What breaks most often in a move and how to keep it safe

Moving means more than just transporting belongings from one place to another. It’s also about protecting the things that matter. Despite best intentions, certain items almost always seem to suffer damage during relocation. Whether it’s a chipped vase or a scratched table, even one broken piece can leave a sour taste in what should be an exciting transition. So what tends to break most often during a move, and how can you keep it intact? The answer lies in thoughtful packing and a bit of foresight.

The most vulnerable belongings

Over the years, some patterns have become clear when it comes to items that don’t survive moves well. The usual suspects include:

• Glassware and dishes. These break easily under weight or pressure.
• Framed pictures and mirrors. One sharp knock and the glass is gone.
• Lamps and lampshades. Fragile and often oddly shaped, making them hard to pack.
• Electronics. Even a minor jolt can cause internal damage.
• Furniture corners and legs. Often dented, chipped, or scratched in transit.

What makes these items fragile isn’t just their materials. It’s how they’re handled, stored, and packed. Most damage happens not because of carelessness but because people don’t realize how vulnerable these items are until it’s too late.

Why proper packing matters

A big part of minimizing damage comes down to one thing: packing correctly. It sounds simple, but rushing the packing process or using the wrong materials leads to many common moving mishaps. Sturdy boxes, thick padding, and labeling can make a huge difference.

For example, wrapping dishes vertically rather than stacking them flat can reduce pressure and breakage. When packing framed art or mirrors, place cardboard on both sides of the frame before wrapping it in bubble wrap or a moving blanket. And don’t forget to label these boxes as “fragile”. This small step encourages everyone involved to be more cautious.

If you’re short on time or materials, working with moving companies that pack and move https://got2move.com/packers/ can help ensure delicate items are properly secured from the start. Their teams usually bring quality packing supplies and follow methods that protect each object based on its specific needs.

Furniture: more delicate than it looks

Furniture feels solid, but it’s still prone to damage. One of the most common mistakes is assuming that items like dressers or tables can be moved as-is. Dragging furniture without removing drawers or legs often results in splintered joints and warped frames.

To avoid this, take a few precautionary steps:

1. Disassemble what you can—remove legs, handles, or cushions.
2. Use thick moving blankets to cover wood or glass surfaces.
3. Add corner protectors on tables, shelves, and cabinets.
4. Tape drawers closed or remove them altogether.

Even the best padding won’t protect a bookshelf that shifts during a sharp turn, so securing everything tightly in the moving truck is just as critical as wrapping it well.

Electronics and hidden damage

Unlike a broken plate, damaged electronics might look fine on the outside but refuse to turn on when plugged in. The issue often lies in small internal components that come loose or break during bumpy rides. This is especially true for flat-screen TVs, soundbars, or gaming consoles.

If you’ve kept the original packaging, this is the time to use it. Those boxes were designed to keep devices snug and safe. No longer have them? Choose sturdy boxes and add layers of bubble wrap, foam, or soft blankets. Use anti-static bags for cables and accessories to avoid electrical discharge.

When making a long-distance move, securing help from long distance Bay Area moving companies can add another layer of reliability. These companies often understand how to stabilize sensitive electronics in trucks that will be on the road for days at a time.

Artwork and sentimental items

The emotional value of a handmade vase or a childhood keepsake can’t be replaced, which makes protecting sentimental items even more important. Unfortunately, these are often the most overlooked during the packing frenzy. Because they’re irregular in shape or seem less essential, they may end up in the wrong boxes or without enough protection.

When packing fragile decor:

• Wrap each item individually in paper or cloth.
• Cushion all sides inside the box to prevent shifting.
• Keep them in small, clearly marked containers.

Avoid placing valuable or irreplaceable pieces in a shared box with heavy items. If space allows, take these with you in your car to keep them under your direct supervision.

Houseplants and decorative pieces

People are often surprised at how many houseplants don’t survive the move. Pots crack, leaves snap off, or worse—plants wilt and die in the back of a stuffy moving truck. While plants don’t typically come to mind as “breakable,” they are especially sensitive to temperature, darkness, and vibrations.

To protect your greenery:

• Place pots in boxes lined with towels or blankets.
• Keep them upright and allow ventilation.
• Avoid watering them right before the move to prevent soggy soil.

Try to carry plants with you in your vehicle, especially if the move is only a few hours away. For long-distance moves, it might be best to give away some of your larger plants or ask friends to adopt them.

Tips for safer packing overall

Damage prevention starts with planning. Here are a few steps that contribute to a safer move:

1. Inventory your most fragile or valuable items.
2. Label all boxes clearly, especially those marked “fragile” or “this side up.”
3. Use high-quality materials: double-walled boxes, packing tape, and protective wrap.
4. Don’t overload boxes. Use multiple smaller ones instead of cramming everything together.
5. Pack an “essentials” box with items you’ll need right away, so you’re not digging through everything on day one.

Every move has its challenges, but arriving at your new home only to unpack a box of broken dishes or discover a cracked monitor adds unnecessary frustration. Taking the time to pack thoughtfully, or working with pros who know how to do it right, can make the difference between a smooth transition and one full of regrets.

You don’t need endless checklists or expensive gear to keep your belongings safe. Just a little strategy, some quality materials, and a touch of patience go a long way. If you need reliable help boxing everything up, a trusted packing company can handle the details while you focus on the bigger picture.