How to Pack Glasses for Moving

Imagine opening a box full of broken glasses. Even writing this gave me chills, but we all have been there: no matter how much we pack, at least one of the glasses will always somehow get chipped.

And we all know one chipped glass completely ruins the set, so what should you do in order to prevent it? Is there a possible way to keep your glassware protected throughout the move?

The good news is "Yes," there are certain ways or techniques for packing glasses for moving that ensure the safety of the glassware and protect your heart, because I remember the pain I felt when my glassware was ruined after a move.

Whether you are packing glasses, a bulky coffee mug or a delicate champagne glass, every glass needs care, patience, and the right packing strategy. 

With the help of a few proven techniques, you can easily learn how to pack glasses, protect your glassware and make sure that they reach their new house safely and in the same form as they were before. 

Step 1: Gather the Right Packing Supplies

You need the right packing material even before thinking about packing if you want your glassware to survive moving.

The quality of the supplies makes a huge difference, and, most importantly, it ensures that your glassware is intact and not damaged.

Begin with the sturdy, medium-sized boxes or dish boxes to keep the glassware safe and secure.

Medium size is often the most used size of the box, because it is good enough to store stuff and not too big to be hard to carry.

Whereas the large boxes might sound convenient but are actually very hard to manage; however, special dish boxes are specifically designed for fragile kitchen items and are perfect for glassware.

The dividers and reinforced walls help to prevent movement and collisions and keep your glassware protected.

The next on the list is soft packing papers. These smooth, nonabrasive materials are ideal for wrapping glass surfaces without scratching them.

However, for particularly delicate, expensive, or valuable pieces, it is mandatory to add an additional layer of bubble wrap to double the protection.

Next, you need good and high-quality packing tape, as it will be used to seal pack the boxes and ensure that your packing paper doesn't budge.

The final and most easily forgotten packing supply is a good, waterproof, permanent marker. You can use different colors for different boxes or locations.

One more thing that we suggest to our customers is to use "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" stickers, so anyone who will be handling the boxes will know that this box has fragile items.

If you can't find special dish boxes, you can also cushion your glassware with crumpled paper, towels, or even soft clothing. These materials will fill in the gaps and prevent the glasses from shifting during the transit.

Step 2: Prepare the Boxes

Once the supplies are done, prepare the box. Secure the bottom with several layers of packing tape.

Next, insert the crumpled packing paper, old towel, or soft fabric to form the protective layer at the bottom of the box. This will act as a shock absorber and provide a cushion to the glassware from the drops and bumps.

Step 3: Wrap Each Glass Individually

How to wrap glasses for moving? To provide utmost protection, wrap each glass individually. Lay out one sheet of packing paper on a flat surface, then place the glass in the corner of the paper at a diagonal angle.

Then roll the glass slowly towards the other corner while pushing the paper into the open end of the glass. Roll it on until the whole item is wrapped, then seal the wrapping with the tape.

For fragile glassware, place a second layer of bubble wrap and secure it by taping the ends. To take your wrapping to the next level, insert a small piece of crumpled paper into the glass before wrapping, as it will support the interior and reduce the risk of cracking under pressure.

Taking the time to wrap each glass carefully might feel tedious, but it's the most effective way to protect them during transit.

Step 4: Heavier Glasses First

When it's time to start filling your boxes, place the heaviest glasses at the bottom. This creates a stable base and prevents lighter, more delicate pieces from being crushed. Items such as beer mugs or thick tumblers are ideal for the bottom layer.

After wrapping the bottom, place a layer of wrapping paper or soft fabric before stacking lighter glasses on top.

Packing the bottom, place a layer of packing paper or soft stuff before piling lighter glasses on top. If your boxes have internal dividers, place each glass in its own compartment.

Additional cushioning between objects to prevent them from touching. The goal is to fill any empty space and keep everything snug and secure.

Step 5: Add Cushioning Between Layers

When putting on a pile of glasses you have wrapped, keep in mind that padding is the best way to protect against impact.

Once the first layer is done, fill the gaps with crumpled paper or towels, then add another layer of glassware on top.

The next level must be supported by a soft material as opposed to just resting on the other piece of glass.

Keep adding layers until you have filled the box, making sure that everything is well locked in. Shake the box a bit before you have it sealed; if you hear clicking or feel any kind of motion, put on more padding until the contents are quite quiet and still.

The cushioning should be done correctly to prevent the box from moving during transport, so there will be no collision with your glasses and they won't break.

Step 6: Seal and Label the Box

After all, everything has been packed in and cushioned; add the last layer of paper or fabric to the top of the box.

This forms a damp screen in front of it, sealing it. Seal the flaps and ensure that all the edges are packed with good quality packing tape in order to avoid the box opening during the move.

Marking the room where it will be kept in -i.e., Kitchen or Dining Room - will also be helpful in the future whenever unpacking is required.

Labeling is also used to enable movers to know exactly what to do with each box and also to have your glassware handled as it rightfully deserves.

Step 7: Load the Boxes Safely

When loading your moving truck or mobile storage unit, be strategic about where you place your glassware boxes.

Keep them on top of heavier items to prevent crushing, and avoid stacking too many boxes on top of one another.

If you're using a Mobile Storage Guy unit, take advantage of its secure and stable structure. Place fragile boxes near the front or on shelves where they won't move during transport.

Use straps or padding to keep them steady. This extra step helps your boxes stay intact from start to finish.

Final Tips for Safe Packing

Packing glassware is daunting and time-consuming, but it is also mandatory to make sure that everything arrives intact.

Layering and taping the box is good, but avoid overpacking the boxes, as that additional weight will make the box unnecessarily heavy and also be a waste of good packing supplies. 

While we emphasize using high-quality materials, we don't promote the idea of buying expensive packing supplies.

You can use soft fabrics, towels, or clothing for padding; it will save you space and money while also giving your glassware extra protection.

It is best to gently shake your box side to side before sealing it. If nothing shifts or rattles, then know that your packing job is secure; however, if you hear a single clink, then it is your sign to add more padding. 

Also, remember fragile items should always be up top and travel upright and should never be placed under the heavy loads.

Final Thoughts

Packing glassware is very simple if you know the tips and tricks. With the right materials, careful packaging, and proper padding, you can move even the most delicate items without worry. 

If you are preparing for the upcoming move and need a safe space to store packed boxes, we are here to help.

At The Mobile Storage Guy, we offer weather-resistant, rodent-proof, secure, and cost-effective storage units delivered right to your door so that you can save money, time, and hassle.

You can store your items for as long as you want and move with peace of mind with The Mobile Storage Guy.