How to Pack Glasses for Moving (Plus Tips for Other Breakables)

It may be one of the last things on your list — packing the kitchen typically is — but it’s inevitable: Eventually, you have to pack up your dishes. And that includes all those breakable glasses. But do you know how to pack glasses for moving? Basic steps include using the right materials and the right packing technique — not to mention sturdy moving boxes. However, with some items, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Keep reading for all the details.

How To Pack Glasses for Moving — FAQs

Q: What is the most efficient way to pack glasses for moving?
A: Although it may not seem like it, the most efficient way to pack glasses for moving is carefully wrapping each one in packing paper and/or bubble cushioning roll. After all, the point is to make sure they stay intact during transport. Heavier, larger objects should be placed at the bottom of the boxes. Similarly, heavy items should never be placed on top of the sealed boxes. Use small to medium-sized double-walled boxes, and make sure the boxes aren’t too heavy, as that could be a disaster waiting to happen!

Q: Should you pack glasses standing up or laying down?
A: Some uniform glassware can be packed in an upright position — and even stacked in rows, if properly cushioned. However, if you’re packing a box with glassware that’s various sizes, packing the items on their sides may make the best use of space. The one thing to remember: It won’t matter how you pack them if they aren’t properly padded.

Q: How to pack glasses for moving without paper?
A: Bubble cushioning roll can be more pricey, but it’s the best alternative when you’re wondering how to pack glasses for moving without paper. If you don’t have access to that either, you can use towels or linens to wrap your fragile items.

Q: How do I protect my glasses when moving houses?
A: Glasses should be individually wrapped and surrounded by cushioning in sturdy boxes to help ensure they’re protected from damage when traveling.

How To Pack Glasses for Moving — Step-By-Step

Make sure you have high-quality tape before you start packing up your glassware.

1. Gather Packing Supplies. 

Packing Paper

One of the best materials for packing fragile items is packing paper. It’s non-abrasive, so it won’t damage your glasses. And it can be used in different ways — layered for wrapping and crumpled up for cushioning and filling in gaps.

Bubble Cushioning Roll

Bubble cushioning roll can provide extra protection for fragile items — especially those with stems, like wine glasses. Although it might be a little bit more costly than packing paper, it’s a good idea to use it, as those air-filled bubbles aren’t just for popping; they can also absorb shock during transit. One of our favorite ways to efficiently use bubble cushioning roll? Wrap a layer around a glass that’s already been wrapped in paper. That way, you know it has that added layer of protection, but you’re not using up excessive amounts of expensive materials.

Double-Walled Boxes

A small to medium-sized double-walled box is ideal for packaging delicate glassware, as its reinforced design prevents it from tearing during the transportation process. You can repurpose old boxes by using strong tape to close up the bottom and sides; just make certain that the box is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your glasses. Even if you do a good job of wrapping your glasses, if your box breaks, the glass could break. 

Packing Tape

You can’t seal everything up without tape, right? Well, in this case, you want to make sure you use some high-quality tape. Not the kind that tears when you barely touch it or the kind that requires a dozen layers just to make you feel like you got a decent seal. When it comes to packing glassware and other breakables, you’re going to spend time filling in all the gaps with extra cushioning to ensure nothing moves around. And that means you don’t want that box opening up until you decide to open it.

Markers or Labels

Just like with the packing tape, you want anyone carrying the box to keep your breakables safe and secure inside. So that means it needs to be obvious that the contents are fragile. Use whatever you’d like to use — permanent markers, giant labels, whatever — to make it clear that they should be careful when transporting the goods.

Pro Tip: Want fast, free delivery of essential packing supplies? PODSBoxes.com has you covered! From convenient all-in-one kits to mattress bags, PODS Boxes is your one-stop shop.

2. Prepare the Box.

As you roll, take turns folding in the excess packing material on each side of the glass, so you end up with a tightly wrapped glass at the end.

