How to Pack Glassware for Long Moves

Packing Glassware for Moves

One item we all seem to have more of than we think is glassware. From wine glasses to crystal vases, beer glasses to water tumblers, we find out just how many breakable items we’ve crammed into our cabinets when it comes time to move. If you’re transporting your household goods a long distance (say, to Alaska for instance) you’ll need to keep in mind the temperature changes your glassware will go through, as well as bumpy roads, loading and unloading from various modes of transportation, and the number of hands your boxes may pass through. Packing all that glassware for moving can be a little bit tricky, but you’ll have no problem keeping your breakables safe during your move when you follow a few simple steps.

 

Packing Glass When Moving

When preparing your glassware for packing, you may want to wash and thoroughly dry it first. If you choose to pack with newspaper, you’ll need to wash your glassware once you unpack it to remove any black ink transferred from the newspaper to the glassware before you put it away in your new kitchen. If you use plain wrapping paper, you should not need to rewash your glassware when you unpack it. Toss anything that is chipped, cracked, or broken unless it has extreme sentimental value. Although bubble wrap can be great for protecting your fragile pieces, it is difficult to recycle and bulky to use, taking up extra space inside the box. You might want to consider using soft cloths, rags, clothing (you can stuff washcloths, hand towels, baby clothes, socks, and underwear inside and in between items), or paper towels.

Before you wash and pack your glassware, collect all the supplies you’ll need to complete the job:

• Divided boxes
• Packing material such as plain paper or newspaper, dish towels, clothing, rags, soft cloths
• Packing tape
• Black permanent marker
• Scissors
• Fragile stickers for outside of box If you’re transporting your household goods a long distance (say, to Alaska for instance) you’ll need to keep in mind the temperature changes your glassware will go through, as well as bumpy roads, loading and unloading from various modes of transportation, and the number of hands your boxes may pass through. Packing all that glassware for moving can be a little bit tricky, but you’ll have no problem keeping your breakables safe during your move when you follow a few simple steps.
• Pen and paper for list of box contents

 

Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to prepare your boxes for packing. If you haven’t got a divided box (liquor stores are great for this!) and are using a regular cardboard box for your glassware, be sure to use a small to medium sized box rather than a large one. It’s not a bad idea to make a list of everything that goes inside the box and tape it to the inside of the top flap. When you get to your destination you can consult the list of contents and find out if what you’re looking for is inside the box without the need to start unwrapping items to find something in particular.

 

Remember to double tape the bottom of the box to prevent it from coming apart during transport. If you have an extra piece of cardboard, you may wish to place it in the bottom of the box to reinforce its strength. Next, line the bottom and sides of the box with a soft towel or blanket. Put heavier items in first and make sure there is enough packing material in between each item so that they don’t bump up against each other during the move. Leave enough room for a layer of soft packing material at the top of the box before closing the flaps and taping them down.

 

Tips for Wrapping Your Glassware

Wine glasses or anything with stems are probably the most fragile glassware. Wrap the stems first, stuff some paper or a soft rag inside the glass bowl, and roll the glass up in paper, a soft cloth, or the packing material of your choice. Every piece of glassware should be wrapped, even your heaviest bar glasses. If you’re using paper, tuck the ends inside the glass as you wrap. When using a partitioned box, place one item in each cell. When using a regular cardboard box, place a layer of cushioning on the bottom of the box and in between each layer of glassware. Fill any remaining empty spaces with cushioning material to prevent your glassware from shifting and bumping into each other.

 

Once the box is full, pick it up and gently give it a “shake test”. If there is any movement inside the box, add more packing material and test again until nothing moves. Use a permanent marker to label the box “glassware” or “breakables” and add directional arrows with “THIS SIDE UP” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” in large, bold letters. If you have them, add “FRAGILE” stickers to all sides of the box.

Although you can pack other items in the same box, remember that plates are best packed standing on their sides rather than stacked flat (like when they’re in your cupboard). Plates that are packed flat are more prone to breakage. When plates are packed on their sides they can withstand much more force without becoming damaged.

 

Packing glassware for moves can be stressful, as any part of moving can be. If you prefer to let someone else handle the details of your next move, Golden North Van Lines can take the worry out of packing and moving for you. We are an experienced Alaskan moving company and relocation service with offices in both Anchorage and Fairbanks and several decades of experience successfully moving households and businesses to and from Alaska. We have the expertise to get you and your household moved quickly, safely, and efficiently. If a move to Alaska is in your future, call us for a free quote today, and let us help make your next move your best one yet.