Bubble Wrap 101: How to Use It, Tips, and Alternatives

Publish Date: March 25, 2026

Last Modified Date: March 27, 2026

Tags: Tags: boxes, bubble wrap, bubblewrap, cardboard, cartons, fedex, fragile, free boxes, glass, mirror cartons, mirrors, movers, moving, moving help, moving truck, packing, packing peanuts, packing tips, peanuts, popping bubbles, post office, stemware, styrofoam, tv, uhaul, ups

The correct way to use bubble wrap for moving is to wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward. This simple trick ensures those little air pockets press right up against your fragile belongings to cushion them properly and prevent breakage.

Knowing exactly how to handle this popular packing material is a brilliant skill to have when you prep for a big move, since it’s invaluable when it comes to protecting breakables. But, while plastic wrap is amazing, professional movers know a secret: Sometimes packing paper or crumpled newspapers actually work better. This guide explains exactly how to protect your favorite things with bubble wrap, how to reuse and recycle it when you’re done, and when to choose alternatives.

How to Use Bubble Wrap the Right Way

Quick Answer: Bubbles face the item.

You want the flat side of the bubble wrap facing outward because the bubbles form around your item to protect it better, and it makes taping the plastic firmly in place much easier. The smooth exterior also gives you a great spot to write a quick label with a marker.

To make the most of your bubble wrap, create a simple plan for packing each item correctly. Not every item in your home needs bubble wrap, and you may need different types of bubble wrap for different things. Our packing hub can help you organize all the necessary supplies for a move.

Choosing the Right Type of Bubble Wrap

For uploader: This is an image that’s part of the current version of this blog post. To insert it into the updated version, click the “add media” tab in WordPress, use the dropdown menu to find the date the post was first published (July 2025) and find this image. Then insert it into the new copy.

Before you start, you need to get the right size and type of bubble wrap. You can find everything from rolls with small, fingertip-sized bubbles up to sheets with bubbles measuring an inch or more. Keep in mind that if you’re packing circuit boards, hard drives, or other sensitive electronic components, you’ll need antistatic bubble wrap that keeps static charges from building up during transport.

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious with your move, regular bubble wrap is often recyclable, but your curbside recycling service might not accept it. The good news is that there’s biodegradable bubble wrap for an eco-friendly alternative.

Check the chart below to get an idea of what size bubble wrap works for different items.

Bubble Wrap Size Guide

Bubble Size	What It’s Best For
Small Bubble (3/16 inch)	Wrapping small or delicate items like glassware, electronics, and dishes
Medium Bubble (5/16 inch)	General household items like lamps, decor, or kitchenware
Large Bubble (1/2 inch)	Heavier or bulkier items like furniture, TVs, and large appliances
Extra-Large Bubble (1 inch or more)	Industrial equipment, long-term storage, or odd-shaped items

Thankfully, stocking up on bubble wrap is pretty easy. Most packing supply stores and hardware stores carry multiple kinds, or you can order it online before your move.

Make Sure You Choose the Right Kind of Box

There’s no point wrapping carefully if you use the wrong box for your stuff. Moving boxes come in specific shapes and sizes, so make sure you choose the proper kind for the job. In general, smaller boxes are for items that are portable but heavy, like books, while larger boxes are for bulky but light items, like bedding and stuffed animals. Finish the job right by packing each bubble-wrapped item properly, surrounded by plenty of crumpled packing paper.

You might also need a particular box for certain items. Some specialty box types include:

Mirror cartons
Double-walled dish pack cartons
Cardboard dividers for glasses
Wardrobe boxes

How Much Bubble Wrap Do I Need?

When deciding how much bubble wrap to buy, 10 meters per room is a great starting point. Of course, this is just a general estimate. If you’ve got lots of delicate items, have a collection of something you want especially protected, or several oversized pieces, you may need more. To make your planning super easy, we broke this down into a quick guide based on the size of your home:

How Much Bubble Wrap Is Required Based on Home Size

Home Size	Estimated Bubble Wrap Needed
Studio / 1BR	20 to 30 meters
2-3BR	50 to 70 meters
4BR+	80 to 100+ meters

Step-by-Step Guide for Packing With Bubble Wrap

Getting your most fragile belongings ready for the moving truck is easy. Just grab your supplies, clear off the kitchen table, and follow this simple guide to wrap your items perfectly:

1. Clear a flat surface.

Lay out a square of bubble wrap with the bubbles facing up.

