How do I pack glasses and stemware safely?

How to Pack Glasses and Stemware Safely

Packing delicate items such as glasses and stemware requires careful attention to detail to prevent breakages during transit. Whether moving across the city or simply to a different part of the house, following industry best practices ensures these fragile possessions arrive intact.

Gathering the Right Materials

Effective packing begins with selecting the correct supplies. Skimping on materials can lead to disappointment upon unpacking.

• Double-Walled Boxes: These offer superior strength and protection compared to standard single-walled boxes. Specialist 'dish pack' or 'china' boxes are specifically designed for fragile kitchen items.
• Clean Packing Paper: Abundant quantities are essential. Use clean, unprinted paper to avoid ink transferring onto your glassware.
• Packing Tape: Strong, adhesive tape is required to secure boxes.
• Markers: For clear labelling.
• Bubble Wrap (Optional): For particularly valuable or delicate stemware, a layer of bubble wrap can provide additional cushioning.

Preparing the Moving Box

A well-prepared box forms the foundation for safe packing.

• Begin by thoroughly taping the bottom seams of the box to ensure they are robust and secure.
• Create a cushion at the bottom of the box with a generous layer (approximately 5-10 cm deep) of crumpled packing paper. This acts as a shock absorber.

The Art of Wrapping

Each item of glassware requires individual attention.

For Standard Glasses and Mugs

• Place a glass on the corner of a stack of 2-3 sheets of packing paper.
• Roll the glass diagonally across the paper, tucking in the sides as it rolls.
• Gently tuck any excess paper into the opening of the glass for added internal support.
• For mugs, an additional sheet of paper can be crumpled and placed inside the mug before wrapping.

For Delicate Stemware

Stemmed glasses, such as wine glasses or champagne flutes, are more vulnerable due to their slender stems and bases. They require extra care.

• Wrap the stem first, then the base, with a small sheet of packing paper. Secure this with a piece of tape if necessary.
• Gently stuff the bowl of the glass with crumpled paper.
• Lay the prepared stemware on a larger sheet of packing paper, placing it on the corner. Roll it diagonally, ensuring the entire item is covered with several layers of paper, just like a standard glass.
• Consider an additional layer of bubble wrap around the bowl and stem for extremely fragile or valuable pieces.

Loading the Box

The method of loading is critical to preventing damage.

• Always place the heaviest, most robust wrapped items at the bottom of the box.
• For standard glasses, pack them upright (rim-up) or on their sides within the box. Never pack them upside down, as the rim is typically the weakest point.
• Stemware should also be packed upright (bowl-up) to protect the stem.
• Create distinct rows, separating each wrapped item with additional crumpled paper. This prevents items from knocking against each other.
• Fill all empty spaces and voids within the box with crumpled paper. The goal is for nothing to shift or move when the box is gently shaken.
• When building layers, place a flat, sturdy layer of crumpled paper between each level of glassware to provide an even surface and extra cushioning.
• Do not overpack the box; an excessively heavy box is difficult to handle and increases the risk of items crushing each other from below.

Final Touches and Labelling

Clear communication is key for those handling the boxes.

• Once the box is full, add a final thick layer of crumpled paper on top before sealing.
• Securely tape all seams of the box with strong packing tape.
• Label the box clearly and prominently on all sides and the top with "FRAGILE - GLASSES" and "THIS SIDE UP". Also, note the destination room, such as "Kitchen" or "Dining Room", which can help with organising a new kitchen upon arrival.

Important Considerations

A few final pointers can make a difference:

• If items are particularly valuable or hold sentimental significance, it is prudent to check if your removal insurance covers them, perhaps under Full Value Protection.
• Avoid mixing heavy, non-fragile items with glassware in the same box.
• Ensure the boxes are handled carefully during the move. For more general advice, consider exploring 99 Moving Hacks to Make UK House Moves Easier.
• After unpacking, consider what to do with the empty moving boxes.