The Most Commonly Damaged Items During a Move

Even a well-planned move carries some risk. Certain items are simply more vulnerable than others, and knowing which ones those are before you start packing can save you from an unwelcome surprise on the other end. Here's what to watch out for and how to protect each one.

Glassware is the most frequently damaged item in any household move. Wine glasses, tumblers, vases and decorative pieces all share the same weakness: they're light enough to rattle around and fragile enough to shatter on impact.

Wrap each piece individually in packing paper, then add a layer of bubble wrap. Line the bottom of the box with padding, stand glasses upright rather than on their sides, and fill any gaps so nothing can shift in transit. This can be a great way to put towels, blankets, and sheets to use. It’s also essential to never overload a single box.

Plates, bowls, mugs with delicate handles, and fine china are all susceptible to chipping and cracking, particularly when stacked without adequate protection between pieces.

Place a layer of packing paper or soft cloth between every single plate or bowl. Pack plates vertically like records rather than flat; they're significantly more resistant to pressure that way. Keep boxes to a manageable weight and label them fragile on multiple sides.

Mirrors are awkward to pack and easy to underestimate. A crack that runs through the glass isn't just cosmetic; it can render an expensive or sentimental piece worthless.

Apply packing tape in a criss-cross pattern directly to the glass surface before wrapping. This won't prevent breakage but will hold the pieces together if something does go wrong. Wrap in bubble wrap, then sandwich between two pieces of corrugated cardboard. Use a mirror box where possible and always transport upright, never flat.

Art comes in too many forms for a single packing approach, but the principle is consistent: protect the surface from contact with anything else and prevent movement within the packaging.

For framed pieces, use purpose-made picture boxes or create a cardboard sandwich around the wrapped frame. For canvases, avoid bubble wrap directly on the painted surface as it can leave impressions. Use glassine paper or acid-free tissue as a first layer, then wrap in bubble wrap over the top. For sculptures or three-dimensional pieces, custom crating is worth considering.

If you have pieces of significant value and aren't sure how to approach them, speak to your Allied move coordinator before packing day.

Timber furniture is more vulnerable during a move than most people expect. Legs snap under uneven weight, corners chip when boxes are stacked against them, and surfaces scratch when pieces are wrapped in inadequate materials.

Disassemble anything that can be taken apart. Wrap legs and exposed corners in bubble wrap or moving blankets before loading. Avoid plastic wrapping on timber surfaces as it traps moisture. Use breathable moving blankets instead and secure them firmly so they don't slip during transit.

Books and photo albums carry deep sentimental value but are easily damaged by moisture, pressure, and movement during transit.

Pack books flat or spine-down rather than spine-up, which puts stress on the binding. Use waterproof or water-resistant boxes where possible, particularly for photographs and albums. Wrap photo albums individually in packing paper and avoid placing heavy items on top. Keep boxes manageable in size; books are deceptively heavy and an overloaded box can split.

Even careful packing can't eliminate every risk. Vibration, pressure changes, and the unpredictable nature of transit mean that occasionally things get damaged despite everyone's best efforts.

Allied holds its own Financial Services Licence and can arrange transit insurance directly through your move coordinator. It's worth having the conversation before moving day, particularly for high-value or irreplaceable items.