2. Set the item on the wrap.

Fold up the sides to cover your item with the bubbles facing inward.

3. Tuck the edges.

Push the extra wrap into empty spaces, like the interior of a teacup or mug.

4. Secure the wrapped item.

Grab your packing tape or stretch wrap and secure the plastic tightly.

5. Cut the edges of the tape.

Trim off any extra bubble wrap with sharp scissors. Please do not try to tear it with your hands or your teeth.

6. Layer wrapped items.

Place the items inside your packing box. Put more bubble wrap between each item, and stuff wadded-up bubble wrap around the sides for extra cushion.

7. Avoid overstuffing the box.

You should be able to easily close the box without pressing down on the items inside.

8. Test your packing job.

Gently shake the box once you close it. If you hear items shifting or rattling inside, you probably need to open it back up and add more padding.

Tips for Bubble Wrapping Like a Pro

You’ve got the basics down, so here are a few more secrets and tricks to help make sure your things are protected during a move. Follow these pro tips to securely wrap your precious cargo:

Have a pair of scissors on hand when you’re unpacking. It would be a real bummer to break something while trying to tear that bubble wrap off using only your hands.
Put a layer of packing paper between your TV and that bubble wrap. Plastic can leave marks on your screen, particularly in extreme temperatures, and this goes for anything you wrap in bubbles. For items with sharp edges or corners, some extra paper can help keep those pointed areas from poking right through the plastic.
Wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward for better protection against exterior pressure and accidental impact. The flat side is easier to write on (in case you want to identify each item quickly) and will hold the tape in place much more effectively.
Don’t bank on one layer of bubble wrap. Two layers might be enough for a piece of stemware or glass, as long as you’ve got plenty of packing paper. For extra peace of mind, stick glasses into individual cells inside your cardboard box. If you’re using bigger bubbles for heavier items like a large framed mirror or your CPU, one layer may suffice. Of course, you still need some crumpled packing paper for extra cushioning on all sides.
Keep that bubble wrap firmly in place by taping not just along the edges but all the way around the item. This keeps everything more secure, and you won’t risk the bubble wrap falling off mid-move.

How to Bubble Wrap Common Moving Items

You might think you can just toss bubble wrap around everything and call it a day. However, some items require specific wrapping techniques for the bubble wrap to be fully effective. To make sure your most precious items arrive at your new home without a scratch, follow these tips on how to pack some of the most common household items with bubble wrap.

How to Wrap Dishes and Plates

Packing your kitchen involves a lot of fragile items. To protect these, first, always add plenty of bottom padding to your box before you start packing. Next, wrap each dish individually to prevent them from clanking together. Finally, always stand your plates upright in the box rather than stacking them flat to prevent too much pressure centered in one spot. If you need more detailed advice, check out our full guide on how to pack dishes.

How to Wrap Glasses and Stemware

Glasses and delicate stemware need a little extra love because of how easily they can break. When you wrap these, be sure to extend the bubble wrap right into the opening of the glass for extra interior support. We highly recommend you double wrap your most fragile items for ultimate peace of mind. Above all, completely avoid stacking your glasses unprotected. Check out our extra tips on how to pack mugs and teacups for more help.

How to Wrap Picture Frames and Mirrors

Beautiful frames and large mirrors are highly prone to shattered glass and chipped edges. Keep them safe by adding specialized corner protectors before you start wrapping. Once you secure the plastic padding, slide them safely into specialty cartons for maximum protection during the bumpy ride.

How to Wrap a TV or Monitor

Screens can be tricky because plastic can actually leave strange marks on the glass. To avoid this, always add a soft paper or cardboard layer directly between the screen and your bubble wrap. Make sure you firmly protect the corners with extra padding. Whenever possible, use the original box your TV or monitor came in since it is literally built for the job.

When to Use or Avoid Bubble Wrap

While you might be tempted to cover everything you own in bubble wrap, sometimes it is just not the best packing material. Bubble wrap perfectly protects delicate and breakable items, so you definitely want to save it for belongings that might easily get scratched or cracked.

