How to Pack Fragile Items in Reusable Totes

The mindset shift from cardboard

Cardboard flexes. Totes do not. That is mostly good — no crushed corners — but it means you cannot rely on the box giving a little when it gets bumped. Cushioning inside the tote does the work.

What to pack with

• Packing paper (unprinted newsprint): cheap, versatile, protects everything.
• Kitchen towels and t-shirts: free padding you already own. Use them.
• Bubble wrap: reserve for the most fragile items — stemware, framed art, screens.
• Skip newspaper for anything you do not want ink on.

Dishes

1. Lay 2–3 inches of crumpled paper or towels at the bottom of the tote.
2. Wrap each plate individually. Stack them on edge, not flat — plates on edge distribute pressure better.
3. Fill gaps with paper so nothing shifts.
4. Top with another 2 inches of soft padding before closing.

Glassware and stemware

Wrap each glass in bubble wrap or a full sheet of paper. Stand them upright. Never stack glasses on top of each other, even wrapped.

Framed art and mirrors

Use two totes side by side. Stand frames vertically like records. Slide a towel or bubble wrap between each frame. Never lay glass flat under weight.

Electronics

• TVs and monitors: these need their original box or a specialty box. Do not put a TV in a tote.
• Small electronics (laptops, tablets, game consoles): wrap in a towel, place in a tote, cushion above and below. Keep cords bagged with the device.
• Cables: photograph the back of your TV / desk setup before you unplug. You will thank yourself.

Weight limits

Each tote comfortably holds up to 50 lbs. For fragile-plus-heavy items like dishes, aim for 30–35 lbs so the tote is easy to lift with two hands — a dropped tote defeats the padding.

The label rule

If a tote is fragile, write FRAGILE on all four sides and the lid with a dry-erase marker (it wipes right off our totes after use). Anyone helping you unload will see it from every angle.