Glasses, mugs, and stemware are among the most fragile household items to move. One careless mistake can leave you with a box of broken shards instead of your favorite drinkware. Luckily, with the right supplies, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can keep your glasses safe and intact during your move.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to packing glasses properly, plus some expert tips and mistakes to avoid.
Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies
You’ll want to start with quality packing materials. Don’t rely on old, flimsy boxes from the grocery store — they may collapse under pressure. Instead, get:
- Double-walled dish boxes or glass pack boxes for extra strength.
- Cardboard dividers to keep glasses separated.
- Plenty of packing paper (newspaper can work, but it may leave ink stains).
- Bubble wrap for fragile or stemmed glasses.
- Packing tape to reinforce boxes.
- Permanent markers for clear labeling.
If you don’t want to buy specialty supplies, many movers can provide them or even handle the packing for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Boxes
Before adding a single glass, reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape. Then, line the bottom with at least two inches of crumpled paper or bubble wrap. This cushioning layer acts like a shock absorber during transit.
Step 3: Wrap Each Glass Individually
The golden rule: never put unwrapped glasses in a box.
- Standard glasses and mugs: Place the item on a sheet of packing paper, roll it until fully covered, and tuck the ends inside.
- Stemware (wine glasses, champagne flutes): Wrap the stem separately with bubble wrap before wrapping the entire glass.
- Extra-fragile pieces: Double-wrap with both paper and bubble wrap.
Step 4: Use Dividers When Possible
Cardboard dividers are excellent for keeping glasses from knocking into each other. If you don’t have dividers, create makeshift compartments using extra cardboard or thick layers of crumpled paper between each glass.
Step 5: Pack Upright, Not on the Side
Glasses are strongest when packed upright, just as if they were sitting in a cupboard. Never lay them flat or stack them directly on top of one another. Place heavier, sturdier glasses at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate pieces at the top.
Step 6: Fill Empty Spaces
Once your glasses are in the box, fill any gaps with paper or towels. Empty space means movement, and movement means breakage. The goal is to keep everything snug so nothing shifts.
Step 7: Cushion the Top and Seal
After the box is full, add another thick layer of padding on top. Close the box securely with tape, making sure it’s tight but not bulging.
Step 8: Label Clearly
Write “Fragile – Glassware” on at least two sides and the top of the box. If you’re using multiple boxes of kitchen items, specify what’s inside (e.g., “Wine Glasses” or “Coffee Mugs”). This helps movers know to handle them with extra care and makes unpacking much easier.
Pro Tips for Packing Glasses
- Don’t overpack boxes. Heavy boxes are more likely to get dropped. Stick to manageable sizes.
- Use kitchen towels as padding. They provide extra cushioning and reduce waste.
- Keep essentials separate. Pack a small box with a few everyday glasses and mugs so you don’t have to unpack everything right away.
- Consider professional help. Experienced movers know how to pack and load fragile items safely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the padding layer. Without cushioning at the bottom, the first bump in the road can crack your glassware.
- Stacking glasses. Even if wrapped, stacking puts too much pressure on rims.
- Using newspaper without wrapping. Ink stains can be hard to remove from glass.
- Leaving boxes unlabeled. Unlabeled boxes often get stacked carelessly, increasing the risk of breakage.
FAQ: Packing Glasses for Moving
Q: Can I use clothes instead of packing paper?
Yes — soft T-shirts, socks, or scarves can double as wrapping material. Just make sure everything is clean and dry.
Q: Do I really need dividers?
Dividers aren’t mandatory, but they provide an added layer of protection. If you’re packing fine wine glasses or heirloom stemware, they’re highly recommended.
Q: What about large pitchers or vases?
Wrap them heavily in bubble wrap and pack them upright with extra padding. Treat them like you would a very large glass.
Q: Should I pack glasses with dishes?
No. Glasses are best kept separate to avoid pressure from heavier items like plates.
Final Thoughts
Packing glasses takes patience and the right materials, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By wrapping each item individually, keeping them upright, and cushioning boxes thoroughly, you’ll drastically reduce the risk of breakage.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, professional movers in Avon CT can provide supplies, expertise, and careful handling. That way, your glassware arrives safe and ready for your first toast in your new home.
