How To Pack Glasses, Wine Goblets & Cups: Mastering the Art

Packing is never fun. Nobody packs for pleasure or therapy.

Packing highly fragile items like glasses, wine goblets, and cups can be downright nerve-wracking. You may harbor memories of past failures — expensive wine glasses arriving in shards at the new address; heirloom cups with chips, cracks, and broken handles.

Short of wrapping each item in 5 feet of bubble wrap, what’s what’s the right approach to ensure your glassware remains in one piece?

In this blog, we’ll cover some expert tips and techniques to help you master the art of packing glasses, wine goblets, and cups like a pro.

Why Proper Packing Matters

Glasses and goblets are inherently fragile, and without proper protection, they can easily crack or shatter. Using the right materials and techniques is crucial to avoid damage.

Essential Packing Materials

• Sturdy boxes: Choose double-walled boxes for added protection.
• Packing paper: Soft, cushioning paper is ideal for wrapping individual items.
• Bubble wrap: Provides excellent shock absorption.
• Packing tape: Strong tape seals your boxes securely.
• Dividers: Cardboard dividers keep items separated and prevent them from colliding against each other.
• Markers and Labels: For labeling boxes as “Fragile.”

How To Pack Glassware: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Clear a large, flat surface. Lay out all your materials, so everything is within reach. Having a clean, organized workspace will make the process smoother.

2. Reinforce Your Boxes

Before you start packing, ensure your boxes are sturdy enough to hold fragile items. Reinforce the bottom of each box with packing tape to prevent them from collapsing under the weight of the contents. A few extra layers of tape can make a significant difference in the box’s stability.

3. Use Dividers

Place a cardboard divider in the bottom of your box. Separate smaller glasses and goblets with a grid-style divider. For larger items like wine glasses or cups, wrap each one individually in packing paper and stand them upright in the box. This will prevent them from bumping into each other during transit.

4. Wrap Individual Items

Wrap each item separately in a few sheets of packing paper, tucking the ends inside the glassware to prevent them from unwrapping. For extra protection, you can also wrap items in bubble wrap before using packing paper.

5. Properly Pack Stemware

When packing stemware like wine glasses, place packing paper or bubble wrap inside the glass to protect the delicate stem. Then roll it up with more packing paper, ensuring that all areas are covered.

6. Protect the Box’s Bottom and Sides

Line the box’s bottom and sides with a layer of bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper to create a shock-absorbing cushion.

7. Pack Your Glassware in Layers

Place your wrapped items into the box, making sure there’s enough padding between each item. Add another layer of bubble wrap or crumpled paper on top before packing more glasses or goblets. Repeat this process until your box is full.

8. Fill Any Gaps

Fill any gaps between the items and the box’s sides with additional packing material to prevent movement and provide extra cushioning during transportation.

9. Seal, Label & Store Safely

Seal the box with strong packing tape. Label the box as “Fragile” in bold letters. When stacking boxes, never place heavy items on top of delicate ones.

Packing Cups with Handles

To ensure maximum protection for cups with handles, consider the following additional steps:

• Wrap the Handle Separately: Begin by wrapping the handle of the cup with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap. This extra cushioning helps prevent any potential bending or breakage during transit.
• Use Packing Paper for the Body: Once the handle is protected, wrap the entire cup in multiple sheets of packing paper. Tuck the edges inside to secure the wrap around the cup.
• Consider a Box Divider: If packing several cups, use dividers within the box to keep each cup secure and prevent them from colliding.
• Position Upright: When placing the wrapped cups in the box, ensure they are positioned upright rather than sideways. This orientation helps distribute weight evenly and reduce the risk of damage.
• Add Extra Padding on Top: After arranging the cups, add a layer of bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper on top before sealing the box. This ensures that even during movement, the cups remain cushioned from above.

Pro Tips for Packing Fragile Glassware

1. Double Box for Extra Protection

Consider double boxing. Place the packed box inside a larger box with extra padding around it. This creates an extra buffer against impacts.

2. Avoid Overpacking

It might be tempting to stuff as many items as possible into one box, but overpacking increases the risk of breakage. Ensure each item has enough room and padding.

3. Keep Boxes Upright

Transporting boxes upright reduces the chance of items shifting and colliding. Mark the top of the box clearly so movers know which way is up.

FAQs: More about Packing Glasses & Glassware

Q: How many layers of packing paper should I use for each glass?

Use at least two to three layers of packing paper for each glass. More delicate items, like wine goblets, may need additional layers or a combination of packing paper and bubble wrap.

Q: Can I use newspaper instead of packing paper?

It’s not the best option. The ink can transfer onto your glassware and leave stains. Packing paper is soft and ink-free, making it a better choice.

Q: What should I do if I run out of bubble wrap?

You can use clothing, towels, or blankets as padding. These household items can provide adequate cushioning in a pinch.

Q: Is it necessary to label boxes as “Fragile”?

Labeling your boxes as “Fragile” alerts movers to handle them with care. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in preventing damage.

Q: What type of boxes are best for packing glassware?

We recommend sturdy corrugated boxes designed for moving. These boxes provide better protection and are less likely to collapse than regular cardboard boxes. Also, consider using smaller boxes for heavier items to keep them manageable.

Q: Should I remove glasses from their original packaging?

If the original packaging includes protective materials like foam inserts that fit snugly, it’s best to use them. Otherwise, wrap each glass securely in packing paper or bubble wrap.

Q: Can I stack my packed boxes during transport?

Ensure that heavy boxes are on the bottom and fragile boxes are on top. Also, avoid placing weight on top of boxes labeled “Fragile.”

Q: How can I determine if a box is strong enough for packing glassware?

Look for boxes that are made from double-walled corrugated cardboard. Check for any visible damage or weaknesses. If the box feels flimsy or shows signs of wear, buy a new one designed for moving.