How to check a packing service handles fragile items properly

Most people assume that because a packing service calls themselves "professional," they automatically know how to wrap a wine glass or a framed mirror. Then the boxes arrive at the new place with chips, cracks, or worse. The truth is that fragile handling varies wildly—some teams take fifteen minutes to pack a bedroom, others spend an hour on thoughtful layering and cushioning. Before you hand over your breakables, you need proof that this particular service has systems in place, not just confidence.

Check their insurance covers your fragile items

Start by asking what insurance they offer and whether it covers fragile goods specifically. Ask them to send you the policy details or a summary—not a verbal promise. Request clarity on what "full value" means: is it replacement cost or depreciated value? If they say they're insured, ask for their certificate and the name of their insurer, then verify it independently if you're moving expensive pieces. Insurance is your safety net, but it only works if you understand exactly what it protects and what it doesn't. Many policies have exclusions or caps on certain items, so read the fine print before committing. This step takes ten minutes and could save you thousands.

Ask for references and phone them about fragile packs

Request at least three references from clients who had fragile items packed—not just general movers. When you call them, ask specific questions: Did anything break? How was the china wrapped? Did the service use custom boxes for your electronics or glasses? Did they ask detailed questions about which items were fragile, or did they just start packing? Listen for hesitation or vagueness; people are usually eager to praise good work or warn you away from poor work. If the packing service won't give references, that's a red flag. Legitimate teams have clients happy to speak about how their fine dishware or delicate collectibles arrived safely. Pay attention to whether the reference was packed recently—methods and staff change, and a five-year-old review may not reflect today's team.

Observe their process and materials on a site visit

Invite the packer to do a free in-home assessment, or ask if you can watch them pack a test box during a smaller job. A competent fragile packer will:

• Ask you which items are fragile before they start, not after
• Use multiple layers of wrapping—plain newspaper alone isn't enough for china or glass
• Use specialist boxes (tall wine boxes for glasses, dish packs for plates, electronics boxes for screens)
• Show you the materials: bubble wrap, packing paper, foam inserts, and sturdy tape
• Pack fragile items into smaller, heavier boxes rather than overloading a large one
• Leave minimal air gaps inside boxes so items don't shift in transit

If they show up with a van, a roll of tape, and bags of newspaper, they're not equipped for careful fragile work. Ask them directly how they pack breakables—the answer tells you whether they have a system or are winging it. A good packer can walk you through their method; a rushed one will brush off the question or say "don't worry, we've done this a thousand times."

Confirm damage reporting and follow-up

Before signing anything, clarify the damage claim process. How long do you have to report breakage? Do you need photos or just a list? Will they respond to a claim within a specific timeframe? Can you claim remotely or must you report in person? Some services have a two-week window; others give you a month. Get this in writing or at least an email confirmation. If something does break, you want zero ambiguity about what happens next.

Verifying a packing service's competence with fragile items isn't paranoia—it's due diligence. On Strove, you can check verified packers' reviews, see their insurance status, and compare how they describe their fragile-handling process. A service that welcomes your questions and provides references is one that's confident in their work.