How to Safely Move Fragile Furniture Pieces

Brisbane Moving & Storage • August 8, 2025

Planning a move can be stressful, especially when it comes to protecting fragile furniture. Whether you're relocating a glass cabinet, antique dresser, or marble tabletop, ensuring your most delicate items arrive safely requires planning, the right materials, and careful handling.

For those organising furniture removals or using removals and storage in Brisbane, understanding how to safeguard fragile pieces can help prevent damage, save money, and make the moving process more manageable. In this blog, we’ll share clear tips on how to move fragile furniture safely—and when it may be time to call in the professionals.

Assess Each Fragile Item Before the Move

Start by identifying which furniture items are fragile, heavy, or awkward to handle. These often include:

Glass-top tables or cabinets
Mirrors and framed artwork
Marble surfaces
Antique timber furniture
Upholstered chairs with delicate arms or legs

Knowing which pieces require extra care allows you to plan the right packing approach, allocate time accordingly, and determine whether professional movers are needed.

Use the Right Packing Materials

When it comes to fragile items, packing materials matter. Investing in quality protection materials can significantly reduce the risk of chips, cracks, or scratches. Common materials include:

Bubble wrap for cushioning glass and edges.
Furniture blankets to protect wooden surfaces from knocks and abrasion.
Stretch wrap to hold wrapping materials in place and keep surfaces clean.
Corner guards for mirrors, frames, and table edges.
Packing tape to secure layers and coverings.

Avoid using newspaper directly against surfaces, as the ink can transfer and damage finishes.

Disassemble Where Possible

Larger furniture items are often easier—and safer—to move in pieces. If your fragile item has removable parts, such as glass shelving, legs, or doors, take them apart before wrapping and loading.

Label each component clearly and keep all hardware in a sealed, labelled bag. This helps streamline reassembly later and prevents parts from being lost during transport.

Disassembly also reduces strain on joints and frame connections, which is particularly important for older or more delicate items.

Wrap & Secure Each Item Properly

Every fragile item should be wrapped fully before being moved. For example, glass tabletops should be covered in bubble wrap, then a furniture blanket, and finally secured with stretch film.

For furniture with drawers or doors, use stretch wrap to keep them closed. Always protect corners, which are more prone to impact damage. If the item is heavy, wrap it with the help of another person to avoid dropped edges or uneven coverage.

Once wrapped, secure everything with strong tape—but avoid taping directly onto the surface of the furniture.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Lifting fragile furniture incorrectly can lead to dropped items, damaged finishes, or personal injury. Always:

Lift with your legs, not your back.
Use two or more people for large or heavy items.
Keep the item close to your body while carrying.
Avoid twisting or turning while holding the item.

For awkward pieces, such as long mirrors or curved frames, plan your route in advance and communicate with your lifting partner to avoid bumps along the way.

Know When to Use a Professional Service

Some fragile items are simply too valuable, heavy, or difficult to manage without professional support. If you’re unsure about how to move something safely, or don’t have the right equipment, it’s worth speaking with a removalist.

A professional team with experience in furniture removals and storage in Brisbane can provide:

Proper tools and vehicles designed for fragile freight.
Protective wrapping and handling of antiques, mirrors, and artwork.
Secure storage options for items that won’t be moved immediately.
Trained personnel to move, lift, and secure items without damage.

Hiring professionals is especially useful for long-distance moves, multi-storey buildings, or tight access areas.

Storage Considerations for Fragile Furniture

If you’re placing items in storage—either short or long term—fragile pieces need extra protection. Climate-controlled storage is ideal for timber, upholstery, and items vulnerable to moisture.

When storing fragile furniture:

Wrap each item thoroughly before placing it into storage.
Keep heavier items on the floor and delicate items elevated.
Allow for airflow to prevent mould and deterioration.
Use storage units that offer surveillance or added security for valuable pieces.

Providers of removals and storage in Brisbane often offer packaging services alongside secure, purpose-built storage units to keep your furniture safe while in transit or during downtime between moves.

Avoid Common Moving Mistakes

When moving fragile furniture, a few common errors can increase the risk of damage. These include:

Rushing the process due to time constraints.
Underestimating the weight or awkwardness of an item.
Using inappropriate packing materials.
Forgetting to label or mark fragile items clearly.

Slowing down, planning ahead, and using the right techniques are the best ways to protect your investment and reduce the stress of moving day.

Book Professional Furniture Removals Today

Moving fragile furniture doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. With careful preparation, the right materials, and proper handling, you can safely transport delicate items from one location to another. However, some situations call for experienced support—especially when the value or weight of the furniture puts it at greater risk.

At Brisbane Moving & Storage, we provide safe and professional furniture removals and storage in Brisbane. Whether you're moving house, renovating, or needing temporary storage for delicate items, our team can assist with tailored services that put the protection of your furniture first.

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