However, heavier and bulkier items can easily crush the little air pockets and make them pretty useless as protection. Plus, anything with a surface that might stick to plastic, like your beautiful varnished wood furniture, is a bad candidate for bubble wrap. Fabrics and materials that need airflow to breathe, including leather, always travel better wrapped in lightweight packing paper.

Here is a quick cheat sheet to help you decide exactly which material to choose:

Best Use Cases for Bubble Wrap vs. Other Materials

Use bubble wrap when:

You need to protect large picture frames and mirrors.
You are moving flat screen TVs and computers.
You want to keep glass tabletops and shelving safe.
You are packing stemware, fine china, or fragile decor.

Use packing paper when:

You are packing heavy, bulky items that will crush bubbles.
You have varnished wood furniture that sticks to plastic.
You are packing leather or fabrics that need to breathe.
You need a lightweight option to protect against scratches.

Common Bubble Wrap Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most careful packers can run into trouble if they fall for a few common traps. Avoiding these simple errors will keep your belongings safe and give you total peace of mind during your move. You can easily master the art of packing by watching out for these frequent slipups:

Wrapping bubbles facing outward: Always put the bubbles against the item to provide the best cushion.
Using too-small bubbles for heavy items: Large bubbles are much better for bulky furniture or appliances.
Only wrapping once: Most fragile items like stemware need at least two layers to stay safe.
Not filling void space in the box: Use crumpled paper to stop items from shifting around inside the box.
Overpacking boxes: You should never have to force a box closed or press down on the items inside.
Taping too loosely: Wrap your tape all the way around the item so the protection stays firmly in place.

Alternatives to Bubble Wrap

If you’re not going to use bubble wrap, what’s the alternative? Here are a few popular options, most of which can be found in your home or at a local hardware store:

Packing paper. This is the standard for packing things prone to scratches, and you can use it to wrap items or fill spaces between things in a box.
Towels. Wrapping your household goods in bath and kitchen towels is a time-honored way to move on the cheap. This one is best saved for things that aren’t especially breakable or fragile.
Crumpled newspaper. Crumpled newspaper is an inexpensive option and an easy-to-obtain packing material that works especially well as cushioning between items in a box. One caveat — the ink could rub off on your stuff, so don’t put newspaper directly on anything that might stain.
Air pillows. Air pillows are the sophisticated big cousin of bubble wrap, and they’re particularly good for filling voids in larger packing boxes.
Packing peanuts and cornstarch peanuts. Their small size and lightweight structure make packing peanuts a viable option for filling gaps in a box or container. They don’t provide as much shock resistance as bubble wrap, so you probably shouldn’t rely on packing peanuts alone.

Kevin the Mover has this to say about packing peanuts:

“You may like the idea of those Styrofoam nuggets, but in general, they are bulky, costly, and non-biodegradable. The eco-friendly alternative, cornstarch peanuts, are even more expensive and don’t make for a very satisfying snack, no matter how hungry you are at the end of your move. Plus, they end up getting scattered all over the floor and clinging to your clothes. In short, use (and eat) them if you like, but I don’t recommend them.”

How to Reuse or Recycle Bubble Wrap

While bubble wrap is technically recyclable, there are practical issues in finding recyclers that actually accept it. Check your local area for locations that allow the drop-off of soft plastics. You might find these in local supermarkets that encourage customers to return and recycle plastic shopping bags.

“… [Anything] with a surface that might stick to plastic, like your beautiful varnished wood furniture, is a bad candidate for bubble wrap. [In addition, fabrics] and materials that need airflow to breathe…always travel better wrapped in lightweight packing paper.”

Reusing bubble wrap might be a better option. Unless you’ve already succumbed to the temptation of popping all those little bubbles with your fingers, your bubble wrap can be saved and reused. If you’re searching for used bubble wrap, check local businesses that get lots of product shipments, like furniture and electronics stores.

You can also hit up local community reuse groups for anyone who has some available from their last move. You might score a few sheets or an entire house’s worth of gently used bubble wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Wrap

How many layers of bubble wrap do I need?

For most fragile items like stemware or glass, you should use at least two layers of bubble wrap for proper protection. If you are using larger bubbles for heavy items like mirrors, one layer may be enough as long as you use plenty of packing paper for extra cushioning.

