If you’re planning a relocation, learning how to pack glasses for moving may not be at the top of your to-do list, but if you’ve ever opened a moving box and found your cherished glassware broken, you know how important it is. With forty years of experience and over 100,000 moves under our belts, Joey’s Movers knows all the secrets to securing fragile items. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our professional techniques and expert tips for protecting everything from everyday drinking glasses to delicate crystal stemware.
The Importance of Proper Glass Packing
Glasses and stemware can break with day-to-day use, and they’re especially vulnerable during a move. The more delicate they are, the more susceptible they are to chips, cracks, and complete breakage if not packed correctly. While it’s heartbreaking when inherited, collected, or other pieces with sentimental value break, having to replace everyday glassware unnecessarily adds to the stress and cost of a move.
Common challenges when packing glassware include:
– Choosing the packing materials that provide the best protection
– Maximizing box space while making sure each piece is safe
– Minimizing the chance of glasses hitting each other when they’re moving
– Addressing the various shapes, sizes, and sturdiness of different glassware
Did you know that you can hire movers to pack your glasses and dishware? Give us a call at (847) 674-7779 or request a free quote, and we’ll handle it for you!
Essential Packing Materials
Before you start packing your glasses, invest in these essential packing supplies:
Packing Paper
You may have always used newspapers in the past, but clean, white packing paper is the best choice for glass packing. It not only provides the protective layer you need for preventing scratches and absorbing minor impact, but it also won’t leave ink stains on your glassware.
Bubble Wrap
There are pros and cons to using bubble wrap for glassware. It takes up more room than paper, but it’s also the best protection for extremely delicate stemware. The steps for how to pack glasses for moving with bubble wrap begin with wrapping each glass with packing paper or tissue paper like a burrito. Once that first layer is in place, fold the bubble wrap around it, starting at the stem and rolling up toward the bowl.
Sturdy Moving Boxes
Double-walled cardboard boxes are the best packing boxes for glasses. They’re specifically designed for moving and provide extra strength and rigidity. Don’t be tempted to reuse boxes from your local liquor store: Those standard boxes don’t compare and risk breakage. When buying moving boxes, make sure you choose ones that are appropriately sized – if they’re too large, your glasses may shift during transit; too small, and you risk overloading them.
Box Dividers and Inserts
Cellular dividers are especially valuable for packing wine glasses and stemware. They create individual compartments for each glass, preventing contact between pieces.
Packing Tape and Markers
Select high-quality packing tape. You’ll be using it to secure the box bottoms and tops. Thick, dark, permanent markers are also essential for labeling boxes as fragile and indicating which way is up.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pack Glasses for Moving
Preparing the Box
Before you begin wrapping, start by reinforcing each box’s bottom with extra tape in both directions. Next, add a cushioning base layer of several inches of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to absorb shock and provide a soft foundation for your glasses.
Wrapping Individual Glasses
The secret to packing glasses for moving lies in proper individual wrapping. Here’s the professional technique that Joey’s Movers uses:
- Lay a single sheet of packing paper on your work surface diagonally, with one of the corners pointing toward you.
- Place the glass in the center, at an angle
- Roll the glass in the paper, stuffing excess paper inside the glass as you go
- Fold the ends over and continue rolling until fully covered
- Secure with a small piece of tape if needed
Packing the Box
When learning how to pack glassware for moving, knowing the right way to arrange the glasses within the box is second only to using the safest wrapping technique. As tempting as it is to lay them flat, it’s best to place your glasses in the box vertically whenever possible. Using this technique minimizes the number of potential pressure points and prevents the weight of other pieces from pressing on delicate areas of the glass.
Layer your glasses following these guidelines:
– Place heavier, sturdier glasses at the bottom of the box, on top of your cushioning layer
– Add cushioning between each layer of glassware
– Position lighter glasses and stemware on top
– Fill all empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent movement
– Leave no void spaces where glasses could shift during transit
Sealing and Labeling the Box
After the glasses have been securely packed, seal each box with strong packing tape, ensuring all seams are reinforced. Use bold, dark-colored markers to clearly label the box “FRAGILE” on all sides and add an arrow on each side to indicate which way is up. You may also specify the contents (e.g., “Glassware”) to ensure careful handling during transit and the room in which the box should be placed.
