How To Pack Glasses For Moving

Step 1: Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Before you wrap a single glass, stock up on the essentials: sturdy moving boxes, unprinted packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and dividers or cell kits. Unprinted packing paper is ideal since it’s clean and thick, avoiding the ink smudges that newspapers can leave behind, which would mean washing your glasses after unpacking.

If you’re wondering about alternatives to packing paper, clean hand towels, dishcloths, or even soft t-shirts work well in a pinch. Bubble wrap is excellent for delicate items like stemware, but it’s pricier and harder to recycle, so use it selectively. Running low on supplies? Repurpose soft household items like socks or scarves to keep costs down and your packing eco-friendly.

Step 2: Choose Strong, Suitable Boxes

Not all boxes are created equal when it comes to packing glassware. Opt for small to medium-sized, double-walled moving boxes or specialized dish pack boxes with cell dividers for maximum protection. Large boxes can get too heavy, letting glasses shift and break. To prepare a box, reinforce the bottom with extra packing tape to ensure it holds up.

Adding a thick layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom creates a cushioned base to absorb shocks during transit. If you don’t have cell dividers, cut cardboard to make compartments for added structure.

Step 3: Clean and Prep Your Glassware

Always wash and dry your glasses thoroughly before packing to remove dirt or grease that could attract pests or cause damage during the move. This step is especially important for delicate items like crystal or antiques. For crystal glasses, which are prone to chipping, plan to use extra layers of packing paper and bubble wrap.

Step 4: Wrap Each Glass with Care

Proper wrapping is the key to preventing breakage. For standard drinking glasses, lay each one on its side on a sheet of packing paper, fold the paper over, tuck it inside the rim, and roll tightly, securing the ends with tape. Stuff the inside with crumpled paper for extra support. Wine glasses and delicate stemware need special attention—wrap the stem separately with packing paper, then the bowl, and secure with a layer of bubble wrap to protect the fragile stem from snapping. A common mistake is wrapping glasses too loosely, which lets them bump into each other. Test your wrapping by gently squeezing—if it feels snug, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Pack and Cushion the Box

When layering glasses in the box, place heavier items like tumblers at the bottom and lighter stemware on top to avoid crushing delicate pieces. Pack glasses upright to reduce stress on rims and stems. To cushion them, fill gaps between glasses with crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts. After each layer, add more cushioning before stacking the next. To prevent shifting, fill any remaining space at the top of the box until it feels snug. A quick shake of the box should reveal no movement; if you hear rattling, add more padding. Avoid overpacking, as a crammed box increases the risk of breakage.

Step 6: Seal and Label The Box

Once your box is packed, seal it securely with multiple strips of strong packing tape across the top flaps and seams, reinforcing the sides for extra strength. Clearly label the box with “Fragile,” “Glassware,” and the destination room, like “Kitchen – Glasses,” to ensure careful handling. When loading the moving truck, place boxes of glasses on the floor, ideally near the cab, and avoid stacking heavy items on top. Secure them with straps or tuck them between soft items like mattresses. Our professional movers at Coastal Moving Company use dish pack boxes and strategic layering to keep glassware safe, and you can follow the same approach. Common mistakes include using weak boxes, skimping on cushioning, or forgetting to label, so double-check these details to ensure your glasses arrive safely.