Can bubble wrap damage a TV screen?

Yes, plastic can leave marks on your screen, especially in extreme temperatures. To prevent damage, always place a layer of packing paper between the TV screen and the bubble wrap. This keeps your screen safe and smudge-free during transport.

What bubble size is best for dishes?

Small bubble wrap (3/16 inch) is the best choice for wrapping dishes and glassware. These smaller bubbles easily conform to the shape of your plates and bowls, providing a snug layer of protection against chips and cracks.

How do you keep items from shifting inside the box?

The best way to keep items still is to fill all empty spaces with crumpled packing paper or wadded-up bubble wrap. Once the box is full, give it a gentle shake. If you hear anything moving, simply add more padding until everything stays firmly in place.

How To Pack Mugs and Teacups for Moving

Author: HireAHelper

Publish Date: May 9, 2025

Last Modified Date: May 9, 2025

Category: Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: bubble wrap, how to move mugs, how to move teacups, how to pack breakables, how to pack mugs, how to pack teacups, mugs, teacups

HireAHelper has years of experience helping people find trustworthy movers, and from seeing those pros handle thousands of moves, we know a thing or two about moving fragile mugs and teacups. Whether you have a mishmash of ceramic coffee mugs or a porcelain tea set that’s been passed down for generations, you want everything to arrive in one piece. But haphazard packing leads to chips, cracks, and other types of damage.

With careful planning, it’s possible to preserve your belongings while minimizing your moving expenses. Use this guide to learn how to pack mugs and teacups securely for a move.

Supplies Needed to Pack Mugs and Teacups Safely

One of the top packing tips for mugs and teacups is to use the right supplies. You’ll need the following items:

Boxes: Choose small boxes instead of large ones. The less room delicate items like cups have to knock into each other, the better. But if the boxes are small, you can also pack each one efficiently without worrying about it being too heavy.
Packing tape: The adhesive in packing tape responds well to pressure, creating a tight seal when you press it onto the top of a moving box, which means it’s a better choice over duct tape or masking tape.
Packing paper: Although you can use newspaper, it sometimes leaves behind ink stains. Plain packing paper protects delicate items without damaging them.
Bubble wrap: Each piece of bubble wrap has air pockets designed to absorb shock. This makes bubble wrap essential for packing fragile mugs and teacups.
Cardboard dividers. Dividers keep mugs and teacups from touching each other during transport, reducing the risk of breakage.
Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut your tape and packing paper.
Rubber bands and masking tape: Both of these help keep packing material wrapped around the tea cups and mugs. Rubber bands have elasticity, so they’re ideal for holding packing paper in place once you wrap it around an item. Masking tape is easy to remove, which makes it ideal for labeling boxes and keeping packing paper in place around mugs and teacups.
Permanent marker. Use a permanent marker to label each box and indicate which way it should be stacked.
Packing peanuts: These lightweight fillers help prevent movement inside the box. They’re especially useful for filling large gaps around mugs and teacups to prevent shifting during transport.
Old towels or sheets. You’ll need something soft to cushion the bottom of each box.

You can keep the cost of your packing supplies low by getting free boxes from your local grocery store or asking friends if you can have some of their old linens. You can purchase the remaining supplies at any big-box retailer or home improvement store.

Step-by-Step Guide for Packing Mugs and Teacups

Before you begin packing, wash your mugs and teacups to remove dirt and dust. Once they’re completely dry, start following our 6-step guide on how to pack your mugs and teacups.

Step 1. Prepare Your Supplies

Gather your boxes, packing materials, and other supplies. If necessary, assemble the boxes and use packing tape to seal the center seam on the bottom of each one. Use old towels or sheets to create a support layer at the bottom of each box. You’ll need 2 to 3 inches of cushioning to protect your breakables.

Step 2. Wrap the Mugs and Teacups

Clear off a table or another flat surface. Make sure you have plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and rubber bands. Follow these steps to wrap each item:

Wrap a piece of bubble wrap around the handle. Secure the bubble wrap with a small piece of masking tape. Alternatively, use a rubber band to keep the bubble wrap in place.
Select a sheet of packing paper.
Place the item on its side at one corner of the paper.
Roll the item diagonally (from the starting corner to the ending corner). Make sure the edges of the paper roll under the mug or teacup as it moves.
Use a rubber band or masking tape to secure the paper.