Special Considerations for Different Glass Types
Wine Glasses and Stemware
Learning how to pack wine glasses for moving requires extra attention to detail:
– Wrap wine glass stems before wrapping the entire glass. Doing so provides an extra layer of protection for the most vulnerable area of the glass.
– Use cellular dividers to keep glasses separated from each other
– Consider using specialty boxes designed specifically for stemware
– Add extra cushioning around the delicate stem-bowl junction
Packing Plates and Bowls Alongside Glasses
Packing plates or bowls with your glassware isn’t suggested, but if you must, then place them in a separate layer within the same box.
– Wrap each plate or bowl individually with packing paper or bubble wrap
– Arrange plates vertically, like records
– Place bowls upside down with cushioning between each one
– Use dividers or extra padding to create a barrier between the plates, bowls, and glasses to prevent shifting or contact during transit.
Alternative Packing Materials
If packing paper isn’t available and you need to know how to pack glasses for moving without paper, consider these alternatives:
– Clean towels and linens
– T-shirts and other soft clothing
– Bubble wrap
– Specialized foam pouches
Eco-Friendly Packing Options
Many people are looking for eco-friendly packing options and asking how to wrap glasses for moving with newspaper. While recycling newspaper as packing material can work in a pinch, we advise against it, as it may leave ink stains on your hands and your clothing, as well as your glassware. It usually means extra work (and wasting water) to clean them before you can use them in your new home. Instead, consider using recyclable or biodegradable materials such as kraft paper, shredded cardboard, or compostable packing peanuts, or repurpose household items like towels or clothing to wrap and cushion fragile items. Avoid plastic bubble wrap when possible, and use alternatives like paper-based bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard rolls.
Loading and Transportation
The final thing to do to safeguard your glassware lies in careful placement within the vehicle being used for moving it. Follow these guidelines:
– Never place heavy items on top of boxes containing glasses
– Place glassware boxes between larger boxes to eliminate sliding, and if using a truck, keep them away from the truck’s edges where shifting is most likely
– Use straps or rope to secure boxes in place
– Double-box valuable items for extra protection
Unpacking and Checking for Damage
Once you’ve reached your destination, using the right unpacking technique is just as important as proper packing:
– Open each box carefully, especially if there are any signs of damage
– Unwrap each piece individually, checking for chips or cracks
– Clean glasses before storing if necessary
– Save quality packing materials for future use
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most efficient way to pack glasses for moving?
The most efficient method is to wrap each glass individually in packing paper, pack them vertically in a sturdy box with cellular dividers, and fill all empty spaces with crushed paper for stability.
2. Should you pack glasses standing up or lying down?
Standing up is generally the safer option. This position minimizes potential pressure points and keeps the weight of other glasses from pressing against fragile glassware’s most vulnerable areas.
3. Is it better to wrap glasses in paper or bubble wrap?
Packing paper is more practical: It’s less expensive and takes up less space, so you can fit more into your boxes. However, bubble wrap provides superior protection for extremely delicate or valuable items.
4. How do I protect my glasses when moving house?
– Use high-quality packing materials
– Wrap each glass individually
– Pack each piece vertically in reinforced boxes
– Fill all spaces
– Clearly label boxes as fragile
Choose Joey’s Movers for Professional Packing, Unpacking, and Moving Support
It may seem simple, but it takes years to learn how to pack glasses for moving. It takes the right high-quality materials, time, and meticulous attention.
If you want the safest, easiest, most worry-free option for packing your valuable glassware, contact the experienced professionals at Joey’s Movers and ask about our packing and unpacking service. Our team has been handling delicate items for over 40 years, treating every item with the utmost care and attention and using professional-grade materials and proven techniques to ensure your glassware arrives safely at your new home.
Contact Joey’s Movers today for a free quote on our professional packing services. Let us take the stress out of moving your fragile items while you focus on making your new house feel like home.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
