How to Choose a Moving Company: 10 Essential Questions for 2026

When deciding whether to pack fragile items yourself or hire professionals, consider three core factors: the value and fragility of items, the time available before move day, and the level of liability you're willing to assume. Fragile belongings-fine china, crystal, artwork, antiques, electronics with delicate internals-are particularly prone to damage during transit. Professional packers bring specialized materials (double-walled boxes, custom crating, and archival tissue) and proven techniques such as glass-pack, air-cushion wrapping, and tiered cushioning to minimize movement inside boxes. In contrast, DIY packing relies on readily available supplies, which may not provide the same level of protection and can lead to hidden damage that only surfaces during unpacking. In 2026, more households report confidence in professional packing for high-value items when time is tight or when access to a full set of packing materials is limited. A practical approach is to reserve professional packing for the most fragile items (mirror sets, stemware, artwork) and handle everyday items yourself if you have the time and the proper materials. If you choose to DIY, purchase purpose-built packing kits, verify box integrity, and create a clear inventory to minimize misplacement and mislabeling during transit.

Fragile packing hinges on a layered defense: outer cushioning (bubble wrap, foam sheets) to absorb shocks, inner padding (archival paper, tissue) to prevent item-to-item contact, and a strong outer box or crate to resist crushing. Bubble wrap is excellent for fragile items with irregular shapes, but it should be used sparingly and in combination with packing paper or foam to prevent sliding. Packing paper provides bulk protection and prevents condensation from transferring to surfaces like wood or lacquer. For heavy items such as stemware or china, consider using dish-packing kits with dividers that maintain separation and minimize pressure points. When packing mirrors or artwork, use double-walled boxes or custom crates with corner protectors and acid-free tissue between surfaces to reduce abrasion and pressure hotspots. Finally, seal boxes securely with strong packing tape and label each box clearly with a fragile tag and orientation arrows to guide movers on handling direction. A 2026 best-practices insight from the moving industry emphasizes standardized labeling and a packing list to track fragile items from origin to destination.

Most licensed moving companies offer packing services for fragile items, usually with a tiered liability option that provides greater protection when you choose professional packing. Before scheduling, review the mover's packing guidelines, insurance terms, and any exclusions for certain delicate items (antique furniture, high-value electronics, irreplaceable artwork). If you decide to DIY certain items, create a plan that designates which items will be packed by you and which by the professionals, and communicate that plan to the moving team to avoid misunderstandings on move day. Even when you opt for professional packing, you should participate in the item-by-item inventory to ensure accuracy and minimize room for misplacement. This hybrid approach can balance control, cost, and risk while aligning with 2026 industry best practices that emphasize clear liability terms and item-specific packing instructions.

Mirrors and artwork demand a careful, item-specific approach. The typical professional workflow begins with item assessment and measurement, followed by selecting protective materials such as glassine paper, archival tissue, foam corner protectors, and bubble cushioning. Mirrors are often wrapped with multiple layers, secured with corner protectors, and placed in a crate or heavy-duty box with edge cushioning to handle edge impacts. Artwork, including framed prints or canvases, receives a similar treatment: acid-free tissue between surfaces, cushioning along the edges, and an outer carton with rigid walls or a purpose-built crate for long-distance moves. The moving crew ensures proper labeling (fragile, glass, artwork, this side up) and inventories each piece for traceability. They also plan routes to minimize unnecessary handling, avoiding stacking heavy items on top of framed art or mirrors. In 2026, industry best practices continue to stress tailored crates for oversized pieces and rigid boxes for long-haul transit, with emphasis on avoidance of rotation or pressure during loading and unloading.