How to Pack Glasses for Moving

Written by
Diane Schmidt
Diane E. Schmidt is a moving expert, published author, and freelance writer. She has been writing on topics surrounding moving for over a decade.
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Diane Schmidt
Updated 07/20/21
Wine glasses in a box

 

George Diebold / Getty Images

Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Moving is a daunting task, whether you're upgrading to a new place across town or flying to parts unknown on the other side of the world. While you might choose to throw a tag sale and get rid of things you'd rather not move, the items in your kitchen usually make the journey with you. That's especially true of glasses, mugs, and cups that you'll need as soon as you get to the new place.

Learning how to pack glasses properly doesn't take long at all and helps ensure your delicate glassware and ceramic mugs get to the new destination in one piece.

Before You Begin

Don't hesitate to look for gently-used boxes and packing materials. Boxes can be used over and over again, as can most packing material. A divided box, or one with a cell pack inside, can be helpful but it's not required.

Tips

Ask for boxes at liquor stores. These tend to be sturdier than most and can stand up to a lot of jostling during the move without damage to the items inside.

Newspaper can be substituted for packing paper. However, newspaper might smudge the glass, especially during a long move. This simply means you'll have to wash the glassware thoroughly at your destination, which might be a good idea anyway. Newspaper can be easier to find and more affordable than packing paper.

Before packing, look closely at the boxes you'll be using. Make sure the bottom is taped firmly shut. The last thing you want is to carefully pack that delicate glassware only to watch it fall to the floor when the bottom of the box fails to hold.

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What You'll Need

Materials

  • Packing paper or newspapers
  • Bubble wrap
  • Boxes of appropriate size
  • Box dividers (if desired)
  • Scissors
  • Packing tape

Instructions

  1. Choose Glasses of Similar Shape and Size

    You've likely got glasses, cups, and mugs of all sizes in your cabinets. Sort them into similar sizes for ease of packing. Big bonus if you have glasses or mugs that nest inside each other, as those are easier to pack.

    If you happen to have plastic glassware as well as that made of glass or ceramic, you might have an advantage in packing. Some of your finer, more delicate glassware might be just the right size to slip into larger, plastic glasses or tumblers. This provides an extra layer of protection against shock during the move.

  2. Securely Wrap the Glasses

    Take the first glass and place it across one of the corners of the packing paper or newspaper. Wrap two sheets of paper around the glass, making sure you line the inside by tucking in the paper ends.

    If you have glassware that can nest within each other, continue to the next step. If your drinkware won't nest, as is often the case with mugs, now is the time to wrap the item with bubble wrap and secure it with a bit of tape.

    Tip

    Use scissors to cut packing paper sheets to a more suitable size. If you're using newspaper, you can easily just tear it with your hands.

  3. Nest and Wrap the Glasses

    If nesting your glasses, place the second glass inside the first one. Then place the two glasses on the stack of packing paper, repeating the third step. Insert another glass.

    You can nest three or four glasses, depending on their size and weight.

    Holding the corner of the packing paper closest to you, wrap another two sheets around the stack and tuck in the ends. You should have a neat package of glasses.

    Wrap them with a layer of bubble wrap and seal the end with a piece of tape.

  4. Fill and Seal the Boxes

    Place the wrapped glasses in the box. If you're using a box with dividers, the glasses should slip easily into the small spaces. Add in a little packing material to help ensure a snug fit and prevent too much jostling when moving the box around.

    If there are no dividers, place the wrapped glasses neatly in rows. Use more packing paper or bubble wrap between each neatly wrapped package to help ward off breakage.

    Once you've filled the box, add extra packing paper or bubble wrap on top. Seal the box with generous amounts of tape and mark it "Fragile: glassware" so there is no doubt that it goes to the kitchen or dining area.

Cups and Glasses in Cabinet
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Shipping boxes and packing supplies
Tetra Images / Getty Images
cardboard partition for beverage or spray bottles. packaging concept.
Ratchat / Getty Images
Glass in Corner
Tuck in the Ends
Nesting Glasses
Wrap the Nested Glasses
Place Glasses in Box
This should be the last of the boxes
Moyo Studio / Getty Images