Glasses are one of the trickiest things to pack during a move. They’re fragile, oddly shaped, and prone to chips, cracks, or worse if not handled carefully. But the good news? With the right approach, you can keep your glassware safe and sound from start to finish.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- Sturdy, double-walled boxes (or dish pack boxes)
- Packing paper or unprinted newsprint
- Bubble wrap (for extra fragile or sentimental pieces)
- Packing tape
- A marker for labeling
We always suggest avoiding newspaper with ink—it can leave smudges on your glasses that are tough to remove.
Wrap Glasses the Right Way
We’ve packed a lot of fragile items in our time, and here’s what we’ve found works best for glassware:
- Crumple a few sheets of packing paper and place them at the bottom of the box to create a cushion.
- Lay a glass on its side on a sheet of packing paper.
- Roll the glass in the paper, tucking in the sides as you go.
- For extra protection, wrap each glass in a second layer, especially if it’s thin or valuable.
- Stuff the inside of each glass with paper to help absorb shock.
How to Pack Glasses in Boxes
Once your glasses are wrapped, start placing them upright (not on their sides) in the box. Upright is safer during transport. Fill in any gaps between glasses with more crumpled paper to keep them from moving around. If you’re stacking layers, place a thick layer of padding between each row.
Label the box clearly with “Fragile – Glasses” and indicate which side is up.
Keep Things Organized
We think it helps to pack similar items together—wine glasses in one box, mugs in another, tumblers separately. This not only makes unpacking easier but also helps reduce the chance of damage from mismatched shapes and sizes during the move.
Want Expert Help?
If you’re short on time or just want to make sure your fragile items are handled perfectly, Tommy’s Moving Team is a great option to consider. They specialize in careful, professional moving services and take pride in protecting delicate items like glassware. Their website includes plenty of tips and resources for anyone planning a move, whether local or long-distance. We like that they focus on treating your belongings with the same care they’d give their own.
Packing glasses might seem nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little patience and the right materials, you can make sure your glassware arrives at your new place in one piece. And if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Tommy’s Moving Team has your back.