Moving homes without breaking your favorite wine glasses is tricky. I’ve learned this the hard way after several moves and too many broken stems. Working with a top moving team on my last relocation taught me valuable techniques for protecting delicate glassware. Now I’m sharing my tried-and-tested method for packing wine glasses so they arrive intact at your new home, no matter how bumpy the journey.
Gather Packing Materials
Don’t start wrapping glasses until you’ve got everything you need. Hunt down sturdy dish-pack boxes (they’re thicker than regular boxes), plenty of plain packing paper, bubble wrap, and strong packing tape. Skip newspaper – it leaves ink stains on glasses that are hard to wash off. Dish packs cost a bit more but trust me, they’re worth it.
I once tried to save money using random boxes from the grocery store and ended up with a heartbreaking pile of glass shards. If you can find boxes with dividers or cell kits, grab them – they’re perfect for keeping glasses separated during transit.
Wrap Each Wine Glass
This is where rushing leads to disaster. Lay a sheet of packing paper on a clean surface. Place your wine glass on its side near one corner, then roll it diagonally, tucking paper around the stem as you go. The stem needs extra attention since it breaks the easiest.
Secure the paper with a small piece of tape. For expensive or sentimental glasses, add a bubble wrap layer for insurance. Each glass should feel like a padded cocoon when done – you shouldn’t be able to tell it’s a glass by touch alone. I spent about 2-3 minutes per glass when packing mine, and every single one survived the move.
Choose the Right Box
The box you choose can make or break your glasses (literally). Regular moving boxes are too flimsy – I’ve watched in horror as the bottom gave out on a box of glasses I hadn’t properly packed. Get specialized dish barrels with double-thick walls if possible. Ensure your box is clean and completely dry – old food residue or moisture can damage glasses.
Pick boxes slightly larger than your wrapped glasses to leave room for cushioning. Always reinforce the bottom seam with an extra strip of packing tape running in both directions, even on new boxes.
Pack Wine Glasses in Boxes
Create a 2-inch cushion layer at the bottom of your box using crumpled packing paper. Place wrapped glasses upright (never on their sides) with stems pointing in the same direction. Keep some space between each glass. Without dividers, stuff crumpled paper between glasses to prevent shifting.
Fill every gap – any space lets glasses knock together during transit. After all the glasses are in, add another thick layer so nothing moves when you close the box. The box should feel solid with no movement inside when gently shaken.
Label Boxes and Handle With Care
Mark these boxes clearly as “FRAGILE – WINE GLASSES” on multiple sides with bold lettering. Draw arrows pointing up to show which way the box should be carried. I always write “TOP LOAD ONLY” too, so nothing heavy gets stacked on them.
When loading the truck, place these boxes on top of sturdy, flat items – never under heavy boxes. At your new place, unpack these first to prevent accidents while moving other items around. If you’re doing a DIY move, carry these boxes yourself instead of letting friends handle them.
Ready for your move but worried about your fragile items? Get in touch with us to schedule professional packing services. Our team specializes in safely transporting delicate items like crystal and stemware, treating your treasured pieces with the same care you would. Let us handle the stress while you focus on settling into your new home.
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