How to Pack Glasses for Moving | Protect Your Valuables

When it comes to moving, packing your fragile items properly can mean the difference between cracked wine glasses and opening a box of flawless crystal glassware on unpacking day. Whether you’re relocating or storing items, learning how to pack glasses for moving is essential to avoid unnecessary breakages.

The team at More Space Storage has compiled your ultimate guide to packing wine glasses, crystal, and fragile glassware like a pro. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to pack glasses for moving without the stress of breakages, using a mix of smart packing materials, no-nonsense tips and a little patience—so you arrive with everything in one piece.

Declutter Your Glassware

Before you start packing glasses for your move, take stock of your belongings. Chances are, you’ve accumulated more wine glasses and coffee mugs than you realise. Donate, recycle or resell anything chipped, mismatched, or unused. The less you have to pack, the easier—and safer—it’ll be. Plus, lightening the load and freeing up space may save you money for your move.

Which materials offer the best way to pack glasses for moving?

The best way to pack glasses for moving is with the right supplies that provide layer protection. Certain materials work together to protect every surface, curve and edge. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bubble Wrap

When most people think of packing up the house, a big roll of bubble wrap is likely at the top of their list.

The bubbles create a layer of protection around your items, cushioning them against blows. For a secure fit, use small bubbles with plenty of layering for wrapping single items and alternately use large-sized bubbles to add extra lining to a box of valuables. Larger bubbles are also great for filling gaps and providing all-around protection.

Bubble wrap is relatively cheap and is available in different sizes and thicknesses. Make sure you wrap with the bubbles touching the item you’re trying to protect – if they’re facing outwards, the bubbles can pop. For maximum cushioning, wrap each glass with the bubbles facing inwards.

And, of course, there’s that added bonus of having a mountain of bubble wrap ready to pop when you need to de-stress or keep the kids busy while you’re unpacking the rest of your belongings.

2. Packing Paper/Butcher’s Paper

Another material you will want to stock up on is packing paper. While a single layer of packing paper might not offer much protection on its own, it’s useful as an extra layer before using bubble wrap. It can also be used to layer when stacking items in a box, to line the base of your moving cartons and fill gaps to stop objects from bumping or moving around when being transported.

3. Tissue Paper

The humble tissue paper might not sound like it’s going to offer much protection, but if you’re boxing up wine glasses or vases – or anything else that’s hollow – you’ll want some on hand.

If you’re wondering how to pack crystal glasses for moving, opt for tissue paper over newspaper to avoid scratches and ink transfer. It’s ideal for stuffing inside wine glasses and crystal to prevent pressure cracks in transit. If you’re mixing your belongings in the packing carton, filling your fragile glasses with paper can help stop anything from falling inside and damaging your items. Given its gentle texture, it won’t scratch or mark any fragile surfaces, and, as with packing paper, it can also be used as an extra layer when wrapping items.

4. Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are great for filling gaps and reducing movement during transit. The team at More Space Storage recommends having everything already wrapped before you add the peanuts to the box, just in case.

Packing peanuts do a similar job to large bubble wrap, providing protection by filling in the gaps between items. Plus, they can fill more gaps than paper, no matter the size or shape. Thanks to their bouncy texture, they’re also great shock absorbers, making them perfect when transporting your boxes.

Be warned that their small size means they’re a potential choking hazard for children and animals, so they’re best avoided if you’re packing up a family home. Traditional polystyrene foam packing peanuts can’t be recycled and are conductors of static electricity, which isn’t ideal if you’re concerned about the environment or packed electrical items.

Fortunately, some companies now offer biodegradable packing peanuts made from materials such as corn starch, which are safe if ingested by children and pets, break down in water and can be thrown into a compost bin.

5. Moving Boxes & Packing Tape

Boxes specifically designed for moving are sturdy and reliable when taped closed with strong packing tape. We also stock fragile packing tape and tape dispensers. Whatever method you choose to wrap your glassware, we recommend using medium-sized moving boxes to avoid overpacking. If the boxes are too big, they lose their sturdiness due to heavier loads inside. The last thing you want is to drop a box of glasses!

6. Cell Boxes & Dividers

The best way to pack wine glasses for moving is with cell boxes. They come with dividers inside the box to ensure your carefully wrapped wine glasses have individual cardboard compartments to provide additional protection. Depending on the size of the cells, you might need to add extra packing protection to stop glassware rattling around – this is where all the extra bubble wrap, packing paper, or eco packing peanuts will come in handy.

Wrap Like a Pro When Packing Glasses to Move

Start by stuffing the inside of each glass with tissue paper or packing paper to reinforce its shape. Then wrap the entire glass in bubble wrap, paying special attention to the base and rim. Secure with tape.

When figuring out how to best pack glasses for moving, always:

• Wrap items individually
• For crystal glasses, wine goblets, or delicate heirlooms, use double wrap
• Avoid stacking and instead place fragile glasses side by side
• Always pack glasses upright, never on their sides
• Perhaps use cloth fabric between layers for extra protection if you’re concerned about damage.

Box and Label Thoughtfully

Having the perfect materials is all well and good, but packing glasses for moving isn’t just about how they’re wrapped—it’s how they’re placed in the box. Start by dividing the glassware into the room it’s intended to go to, e.g., the kitchen or dining room, to make it easier when it’s time to unpack.

When figuring out how to pack glasses for moving, here are a few simple tips:

• Line the bottom of your box with crumpled paper or a towel
• Place the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones on top
• Fill any gaps between glasses with crumpled packing paper, towels, or packing peanuts
• Once full, give the box a very gentle shake. If you hear clinking or movement, fill in more gaps. If you choose a cell box, you’ll likely avoid the issue of bumping glasses
• Seal the packing cartons with strong packing tape and label the box “Fragile – Glassware” and “This Side Up” on all sides.

Storage Tips for Wine and Glassware

If your glasses are heading into storage, choose a clean, dry, climate-controlled environment. Wrap everything as if for a move and store boxes off the floor to prevent moisture damage. Wine and glass storage doesn’t have to be complicated – it just needs a little prep and protection. If you have any questions, our experienced team of Gold Coast glass-packing specialists at More Space Storage can help you.

Alternative Solutions for Packing Glasses for a Move

Not everyone has access to moving-specific materials. If you’re packing on a budget, you can use bedsheets and bath towels to line your boxes. You’ll be packing them anyway.

You can also swap out tissue and packing paper for newspaper, though be wary of newspaper ink transferring onto items. It won’t stick to your glassware, but if you’re using it to protect porcelain, you might find an unexpected message left behind.

If you can’t track down cell boxes, head to your local bottleshop. Wine and spirits are sometimes transported in boxes with similar dividers, so see if you can pick up a few for free.

For more tips on boxing up those fragile items, we’ve put together a complete guide to packing glass, plates, and more.

How Do You Pack Glasses for a Move? A Simple Stress-Free Guide By More Space Storage

So, how do you pack glasses ready to transport without ending up with a box full of shards? Knowing how to best pack glasses for moving isn’t just about bubble wrap and dividers – it’s about smart preparation. The combination of decluttering, using the right quality packing materials, and carefully boxing your glassware makes a huge difference.

Whether you’re learning how to pack up crystal glasses for moving across town or how to pack wine glasses for long-term storage, these steps can help protect your most fragile items when transporting from A to B, saving you the expense of buying replacements.

Still feeling unsure? Contact your local storage experts. At More Space Storage, we’ve packed thousands of glasses and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your packing and storage.

Happy packing—now you’ve learned the best way to pack glasses, you can enjoy a celebratory glass of bubbles when you’re done!