3. Wrap ’Em Up.

Now it’s time to officially start wrapping the items! For each glass, place the item on one corner of a sheet of packing paper (or whatever material you’re using) and begin rolling the glass on its side, rolling the paper with the glass. As you roll, take turns folding in the excess paper on each side of the glass, so you end up with a tightly wrapped glass at the end. Secure the paper with tape. For added protection, stuff the inside of the glass with crumpled-up paper before rolling it and/or add a secured layer of bubble cushioning wrap outside the paper-wrapped glass.

4. Layer the Breakable Items.

How you layer your glassware in the box depends on the shapes of the items. If they’re all the same shape and size — a matching set of drinking glasses or glass tumblers, for example — you may be able to stand them up, side-by-side, in the box. You may even be able to do a couple of rows in one box. If they’re different shapes, the best use of your space may be to put them on their sides. And if you have a few smaller pieces, like shot glasses, those can just be interspersed throughout. However, it’s imperative to ensure even weight distribution and immobility, regardless of their positioning, so the glasses don’t shift during transit. That’s done by filling in all of the space around each glass with extra cushioning. When the box is sufficiently full, add another layer of cushion, just like you did at the bottom of the box. That way, it’s supported on all sides.

Now, what do you do if you want to pack a mixture of items in one box? Let’s take a look at how to pack some common dishware.

Wine glasses with stems require additional cushioning.

Packing Wine Glasses 

Even if you don’t have many to pack, knowing how to pack wine glasses for moving is essential. You’ll still need to wrap them individually; you’ll just need to add additional cushioning if they have stems (the same goes for any items with delicate pieces, like mugs or vases with bases). Go ahead and put crumpled-up paper in the drinking reservoir, and then wrap the stem with paper — enough layers to make the wrapping nearly the same width as the drinking glass. After securing that cushioning, you can go ahead and wrap the rest of the glass like you would any other. Then, for even more protection, add a layer of bubble cushioning roll around the wrapped glass.

Packing Plates 

Just like glasses, the first thing you should do is wrap each of your plates in individual wrapping to prevent them from getting knocked against one another. Then, tape them together in a stack and place them vertically in the box. This method will make them look like they're being loaded into a dishwasher. Add stuffing to the box, as necessary, so the plates stay secure and separate from the glassware.

Packing Bowls

Bowls should be individually wrapped, as well, and packed sideways. To avoid breakage, they should not be nested inside one another.

Packing Unbreakable Materials

If you have several items made of durable materials, like stainless steel, those don’t have to be treated as gently. For example, you can stack some plastic cups together before wrapping them and nestle some stainless steel mixing bowls together in the bottom of a box. Use your best judgment about durability; just make sure the largest and heaviest items are on the bottom of the box. 

Don’t forget to indicate that your boxes of glass are fragile!

5. Sign It, Seal It, and Deliver It!

You’re done! Now you just need to use that heavy-duty packing tape to make sure the box is properly sealed and indicate on all sides that it’s fragile. It’s also a good idea to indicate which side is up.

Extra Tips To Keep In Mind

A lot of things go into the moving process, but these are the most important tips to take away when figuring out how to pack glasses for moving. 

• Keep in mind that packing too many dishes or glasses can make them difficult to handle and increase the risk of breakage. Ensure that the boxes of breakable items are not too heavy, and consider getting rid of anything you might not use as much anymore.
• Place heavier objects and boxes at the bottom of the moving vehicle and keep delicate ones at the top to prevent them from being crushed. Use padding around the edges of boxes to protect fragile items from getting scratched or moved around during transit.
• It’s important to clearly label boxes that contain fragile items such as vases so those assisting with the move are aware that they need to handle them with care.
• Towels, clothes, and linens can also be used as padding inside boxes to protect fragile items. These materials are especially beneficial during transit when the items could bump together and break. And, hey, that’s less to pack, right?

Need additional help with your move? Take some of the stress away when you choose PODS. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you can take your time packing and loading all of your belongings including your glassware. One month of storage is included in the cost of every move in case you need more time to unload!