your preferred date, this gives you time to pack. If your items have already been packed we can collect and delivery tomorrow, and in some circumstances today - just remember we're not a removals company, we specialize in high-value and fragile goods delivery.

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Ready to Move Your Fragile Furniture?

Whether you’re sending a marble dining table to London or relocating an antique cabinet to Manchester, we've got you covered.

If you’d rather leave the hard work to the experts, get an instant quote today, we use a dual system to generate a very precise price for you, and we'll honor that quote for six months;

• 1. Visit the distance based quotation page.
• 2. Visit the booking page, to add a packing time estimate.

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Call, text or WhatsApp message me (Lee) on 077 888 211 21.