How To Pack Glasses For Moving | Our Top Tips

General News|

May, 23, 2021

Whether you are packing for moving or planning on storing items longer-term in a storage facility, stress-free packing will go a long way to simplifying the process. But different items in your home require special care when packing to ensure they arrive at their new destination damage-free. These include glassware, which can range from stemware to vases and glass bowls — all of which are fragile. Here is our handy guide on the best way to pack fragile items, including how to pack glasses for moving.

Make an inventory

Before wrapping and packing glassware, declutter as much as you can in terms of deciding what is worth keeping, which will maximise the efficiency of the process and minimise your storage costs. Any items you decide to discard can be sold, donated, gifted or recycled. Then write up an inventory of items and keep it in a safe place for when you decide items need to be unearthed again!

Choose your boxes

Boxes can be recycled, but only to a point. They need to be strong and sturdy, particularly when you are packing glasses for moving. Recycled boxes can develop mould and easily tear. Choose medium-sized boxes rather than large ones which can be heavy and awkward to move. The bottom, in particular, should be taped firmly shut.

Choose your packing materials

When choosing the best packing material for glass to reduce breakages, packing paper, bubble wrap and newspaper can all be used – all can be easily wrapped and secured around a glass. However, newspapers can leave dark smudges on items due to the ink, so you’ll need to wash items when unpacking. Packing paper and bubble wrap are very effective when used together.

Wrap glasses in packing paper first and then follow with bubble wrap and secure with packing tape. Packing peanuts can also be used around gaps in boxes as further protection. Other packing materials you’ll need include packing tape, scissors and labels. Labels will allow you to itemise what’s in each box for easy access later on.

There are also specialised glass packing boxes that are worth considering. They are purpose-built and have cardboard partitions that are assembled and placed inside the box. These are adjustable, so they can be adapted for a range of glass sizes. The partitions separate glasses and minimise the risk of glasses rubbing together. Glass covers are also included, and the boxes are typically constructed of heavy-duty cardboard for extra protection. Bubble wrap can also be used between glasses and outside the box for even more protection.

Prepare your glassware

Moist or dirty items should never be packed for storage. They will attract mould and grime which will settle on glassware over time. This will make it difficult to clean when the time comes for using it again. Always wash glassware and dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours before packing

How do you pack glasses for moving?

Wrap big, heavy glasses

In terms of how to pack glasses when moving, always wrap and pack the biggest, heaviest glasses first. These will go on the bottom of the box with lighter glasses on top. Using a flat, clean surface, lay out your packing paper. Take one glass and place it in one corner of the packing material at an angle. Start to roll the glass, and as it rolls, stuff the ends of the paper into the opening of the glass. Wrap it until it’s completely covered.

Wrap stackable and similar glasses

Sort glasses into groups of similar size. Use scissors to cut packing paper and bubble wrap sheets in half for smaller items. If you have large sheets of paper, you can save packaging materials by wrapping two glasses in one sheet. This works best if the glasses are the same size. Once you’ve wrapped one glass with half of the paper sheet, add the second glass next to it and continue wrapping.

Glasses can also be stacked and then wrapped. Place a piece of packing paper inside the first glass and then stack another glass inside of it. Multiple glasses can be nested this way. Once done, wrap the entire stack in bubble wrap.

When wrapping wine glasses, wrap the stem first. Use half a sheet to wrap the stem and then place it on your packing paper and start rolling the rest of the glass. This ensures that the most fragile part of the glass is well protected. Only wrap one stemmed glass at a time.

Box up the layers

Once your glasses are wrapped, add a layer of packing material (ideally bubble wrap) to the bottom of the box. Wrap items together with an additional layer of bubble wrap and then secure them with packing tape. Glass packing boxes with dividers will pack neatly together. Then place large, heavy glasses on the bottom, and then stack, ending with lighter glasses (including wine glasses) on top. Additional packing like bubble wrap and packing peanuts in gaps will help ensure a snug fit and prevent glasses from moving around when the box is in transit.

Avoid overfilling boxes as it may affect their structural integrity, including the bottom of the box possibly falling out! Leave room at the top of the box for packing material. Once the box is almost full, add crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. Before you seal the box, gently move it back and forth. You shouldn’t be able to hear any glass clicking or feel the shifting of its contents. Once you’re happy, seal the box closed with packing tape.

Label the boxes

When packing glasses for moving, taking the time to identify what’s in each box will make life a lot easier when it comes to accessing your glassware at a later date. When labelling, make it specific. For example, rather than just “Glasses”, label them “wine glasses” or “tumblers”. It’s also worth labelling the box with a “fragile” sticker so that whoever is moving the box is alerted.

Along with our handy guide on how to pack glasses for moving, our on-site offices also have a selection of storage boxes and packing materials for sale. For any other advice, let us know!

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