Repeat the same process until you’ve wrapped every mug or teacup in your collection.

Step 3. Insert Dividers

If you’re using them, insert dividers into a small box. Dividers keep mugs and teacups upright, ensuring they arrive at your destination intact. If you don’t have standard dividers, pieces of cardboard can work. So can clean clothing like socks, t-shirts, and pillowcases. All you need to do is make sure there’s space between each cup or mug inside the box.

Step 4. Fill the Box

Place several wrapped mugs or teacups at the bottom of the box, and make sure each item is right side up. Remember to have an old towel or a folded sheet underneath for extra protection. Once every mug or cup is placed, fill in empty spaces with packing paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to prevent them from shifting during transport.

Step 5. Add a Second Layer

If the box is large enough for a second layer, place a towel or folded sheet on top of the first layer of items. Insert a cardboard divider, and then repeat the steps outlined in Step 4 to fill the box.

Step 6. Seal and Label the Box

Once the box is full, close the flaps and secure them with packing tape. If desired, place one strip of tape down the center and another along the side seams. Taping in both directions reinforces the box, making it less likely to break while you’re carrying it. Finish by using a permanent marker to write “Fragile” and “This Side Up” on the side of each box.

How to Transport Mugs and Teacups Safely

Now that you know how to pack mugs and teacups for moving, you need to transport them safely. Start by keeping the boxes right side up at all times, which you can make sure you do by labeling them properly before the boxes are sealed.

“…you should never pack mugs and teacups on their sides, as this increases the risk of damage, especially to the handles. Instead, pack each item upright.”

You can also prevent damage by placing boxes with mugs and teacups on top of heavier items. Conversely, never load anything heavy on top of or surrounding any boxes with breakables in them. If you’re driving to your destination, consider transporting mugs, teacups, and other breakables with you, either behind the driver’s seat or in the trunk.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Mugs and Teacups Answered

If you’re still unsure about some things, don’t worry. Here are some of the most common questions HireAHelper answers about moving with mugs and teacups.

Can I pack mugs and teacups with other items?

We don’t recommend it. Keeping mugs and teacups separate from each other and other items helps to avoid chips, cracks, and other types of damage.

How do I prevent the handles on teacups from breaking during transport?

Prevent handles from breaking by wrapping each one in bubble wrap. Use masking tape or a rubber band to keep the bubble wrap in place.

What type of box should I use to pack mugs and teacups?

Look for a small-to-medium-sized double-walled box with no tears or weak spots. If you can’t find a double-walled box, use packing tape to reinforce the cardboard.

Can you pack mugs and teacups on their sides?

No, you should never pack mugs and teacups on their sides, as this increases the risk of damage, especially to the handles. Instead, pack each item upright.

How can I prevent mugs and teacups from cracking during a move?

You can prevent mugs and teacups from cracking by wrapping each one securely before placing it in a box, and it’s helpful to use packing paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to fill empty space. Overcrowding isn’t advisable, but too much empty space allows mugs and teacups to shift during transport, making cracks more likely.

Can you pack chipped mugs and teacups?

You can pack chipped mugs and teacups, but we only recommend doing so if an item has sentimental value. Just be sure to wrap it carefully and follow the steps above to pack it. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense to bring a damaged mug or teacup to your new home, especially if you have dozens of other ones.

How to Pack Your Glasses for a Move: Step-by-Step Guide

Author: DIY Playbook

Publish Date: May 2, 2025

Last Modified Date: January 19, 2026

Category: Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: bubble wrap, how to pack glasses, pack beer mugs, pack breakables, pack drinking glasses, pack glasses, pack mugs, pack wine glasses, packing paper

Nothing ruins moving day quite like opening a box containing your precious crystal wine glasses only to find a shattered mess. The key to avoiding that mess and transporting glasses safely is in the packing. Get that right and you’ll be opening boxes with confidence.

After speaking to some of the best movers in the business about how to pack glasses for a move, we’ve taken their tips and advice and compiled a HireAHelper definitive guide. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be packing glasses like a pro in no time!

