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.