Summer Is Moving Season — Are You Ready?
Every year, more than 40 million Americans move — and the majority of them do it between June and August. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, summer moves come with unique challenges: heat, humidity, and the pressure to get everything done before the new school year starts.
The biggest fear? Breaking something irreplaceable. Dishes, glassware, picture frames, and heirlooms are the items most likely to get damaged in transit — but with the right materials and technique, you can protect everything you own.
Here's your ultimate guide to packing fragile items safely this summer.
Why Packing Paper Is the #1 Moving Essential
Bubble wrap gets all the attention, but professional movers swear by packing paper for good reason. It's versatile, eco-friendly, and far more cost-effective — especially when you're wrapping dozens of dishes and glasses.
Our White Bulk Packing Paper for Moving 27"x17" is the go-to choice for thousands of movers. At 27" x 17", each sheet is large enough to fully wrap plates, bowls, and most glassware — no tape required.
Why movers love it:
- ✅ Ink-free and acid-free — won't leave marks on your dishes or valuables
- ✅ Large sheets wrap items completely in one go
- ✅ Recyclable and eco-friendly
- ✅ Bulk quantities mean you never run out mid-pack
How to Pack Dishes Safely
Dishes are the most commonly broken items in any move. Follow these steps to pack them like a pro:
- Line your box first. Place 3–4 sheets of packing paper at the bottom of the box as a cushion.
- Wrap each dish individually. Place a dish in the center of a sheet, fold the sides over, then roll it up. Tuck the ends in.
- Pack plates vertically. Plates are stronger on their edges — stack them vertically like records, not flat. This dramatically reduces breakage.
- Fill every gap. Crumple extra packing paper to fill any empty space in the box. Items should not shift when you shake the box.
- Label the box clearly. Write "FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP" on all four sides.
How to Pack Glassware and Stemware
Wine glasses and stemware are the trickiest items to pack. The stems are fragile and prone to snapping under pressure.
- Wrap the stem first. Tear a half-sheet of packing paper and wrap it tightly around the stem, securing it.
- Wrap the whole glass. Place the glass at the corner of a full sheet and roll diagonally, tucking the paper inside the glass as you go.
- Pack glasses upside down. Place wrapped glasses upside down in the box — they're structurally stronger this way.
- Never stack glasses directly. Always place a layer of crumpled packing paper between each layer of glasses.
How to Pack Other Fragile Items
Picture frames & mirrors: Wrap in multiple layers of packing paper and pack vertically (never flat). Mark as fragile.
Electronics: Use original boxes when possible. If not, wrap in packing paper and surround with crumpled paper on all sides.
Lamps & shades: Remove bulbs and wrap shades separately in packing paper. Never pack anything on top of a lampshade.
Artwork: Wrap in packing paper, then sandwich between two pieces of cardboard and tape the cardboard together before boxing.
How Much Packing Paper Do You Need?
Running out of packing paper mid-move is a nightmare. Here's a rough guide:
- Studio/1-bedroom: 500 - 640 sheets
- 2-bedroom: 1000 - 1280 sheets
- 3-bedroom: 1600 - 1920 sheets
It's always better to have too much than too little. Our bulk options make it easy to stock up:
- 640 Sheets – Perfect for 1–2 bedroom moves
- 1,280 Sheets – Great for 2–3 bedroom moves
- 1,920 Sheets – Ideal for large homes or long-distance moves
5 Summer Moving Tips to Keep in Mind
- Start packing early. Summer moves book up fast — start packing non-essentials 3–4 weeks before your move date.
- Move in the morning. Summer heat peaks in the afternoon. Schedule your move for early morning to protect heat-sensitive items and keep your energy up.
- Keep fragile boxes separate. Load fragile boxes last so they're unloaded first and handled with extra care.
- Hydrate your team. Moving in summer heat is exhausting. Keep water and snacks on hand for everyone helping.
- Don't overpack boxes. Heavy boxes are more likely to be dropped. Keep fragile boxes under 30 lbs.
Ready to Pack Like a Pro?
The right packing supplies make all the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one. Our white packing paper is trusted by thousands of movers for its quality, size, and eco-friendly design.
Shop our full moving supplies collection →
Have questions about how much packing paper you need? We're here to help. Happy moving! 📦