Moving house is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. Amidst the chaos of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and scheduling movers, it’s easy to overlook the fragile items hanging above your head: your pendant lights and chandeliers.

Unlike books or clothes, you can’t just throw a glass light fixture into a box and hope for the best. I have seen too many homeowners arrive at their new dream home, open a box, and find their beloved dining room centerpiece reduced to a pile of expensive shards.

As a lighting industry veteran, I’m going to walk you through the professional method for packing glass pendant lights. Whether you have a vintage heirloom or a modern masterpiece like the Sunset Pendant Light, these steps will ensure it arrives at your new destination in one piece.

Step 1: Gather the Right Materials

Don't try to wing it with newspapers and old towels. Newspaper ink can stain delicate glass finishes, and towels don't offer enough structural rigidity. You need professional packing supplies:

• Heavy-duty boxes: Ideally, use "dish barrel" boxes which are double-walled.
• Bubble wrap: Get the large-bubble variety for the outer layer and small-bubble for delicate parts.
• Packing peanuts or Kraft paper: To fill the voids.
• Ziploc bags: Essential for keeping small screws and hardware together.
• Painter’s tape or Masking tape: To secure loose wires without leaving a sticky residue.

Step 2: The Disassembly (Safety First!)

Before you even touch a screwdriver, go to your breaker box and turn off the electricity to the room. Flipping the wall switch isn't enough safety assurance when you are dismantling wiring.

Once the power is off:

1. Remove the Light Bulb: Never pack a fixture with the bulb installed. The filament is too fragile, and the bulb can shatter inside the socket, damaging the fixture's internal contacts. Wrap bulbs separately if you plan to keep them.
2. Remove Shades/Glass Elements: If your pendant has removable glass shades or acrylic diffusers, take them off carefully.
3. Disconnect the Wiring: Untwist the wire nuts and separate the fixture wires from the ceiling junction box.
4. Bag the Hardware: Immediately put the mounting bracket, screws, and wire nuts into a Ziploc bag. Tape this bag securely to the inside of the moving box (not to the lamp itself, which could scratch).

Further reading：How to safely remove a hardwired light fixture

Step 3: The "Mummy" Wrapping Technique

Now comes the crucial part. You need to wrap the fixture so completely that no part of the actual surface is exposed.

For high-end fixtures that combine materials—like the glass and acrylic construction of the Sunset Pendant Light—you want to avoid scratching the acrylic lens. Wrap the main body in a layer of acid-free tissue paper first, then follow up with a thick layer of bubble wrap. Secure it with tape, ensuring the tape sticks to the bubble wrap, not the lamp.

Pro Tip: Coil the electrical cord carefully and zip-tie it so it doesn't flail around and scratch the glass during transit.

Step 4: The "Box-in-Box" Method (Double Boxing)

For particularly fragile or expensive glass pendants, single boxing is risky. The "Box-in-Box" method is the gold standard.

Inner Box: Place the wrapped fixture into a box that fits it snugly but allows for 2 inches of padding on all sides. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts so the lamp cannot shift.

Outer Box: Take a larger box and line the bottom with 3 inches of crumpled packing paper or peanuts. Place the Inner Box inside. Fill the gap between the two boxes with more padding.

This creates a "floating" effect. If the outer box gets dropped or hit, the shock is absorbed by the buffer zone, leaving your glass light safe inside.

Step 5: Label Like You Mean It

Movers can be rough. Writing "Fragile" in small letters with a ballpoint pen won't cut it. Use a thick black marker and write FRAGILE - GLASS - TOP LOAD ONLY on every side of the box. Drawing "This Side Up" arrows is also highly recommended.

Step 6: Transporting the Fixture

If possible, do not put your glass pendant lights in the moving truck. The suspension of a moving truck is stiff, and the cargo area is prone to shifting.

I always recommend transporting lighting fixtures in your personal vehicle. Place the box on a seat (buckled in) or on the floor where it is wedged tight and cannot tip over. This gives you full control over the temperature and the smoothness of the ride.

---

Is It Time for an Upgrade Instead?

Sometimes, the hassle of moving an old, outdated, or slightly damaged light fixture just isn't worth the effort. Moving into a new home is a "clean slate." It is the perfect opportunity to redefine your style.

If your old dining light looks tired, or if the style of your new home demands something more modern and emotional, consider leaving the old fixture behind.

The Sunset Pendant Light is an ideal choice for a new beginning. Its Bauhaus-inspired design acts as a visual anchor in a new space, creating an immediate sense of "home" with its warm, sunset-hued mood lighting. Instead of unpacking a dusty old lamp, imagine unboxing a brand new piece of art that sets the tone for your new chapter.

Further reading：Top lighting trends for modern living rooms

Conclusion

With patience, the right materials, and the double-boxing technique, your glass pendant lights can survive any move. But remember, the goal isn't just to move stuff—it's to curate your new environment. Pack carefully, drive safely, and enjoy lighting up your new home!