Supplies Needed to Pack Glasses Safely

Having the right supplies is essential when packing and moving with glasses. Without the right materials, you risk glassware chipping or breaking.

Everything you need can be purchased online or at stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and U-Haul. It’s also possible to source free boxes — if you know where to look.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is the pro’s choice for preparing fragile items for moving. Its flexibility makes it perfect for wrapping, padding, and filling in gaps between glasses. Although not as thick, old newspapers are a great alternative if you’re looking to save on moving costs.

Moving Boxes

Small or mid-size boxes are ideal — and the sturdier the better. Reinforced double-walled boxes provide the best protection. However, repurposed boxes may work just as well, especially if the openings and sides are properly secured with strong packing tape.

Packing Tape

A good quality packing tape is essential for sealing boxes — not flimsy gift wrap tape or masking tape (although this is usually fine for labeling boxes). You don’t want to spend hours packing only for a box to open accidentally and spill your glasses all over the floor.

Bubble Wrap

Although not essential, bubble wrap can make packing easier. It’s great for lining boxes and providing extra protection around paper-wrapped glasses.

Box Dividers

Box dividers, like the ones you usually find separating bottles of wine in a box, are handy for packing tumblers and wine glasses, especially when they’re all the same size.

“When you don’t have packing paper or newspaper, try using clothing, small towels, and other soft materials to cushion and protect your glasses.”

If you source boxes from a liquor store, you may find them already inside. Don’t panic if you don’t have any or can’t source them. There are other ways to secure your glasses, and you can always just add extra padding between each glass. The key is to make sure each glass can’t knock into the ones packed next to it.

Markers or Labels

Movers like to know which boxes contain breakable items so they handle them extra-carefully and don’t place them at the bottom of a pile when loading the moving truck. Use permanent markers or colored labels/colored tape to mark each box as fragile.

Step-By-Step Guide for Packing Glasses

Packing drinking glasses is a delicate process, as each style of glass requires a slightly different packing method. Following this step-by-step guide will ensure you have an intact glass to fill with champagne when you celebrate your successful move.

1. Prepare the Box

Secure the base of your box with a double layer of packing tape to prevent it from opening or splitting during your move.

2. Add a Protective Layer

Line the base and sides of the box with a protective layer to prevent the glasses from resting against the box. This can be bubble wrap, scrunched-up packing paper, or newspaper. You can even use towels, blankets, or a couple of T-shirts to save on buying packing supplies.

3. Wrap Your Glasses

Now it’s time to start wrapping your glasses. Here are our top packing tips for glasses of all kinds.

Tumblers, pint glasses, and highball glasses

Lay a sheet of packing paper or bubble wrap on a flat surface and place the glass at an angle at one corner. Begin rolling the glass up in the paper (or wrap), folding in the excess at the bottom and pushing the top end into the opening of the glass as you go.

Make sure the lip of each glass is well wrapped to avoid chipping. Make the package even more secure by wrapping it in a second layer — it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Wine glasses and other stemware

Delicate wine glasses, champagne flutes, and martini glasses require special attention to protect the stems. Fold a sheet of packing paper into a thin strip and wrap it around the stem before wrapping the entire glass in paper.

Glass beer mugs

Similar to stemware, beer mugs and other glasses with handles need extra care. Place a ball of paper between the handle and body before wrapping the glass.

4. Place Your Glasses in the Box

If you’re packing glasses of the same shape and size, consider using box dividers. Place each glass upside down and pad any gaps with scrunched paper to ensure they’re snug in their slot.

When packing a box with different-shaped glasses, always place the heaviest ones at the bottom. Arrange the glasses in a layer on the bottom and fill in any gaps with padding. Add a layer of bubble wrap or scrunched-up paper before placing lighter glasses, such as wine glasses, on top.

5. Add a Protective Layer on top

Once you’re happy that all your glasses are secure, add another layer (or two) of cushioning to fill the box and ensure no glass will touch the lid. It’s important not to overfill, so make sure the lid shuts and doesn’t press down on the contents when closed.

6. Seal and Label the Box

Seal the box securely with packing tape. Write FRAGILE, ideally in bright lettering, on the top and at least one side. You want everyone to know these boxes contain fragile items, even when another box is stacked on top.

