How to Pack Glasses for Moving: Our Easy Guide

Our clients commonly tell us that glassware is one of the items they dread moving. No one wants to arrive at their new home only to find out they have a box of broken glasses.

Whether you plan to move yourself or hire a professional Sydney removalist, we’ve compiled our best tips on how to pack glassware for moving.

 

How to pack glasses when moving Getting the Right Packing Materials for Glassware How to Pack Glassware in a Box for Moving: Step-by-Step Instructions Tips for Protecting Glassware When Moving

 

Getting the Right Packing Materials for Glassware

Getting the right materials to protect your glasses throughout the move and ensuring they arrive at your new home in perfect condition are essential for a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

Here are our recommendations for packing materials for glasses:

• Bubble Wrap — Bubble wrap is important for protecting glassware and other fragile or valuable items, such as vases.
• Packing Paper — Newspaper is a classic moving material but we prefer dedicated packing paper as there is no risk of ink transfer. Packing paper is ideal for wrapping individual glasses or other fragile items to prevent scratches.
• Sturdy Boxes — Don’t just grab random boxes you have lying around. Invest in high-quality, sturdy boxes for protecting your items during a move. Sturdy crates also work well for protecting fragile items during transport.
• Parcel Tape — Purchase high-quality tape to hold boxes securely shut and protect the contents.
• Permanent Markers — Permanent markers are a must for packing. Be sure to write “glassware” or “fragile” in large letters on any boxes with delicate items.
• Box Dividers — Most people consider box dividers optional for packing glasses but we consider these a must-have packing material. We highly recommend purchasing box dividers for packing glassware as they prevent the glasses from rubbing together or getting scratched during the packing and moving process.
• Packing Peanuts — We prefer bubble wrap as it is less messy but packing peanuts come in handy for filling in any gaps and providing additional protection against scratches or damage.

 

Tip: If you run out of packing material or need an alternative, consider wrapping glassware with certain types of clothing. Ideal clothing material to pack glasses as an alternative packing material would be soft fabrics like cotton T-shirts, towels, or socks. These materials provide cushioning to protect the glasses from bumps and knocks during transit.

 

How to Pack Glassware in a Box for Moving: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here is a step-by-step guide to safely packing glassware and other fragile items to keep them protected and secure throughout the move.

Step 1: Sort the Glassware

Sort glassware into items of similar sizes or glass types. For instance, pack all wine glasses together in one box and cocktail glasses in another.

Sorting the glassware makes the unpacking process easier since you’ll unload similar items at once. Stacking similar glasses together can also maximise the space in a box.

Step 2: Line the Moving Box

Line your moving box or crate with bubble wrap to create a protective layer. This is one of the most important ways to protect glassware during the moving process.

Step 3: Wrap the Glassware

Wrap each glass individually, taking special note of wine glasses, cocktail glasses, or other glassware with stems. Glassware with stems is especially susceptible to damage during the moving process. The rims of the glasses are also at risk of chipping or damage.

If a glass has a stem, wrap packing paper or bubble wrap around the stem until it is the same thickness as the rest of the glass.

Be sure to pad the lips and edges of glasses with packing paper. If there is excess packing paper at the top of the glasses, tuck the ends in to provide additional protection.

Step 4: Start With Heavier Glasses

Once you have glasses sorted and wrapped and boxes or crates lined with bubble wrap, begin packing the boxes. If you are doing more than one layer of items, start with the heaviest, sturdiest glassware first.

Placing heavy items on the bottom of a box can prevent it from becoming top-heavy. Smaller, lightweight items will also be more protected when placed near the top of the box.

Use dividers in between each glass as you carefully place them into the box.

Step 5: Cushion the Box

Once glassware is packed into the box, add another layer of cushioning on top before closing it. This can be done with additional bubble wrap or by filling the empty spaces with packing peanuts until the box is full (but not stuffed).

Step 6: Secure and Label the Contents

Secure the box using heavy-duty packing tape and label the box based on what is in it and if the contents are fragile.

Use a permanent marker to label boxes with delicate items. Write “FRAGILE” or “GLASSWARE” in clear, large letters.

It is also important to label boxes with “THIS SIDE UP” to prevent boxes from getting stacked upside down.

 

Tips for Protecting Glassware When Moving

Additional Tips for Protecting Glassware

• Do not overfill moving boxes (this can strain the top or bottom of the box and cause it to break open)
• Do not push down to fit more contents into a box
• Along with securing the top of a box with tape, add extra tape to the bottom of the box or any seams for added protection
• Do not stack heavy boxes on top of boxes that contain fragile items
• Try to maneuver the moving vehicle as smoothly as possible to avoid any boxes smashing into each other. Go slow over bumps and try to avoid any sudden movements.
• Hire white glove removalists to take the worry out of safely moving glassware. Professional white glove removalists such as Mayfair Removals have the equipment and experience needed to safely transport fragile items and unload them at your new home.

