Moving is an adventure filled with new beginnings, albeit a fair bit of chaos. It’s about navigating the unknown, from discovering hidden gems in your new neighbourhood to figuring out how to fit your oversized couch through a narrow door frame. But while the journey to your new home can be thrilling, some parts of it – like getting your fragile glassware from point A to point B – can be challenging.
Ah, yes, moving your glassware (especially if it’s that fancy crystal stuff) can be stressful. After all, it’s prone to cracks, chips and worse if not handled with care. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Or rather, we’ve got your bottles, wine glasses and vases because, in this article, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to pack glasses for moving.
So grab a cuppa (in a sturdy mug, of course), and let’s explore more about how to get your glasses to your new home in one piece. Ready? Let’s get packing!
That’s a wrap: the options
When wrapping glass items for a move, the choice of wrapping materials can make all the difference. Let’s take a look.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is designed to absorb shock, making it a top choice for protecting delicate glass items. If you’re planning more house moves in the future or need to store items long-term, bubble wrap is great.
It does, however, have its downsides. It’s a bulky product and takes up lots of space in your moving boxes, which might be an issue if you’re trying to minimise packing volume. It’s also not the most eco-conscious choice, given that it’s made from plastic.
Newspaper
Newspapers are cheap, so they are a budget-friendly option for wrapping glass items.
The downside is that newspaper ink can transfer to your glassware, meaning you’ll need to wash everything after unpacking (ugh, who has time for that?). While it’s an option if you’re in a pinch, newspaper doesn’t provide as much cushioning as other options, so we wouldn’t recommend it for fragile items.
Clothes and tea towels
Using clothes or tea towels to wrap glass items is a clever way to reduce packing volume. Because you’re using items you already own (and need to pack anyway), there’s no waste or need to purchase new materials. They’re eco-friendly and packing-friendly!
However, while clothes and towels can protect your glassware, they might not offer enough cushioning for those super delicate items, so you might want to reserve this method for sturdier pieces.
Packing paper
Unlike newspaper, packing paper won’t leave smudges on your glass items, so there’s no need to wash everything post-move. It’s also easy to manipulate, so it is great for items of various shapes and sizes.
Although packing paper does provide some protection, it’s not as effective at absorbing shocks as bubble wrap. You might want to combine it with other materials for added protection.
How to wrap and store glasses for moving
Packing glass items requires a bit of finesse, much like wrapping a delicate gift that you want to make sure arrives in perfect condition. Ready to learn? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wrap and store your glassware securely.
Gather your materials
Before you start, have all the necessary packing materials on hand:
- bubble wrap
- packing paper
- sturdy moving boxes
- dividers or cardboard sheets
- packing tape
- marker for labelling
- packing peanuts, crumpled paper or towels
Wrap each piece securely
Step 1: Lay out the sheet of bubble wrap, packing paper or a soft cloth on a flat surface.
Step 2: Place the glass in the centre of the sheet. For larger pieces, you may need to use multiple sheets for full coverage.
Step 3: Start by folding the material over the glass, covering one side completely. Roll the glass gently, tucking in the sides as you go, until the entire piece is covered. Ensure the opening or rim is well padded, as it’s the most vulnerable part.
Step 4: Use packing tape to secure the wrapping in place. For added protection, consider double wrapping with an additional layer of bubble wrap or packing paper.
How to pack glass items in a box
Packing glass items in a box requires careful attention to detail, ensuring each piece is cushioned and secure for a smooth move.
- Line the bottom of the box with a generous layer of crumpled paper, packing peanuts or towels. Use dividers or cardboard to create layers or sections. These are important to keep items from bumping together when they’re on the move.
- Begin with larger, heavier items at the bottom of the box. Lay them flat if possible, ensuring each piece is snug and well-supported.
- Add another layer of cushioning before placing the next batch of glassware. Make sure each layer is stable when you gently shake the box. Use additional padding as you add more layers.
- Before sealing the box, look for any empty spaces. Use soft materials like packing peanuts, towels or socks to fill these spaces so items don’t shift while moving.
- Be generous with the tape when sealing the box to ensure it doesn’t accidentally open during transit. Clearly label the box as ‘fragile’.
There you have it. You now know how to properly pack glasses for moving.
Put it away! In your TAXIBOX container
When packing your TAXIBOX or moving truck, position your glassware boxes carefully. Always place them on top of heavier, sturdier items to avoid crushing.
To keep them stable, surround the glassware boxes with soft items like pillows, blankets or clothing bags. These items act as a cushion, absorbing any impacts and preventing the glassware boxes from moving around. By taking these extra precautions, you’ll keep your fragile items safe while you relocate.
Them’s the breaks: what to do when it’s time to say goodbye
Even when you’ve followed our how-to’s and packed glass items carefully, accidents can happen. When dealing with broken glass during a move, put on thick gloves to protect your hands, and use a dustpan and brush to gather larger shards carefully. For smaller fragments, use a damp paper towel or piece of bread to pick them up effectively. Place all broken pieces in a sturdy, marked container before disposing of them.
If your glass item was insured or covered by your moving company’s policy, take photos of the damage and keep the packaging materials intact as evidence. Contact your insurer or moving company to file a claim.
Run with the pack: How TAXIBOX can help
Careful packing is essential when it comes to moving glass items safely and taking the time to wrap and store each item properly can make all the difference. Understanding the basics of packing and paying attention to detail ensures your glassware arrives intact.For an even smoother experience, consider using TAXIBOX. Our convenient solutions, combined with the option of professional removalists, plus the added protection of Protect+, take the stress out of moving, especially when it comes to handling your delicate glass items. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, TAXIBOX is here to help.