“Small or mid-size boxes are ideal — and the sturdier the better. Reinforced double-walled boxes provide the best protection.”

Also, if the labelling isn’t already on the box, make sure to draw arrows and indicate which side is up. You don’t want the boxes being turned onto their side or upside down. Don’t forget to help your movers by labeling which room the box is destined for.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.

FAQs About Moving Glasses

Should you pack glasses standing up or lying down?

It really depends on the style of glass. Some glassware sets can be packed upright, especially if using dividers. If you’re packing glasses of varying shapes and sizes, it’s better to lay them down. Whichever way you pack them, make sure you use plenty of padding to cushion and protect each and every glass.

Is it better to wrap glasses in paper or bubble wrap?

We (and moving pros) prefer wrapping glasses in packing paper rather than bubble wrap. Although bubble wrap is an essential part of the packing process, paper is more flexible and can be easily crumpled, folded, and shaped to fit individual glasses.

How to transport glasses without paper?

When you don’t have packing paper or newspaper, try using clothing, small towels, and other soft materials to cushion and protect your glasses. Socks (ideally clean ones!) are great for wrapping around wine glass stems, and slim highball glasses fit snugly inside thick socks. In addition to protecting your glasses, you’ll be packing two items at once (a piece of clothing and a glass), cutting down on space and reducing the amount of packing supplies needed.

7 Embarrassing Lessons I Learned While Moving People

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: June 30, 2017

Last Modified Date: November 2, 2017

Category: Mover Stories

Tags: Tags: accidents, bubble wrap, cabinets, claims, dogs, furniture, insurance, movers, moving, moving stories, pressboard, professional movers, ratchet, uhaul, united, woodwork

Learning to be a good mover is not something you can get from a book. Like riding a bike, playing the piano and getting your black belt – like so many things, really – we all have to learn how to move stuff by going out to the job and getting to it.

And as with just about anything, it involves making mistakes.

This month I want to share with you seven lessons I learned during my earliest days on the job. Lessons learned both through the mistakes of others and through my own errors. They made me feel stupid and embarrassed, but nevertheless taught me things I needed to know if I wanted to stay on in this business.

#1. The nicer the furniture, the more likely you’ll damage it.

This isn’t some sort of karmic law. This is pure woodworking and physics.

The finest dressers and desks have drawers that slide out nice and smoothly – meaning you only need to tip that piece so far before gravity grabs hold of those drawers and start pulling them out and onto the floor. Quality furniture also (usually) means good, solid wood. And it’s heavy. Drawers will gain speed fast and hit the floor hard. Armoire doors, once they start to swing open, can come down so hard they put cracks in themselves; if they don’t bang against the floor, they can end up playing “irresistible force meets immovable object” with their hinges.

Yes, I’ve seen all this firsthand. A lot of it happened on a local move during my first week as a mover. I don’t know about the other guys on that crew, but that was the first and last time I let something like that happen.

Protip: Pad-wrapping items like dressers and armoires can obviously keep all those drawers and doors in place. So can a layer of shrink wrap. But if you prefer not to pad-wrap or shrink wrap those big pieces until you get them out the front door another option is using those big movers’ rubber bands, which are easy to put on, easy to adjust (by knotting up and tying off any slack) and totally economical since you can use them for years.

Extra advice: Gravity works on all kinds of furniture, not just the most expensive stuff!

#2. Sitting in the passenger seat does not mean you get to take a break from helping.

Unfortunately, one guy I worked with didn’t seem to understand this. “Watch that side,” I told him as I began backing half-blind into a slot between two other box trucks. “Aw-right,” he said, glancing lazily at the side view mirror before letting his eyes glaze back over.

I suppose it was my fault. I shouldn’t have taken it for granted that he was going to keep watching that side for me and warn me when I was about to sideswipe the truck parked on his side. Which, of course, he didn’t. And he didn’t get socked with a bill for the damage either.

Protip: This “help your driver” rule is always in effect on the road, because so are blind spots. When your driver is pulling up to the curb along a tree-lined residential street, pay attention not only to how close the tires are getting to the curb, but also how close the top of the truck might be coming to any big fat tree branches. Trust me, tree branches can do some serious damage.

