Is the day of your cross country moving slowly but surely approaching, and you’re worried about how to pack glasses for moving? We understand you. Relocating makes us more aware of how some seemingly simple tasks can become complicated and cause last-minute drama. But once we show you how to pack glasses like a professional, you’ll be one step closer to drinking champagne or coffee in your future home from your favorite glass.

Long-distance moving is an occasion during which we can experience various kinds of moving stress. For example, you’re moving to another state alone, and you need to figure out the budget for moving out for the first time. Those are those obvious, big “problems” or questions we need to deal with. And then there are those small, at first look insignificant problems that many tend to neglect, from safely packaging electronics to makeup and jewelry. There are plenty of moving hacks on how to pack clothes for moving or how to move a piano. But when it comes to packing glassware, you can only rely on professionals’ advice to prevent a disaster. So if you don’t want to be surprised negatively once you unpack and discover a pile of shattered glass, pay close attention to our recommendations on how to pack glassware for moving.

How to Pack Glassware Without Breaking Anything? By Using Proper Packing Supplies

Before we get to the main part, you first need to ensure you have enough proper supplies. There are some alternative ways and tricks you can use for storing fragile items, but we’ll introduce you to that a bit later, that is, in case you opt for a DIY option. A professional packer would rely on proven supplies that leave no room for improvisation and present the safest possible way for storing sensitive objects. This is a list of supplies professionals cross country movers use when you order their packing service, and we recommend you stick to it as much as possible and try to find these materials:

• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Different size boxes
• Cardboard cell box
• Newspapers
• Duct tape
• Permanent marker

What are the Moving Boxes for Glasses

Although you might be tempted to try and find some free boxes at a local liquor store or on Freecycle, the truth is, those were already in use, and they might be damaged and worn out. That means that you risk that the box could fall apart or open, and everything will be ruined in a second. If you’re moving without a job and you’re on a budget, we see how this could be a problem, but you can always compromise.

Use second-hand cardboard for storing clothes and other things that can’t break. For fragile objects, invest in a few proper boxes, and not too big ones, or try to find the ones with cardboard compartments. That way, the content will be stored entirely safe, with no risk of breaking. If you can’t find them, you can perform a small DIY project and cut custom cardboard dividers yourself.

Step by Step Guide on How to Pack Glasses for Moving

If buying glassware is not on your new apartment checklist for shopping, that means you’re counting on safely transporting everything you already have. Packing glasses is not really rocket science, but it does require some patience and attention to detail if you want everything to be shipped intact. If you’ve never done this before, here is the best way to pack glasses, explained step-by-step.

Step 1. Prepare the Box

When packaging such sensitive objects, you can’t rely on a better storing option than a good old cardboard box. But, there are some things you need to do before you start filling it in. First, use the tape and secure all the corners and the bottom. Then use crumpled newspapers to form a cushioning layer at the bottom before you start inserting wrapped up things. By doing so, you’ll get a surface that is much more welcoming and cushioning than flat cardboard.

Step 2. Learn How to Wrap Properly

Every single piece needs to be properly wrapped before you place it in the box with others.  Newspapers are a great budget-friendly solution, but keep in mind that sometimes ink can transfer. Packing paper is usually the best material. Depending on the size of the sheet, you can wrap one or even two glasses with one sheet of paper. Start rolling from the corner, tuck in the extra paper, and fold it at the bottom. Depending on the shape and size, you might have to tuck in the handle or stem more carefully.

Step 3. Pack Heavier Items First

Before you start boxing it all, you have to pay attention to one thing. Heavier and bigger items should go first. So, inspect your collection, and divide it into two groups. First, wrap and store heavier objects, then move on to lighter ones. They should be placed at the top. If you’re moving with pets, you might want to keep them away from the kitchen while doing all this. It is stressful enough without someone jumping around and stealing your attention. You need to stay concentrated.

Step 4. Fill in the Gaps and Try Not to Overpack

Once you’re done, shake it lightly to get a sense if anything is moving inside. If it is, you need to fill in the gaps with a bit more crumpled paper. Also, you have to know when to stop. The point is not to fill in the box all the way to the top. Just like you used a base cushioning layer, you’ll need one at the top, so leave some space, and insert more crumpled papers or towels to tuck in everything, and then seal the packaging. It is safer to use several smaller cardboard containers than a large one.

Step 5. Label Everything Properly

The last step before you ship your belongings is proper labeling. Many neglect this step or are not specific enough when it comes to labeling, but you should be. Here’s why – whether you’re renting storage or shipping your belongings with the state to state movers, you need to prepare that you won’t see your stuff for weeks. And although now it seems like you know exactly where every item is, you’re going to forget that in no time. So, instead of just writing “fragile” on a sticky note or cardboard, we suggest writing brief content lists or descriptions that will help you remember what is where.

How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving If You don’t Have the Original Box

A wine glass is delicate and fragile, which is why it requires special attention. They usually come in those convenient cardboard packaging with dividers and cushioning for each one, but who keeps those? We throw away all original packaging without thinking we might need it one day again. But there is a solution. Luckily, today, you can find such packaging and buy it, or even make custom cardboard dividers. It is up to you. But when it comes to stemware, you have to be really careful and even use an extra layer of the wrapper to ensure it is all well-protected.

Take a Look at This Video to See How to Properly Pack Stemware

To summarize it all and help you get an idea of what safe storing of stemware looks like, since this is the most delicate category of them all, we decided to show you this video. So pay close attention, and you’ll learn some tricks.

How to Pack Like a Pro, With Not So Profesional Materials and Boxes

Sometimes, you just have to improvise and work with what you have. Whether it is because of lack of time or money, we can’t always be fully prepared for what’s coming. But no worries, there is always an alternative solution, and in this case, it is quite simple. We hope you didn’t already packed all your socks and sheets because you might need them. So here is a bonus tip: gather all the towels, cloths, socks, and sheets and prepare for wrapping.

All these fabrics are soft and ideal for cushioning fragile objects. However, we do need to mention that you should make sure to wash them before doing this, especially if you plan to keep these things in storage for a while. Use them for stuffing, wrapping, or cradling sensitive objects, and follow all the steps mentioned above. The principle remains the same, only the materials are different. For storing, you can use suitcases or plastic containers.

What to Do If You Break Something?

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. Whether you drop something or someone else, once the damage is done, there is not much you can do except removing all the glass particles carefully. That is why children and pets shouldn’t be around when handling these sensitive objects. If you want to involve children in the process, let them store their toys and clothes. They shouldn’t bother with glassware, plates, and other dishes.

Now You Know How to Pack Glasses for Shipping When Moving Cross Country

Knowing how to safely store your belongings can help you save a lot of money on moving services when moving state to state. If you’re moving to a new state alone, we also suggest you take a look at some tips on how to pack plates for moving, books, or shoes. It could be handy and help you organize everything on time. Get familiar with moving insurance benefits, especially if you have a lot of expensive, fragile objects. It is an investment worth considering. After that, all that is left to do is to find a reliable cross country moving company and schedule a free estimate. Who knows, you might even realize there is enough room in your budget to let the experts take over this delicate task.