According to Better Homes & Gardens, glassware is among the fragile household items most likely to be damaged during a move. Many high-end wine glasses feature ultra-thin rims and delicate stems measuring just 4–5 mm in diameter, leaving them highly vulnerable to damage if they aren’t packed and protected correctly.
Fortunately, a few simple packing techniques can help protect your wine glasses so they reach your new home in one piece.
Here’s how to pack wine glasses for a move in six simple steps:
- Source and prepare a cell (wine) box
- Stuff and wrap each wine glass with protective materials
- Pack the glasses in the cell box
- Fill gaps in boxes with crunched-up paper
- Secure the box
- Label the box
We’ll explain each of these steps in more detail below.
1. Source & Prepare A Cell (Wine) Box
Before you can pack your wine glasses, we would recommend that you purchase a cell (wine) box. These are boxes with cardboard dividers that create sections where the wine glasses can sit. These are often available at newsagents, supermarkets and other places that sell alcohol.
For additional protection within a cell box, you can line each cell with a thin layer of bubble wrap (or another protective material) before you place the glass in.
You should avoid newspapers, though, as this can leave a print on the glass.
2. Stuff and Wrap the Glass
Take several sheets of packing paper and gently stuff the bowl of the wine glass. Avoid overfilling or applying pressure to the sides, as this could cause the glass to crack or break.
Once stuffed, lay the glass on its side and wrap it in a layer of packing paper, followed by bubble wrap. Pay particular attention to the stem and base, as these are often the most vulnerable parts of the glass.
For added protection, use multiple layers of wrapping if required.
Pay particular attention to the stem and base when wrapping each glass, as these delicate areas are vulnerable to chips, cracks, and breakages during a move.
3. Pack the Glasses in the Cell Box
Place each glass into one of the cells, stem first. It should fit snug, but not so tight that it could smash. If the glass is loose, roll it up in a few more sheets of paper (or bubble wrap) and try again.
If you have any empty cells, fill them with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This will help keep everything in place and reduce movement during the move. When the box is full, place a layer of bubble wrap or tissue paper on top for additional protection (and to discourage movement).
Although your wine glasses are now in a box, it is a good idea to pack this box into another, larger box, to make it easier to move.
Place each wine glass into a separate cell during packing, stem first, so they fit securely but not overly tightly.
4. Fill Gaps in Boxes with Crunched Up Paper
Next, fill all the gaps in both boxes with crumpled packing paper or other protective materials. Pay particular attention to the corners of the box and any gaps between the wine glasses.
Filling these spaces helps keep the glasses firmly in place and prevents them from shifting during transport. The less movement there is inside the box, the lower the risk of chips, cracks and breakages.
5. Secure the Box
Close the top of your larger box, and secure it with packing tape.
Before moving the box, gently lift it and check for any rattling. If you can hear the glasses moving inside, reopen the box and add more crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap until everything feels secure.
6. Label the Box
Label the box with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” to prompt and remind your removals company to take extra care with the glasses.
And you’re done! Your wine glasses should arrive safe and sound in their new home.
Label the box with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” to remind your removal company to take extra care.
How Can We Help
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how to pack wine glasses for moving.
At Falconer Removals, we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your bikes and other items are stored and kept in perfect condition.
To learn more about our purpose-built storage facilities or removals service, take a look at our website or contact Nathan at info@falconerremovals.co.uk.