Our Simple Guide on When to Use Each Packing Material

Packing Material	Pros	Cons	When to Use
Bubble Wrap	Provides excellent cushioning and protection. Ideal for fragile and valuable items. Easy to wrap around items of various shapes and sizes.	Can be bulky and take up more space. Not eco-friendly unless you use recyclable or biodegradable options.	For highly fragile items like glasses, vases, and delicate decor. When maximum protection is needed during transport.
Packing Paper	Inexpensive and readily available. No risk of ink transfer unlike newspapers. Ideal for wrapping individual items to prevent scratches.	Offers less cushioning compared to bubble wrap. Requires more layers for adequate protection.	For wrapping individual glasses or small fragile items. As an additional layer of protection inside boxes.
Sturdy Boxes	Provides strong protection and structural integrity. Reduces the risk of boxes collapsing during transit. Can be reused for future moves or storage.	More expensive than using random or reused boxes. Requires careful selection to ensure the right size for contents.	For packing all types of items, especially fragile and valuable ones. When you need reliable and durable packing solutions for transport.
Parcel Tape	Secures boxes tightly to prevent opening during the move. Protects contents by keeping boxes sealed.	Requires a dispenser for easier application. Can leave residue on surfaces if not used properly.	For sealing all types of boxes securely. When you need to ensure that boxes stay shut during transit.
Permanent Markers	Allows clear labelling of boxes to indicate contents and fragility. Helps in organising and identifying boxes easily.	Can be difficult to remove or correct if mistakes are made. Requires proper storage to avoid drying out.	For labelling boxes with “glassware” or “fragile”. To mark contents and handling instructions clearly on boxes.
Box Dividers	Prevents items from rubbing together or getting scratched. Adds an extra layer of protection and organisation.	Can be considered an additional expense. Takes up some space within the box.	For packing multiple glasses or similar fragile items in the same box. When you need to prevent movement and damage during transit.
Packing Peanuts	Fills gaps and provides cushioning within boxes. Offers additional protection against scratches and damage.	Can be messy and difficult to clean up. Less eco-friendly unless using biodegradable options.	For filling empty spaces in boxes to prevent movement. When additional cushioning is needed to protect fragile items.

 

 

At Mayfair Removals, we are experienced in handling premium, luxury moves and are professionally trained in safely transporting all fragile items, including:

• Glassware (wine glasses, cocktail glasses, etc.)
• Vases
• High-value items
• Chandeliers
• Decor
• Sculptures
• Dishes
• Mirrors
• Chinaware

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect my glasses when moving house?

To protect your glasses when moving, wrap them individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, pack heavier glasses at the bottom of sturdy boxes with cushioning, and label boxes as “fragile” or “glassware” for careful handling. This helps prevent damage during transit and ensures your glasses arrive safely at your new home.

Should I hire professional removalists to ensure the safe transportation of fragile items like glassware?

Professional removalists like Mayfair Removals will ensure safe transport of fragile items like glassware, equipped with expertise, proper packing techniques, and insurance coverage, providing peace of mind and protecting valuable belongings during a move.

Do you need packing paper for moving glassware?

Yes, packing paper is recommended for moving glassware. It helps prevent scratches and provides cushioning to protect glassware during transit.

If you don’t have enough packing paper, consider newspapers, soft clothes, towels, sheets and or bubble wrap.

How do Mayfair Removal’s white glove removalists handle valuable and fragile items during the move?

Our white glove removalists are highly skilled in handling valuable and fragile items. We utilise specialised packing materials, such as custom crates, foam wrap, bubble wrap, and padding, to ensure optimal protection to our clients effects. We also employ meticulous techniques to secure items during transport, minimising the risk of damage.

 

Stress-Free Moving With Mayfair Removals

Even with the right preparation, packing and moving glassware can still be nerve-wracking.

If you want the ultimate peace of mind during your move, leave the planning, work, and packing to our white glove removalists.

Spend the day relaxing in your new home rather than worrying about unpacking or dealing with items that broke during the move.

Invest in the peace of mind that comes from knowing your glassware or other fragile items are being moved with expertise and the greatest care.

We use our years of experience, premium packing materials, and precise techniques, to safely transport fragile goods and glassware in any move. We’ve helped homeowners across Sydney learn how stress-free moving can be with the right help.

Enquire now to get a quote in 60 minutes and learn why we are regarded as the best removalists Sydney has to offer.