#3. Don’t blindly trust a dog or its owner.

“He’s real friendly,” the customer with the mixed-breed said. “But I’ll put him out back so he doesn’t get in your way.” That seemed fair enough to all of us.

He was a quiet pup, actually, and after a while, I’d totally forgotten about him. I figure so did one of the other guys by the time he went out back to take care of the patio chairs. From the living room was where I heard the barking and the shouting, and I was walking through the kitchen when my fellow mover busted through the back door, cussing and bleeding in three places.

Protip: Quiet dogs are still dogs. With teeth.

#4. If you put things out of the way, remember where you put them.

After moving non-stop for six hours, our three-man crew was finally done with the unload. All we had to do was have the customer sign off on the inventory sheets.

“Looks like we’re missing something, fellas,” he said, showing us the lone unchecked box on his bingo sheet.

On the inventory, it just said “screw box” – which was exactly what I wanted to do. But the four of us – the crew plus the customer – spent the next half an hour looking for a screw box, not sure what one was even supposed to look like. Walking through the garage a fourth time, I looked over at the customer’s big old rolling tool chest and the sliding compartment doors at the bottom. Inside, to everyone’s relief, was a small PBO half-filled with nuts and bolts and washers and flanges and… yup. Screws.

Protip: Keep sticky notes and a marker in your pocket for anything that needs special denotation. That way, an out of the way item will be clearly visible and explained. A lot can be forgotten during a five-hour move, trust me.

#5. Pressboards can’t really be pressed.

During my first week as a mover, I was introduced to a pressboard entertainment unit in the customer’s living room. It held a big TV, stereo equipment, a VCR (this was 1996). When we got it cleared off and picked it up, it immediately started to wobble. I could feel the thing getting progressively looser as the lead guy and I eased it as best we could down the apartment building’s stairwell.

Out on the truck, the lead guy pulled out something called a ratchet strap. There I learned that when you introduce a ratchet strap to a piece of pressboard furniture, the ratchet strap will waste no time crushing that piece of pressboard furniture to pieces.

Protip: When confronted with a piece of pressboard furniture, give the customer two choices: a piece of paper called a Pressboard (Particle Board) Waiver that releases the moving company from liability for damage to a piece of furniture that shouldn’t be moved, or a piece of paper that says “FREE”. Read this discussion on MovingScam.com for more on particle/pressboard waivers.

#6. You know that the name is painted on the side of the truck, right?

One day, one of my fellow crew guys and I were asked to go help another van line agency handle a job in Manhattan. My buddy and I sat in the cramped space behind them, our knees pinned against our chests for the 90-minute ride into the city.

Granted, driving in Manhattan can suck. Driving a 26’ box truck around Manhattan is brutal. It takes patience. It takes nerves of steel. Our driver for the day had neither.

At one point there were three lanes being squeezed into two. New Yorkers generally have a grasp of the concept of merging though evidently, they don’t seem to like it. And, well, the driver let everybody on that ride know from out the window.

Protip: Most people on the road can both hear you AND read the name on the side of your truck.

#7. Shrink wrap comes in rolls, but you can’t reroll it.

“Hand me that shrink wrap, Kevin,” my buddy said from the back door of the box truck. Hands full (with what I don’t remember) I gave the shrink wrap at my feet a push with my boot and sent it rolling across the floor of the truck toward my buddy – and the boss, who had just materialized out of nowhere.

“Don’t EVER do that!” he barked in his usual intimidating way.” You know how much a roll of that stuff costs? You get one little rock in that plastic and the entire roll is shot! Where’s your head?!”

I wouldn’t say the whole entire roll would be shot. I wouldn’t say anything – not to that guy’s face. But he was right. Get even a small nick or cut or bit of debris in that plastic and it’ll drive you nuts the way it comes apart next time you try to use it. Money down the drain.

Protip: When someone asks you to hand them the shrink wrap, do just that.

Got any of your own lessons to share?

We know some of you have been around a while – long enough to have some good stories of your own about the hard lessons you’ve learned. We’d love for you to share them, so all of us can learn the easy way what you guys have learned the hard way.

Which brings me to one final tip.

Admit your mistakes. Spell them out to your team when they happen. This way you’ll be helping people avoid doing the same thing down the road.