Packing glasses when moving can seem intimidating, but with proper technique and sufficient supplies it should be simple enough. Boxes and dish barrels can usually be found at moving and shipping companies along with packing paper and bubble wrap to assist.
Pack glasses or mugs safely using 3-ply packing paper instead of newspaper to prevent ink stains on their glass surfaces from leaving permanent marks while moving to a new build.
Newspaper
If you don’t have packing paper, bubble wrap, or linens available for wrapping glasses, newspaper can also work just as effectively if used clean and without ink that could leave marks on the surface of glassware. Just ensure it does not contain ink that could leave permanent markings.
Start by laying out a sheet of clean packing paper on the ground, placing a heavy glass on it and wrapping the paper tightly around it – this ensures that every surface of the glass will be covered by wrapping. Once covered, roll and turn over to finish rolling the paper over your glass until completely covered by it.
After wrapping each glass separately with paper sheets as required, continue wrapping them securely within their box using additional sheets as necessary. Make sure it is tightly sealed; add some packing peanuts or shredded paper as filler in case any spaces in your box remain so your glasses do not move around or bump into one another during transit; label this box clearly “FRAGILE” so professional movers know to handle it with care.
Bubble Wrap
To protect your glasses as you transport them to their boxes, start by wrapping each glass in bubble wrap – this provides extra cushioning against cracks or breaks occurring while being more economical on space than using additional cardboard packaging.
Once all your glasses have been carefully packaged in their individual plastic wrappers, place them into a strong cardboard box designed for glassware such as those found at liquor stores. Such boxes typically tend to be more sturdy and insulated than regular moving boxes and offer ideal protection for delicate glass items.
Scrunch up paper or towels into crumpled balls on the bottom of your box to help distribute weight evenly, then layer packing paper or bubble wrap on top to provide additional protection. Next, lay down heavier glasses at the bottom for optimal distribution – these heavier glasses will act as buffers against bumps or movements during transport and should help ensure safe travels for your precious cargo!
Paper or Towels
If you don’t have bubble wrap or packing paper available, old towels can provide an effective means of protecting glasses and dishes. In addition, other household items like sweaters, hand towels and bath mats can help line the inside tops and sides of boxes to add additional padding protection.
Sort your glassware into groups of similar sizes before wrapping each individual item in paper or a towel sheet, starting from its handle or stem and rolling up towards its bowl or lip.
Liquor stores, moving companies, and other businesses selling packaging supplies often carry pre-made cell boxes equipped with cardboard dividers to secure individual dishes or glasses during transit. If using regular boxes instead, ensure the bottom seams are taped securely shut to keep glass from falling out during transport and add plenty of padding material such as packing peanuts and cushion foam for the bottoms of these.
Packing Boxes
Packing glasses safely requires quality materials – such as sturdy boxes, dish boxes or cell boxes (a type of box insert with thin cardboard dividers) and insulating materials like wrapping paper, newspaper and bubble wrap – as well as packing tape and any necessary soft fillers such as packing peanuts to fill any spaces in the box.
Starting by stacking heavy glasses at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Wrap each individual glassware item twice with bubble wrap or packing paper and make sure that its corners are secured firmly against any excess space.
Place the glasses rim down into their respective boxes with extra protective padding, closing and sealing with packing tape to seal off. Label the box so that movers or friends know it contains fragile items.