How to Pack Glasses and Cups for Moving with Video Tutorial

How to Pack Plates and Cups
Author <span style="color:#172937;">| </span>Joaquin Trapero

Author | Joaquin Trapero

Joaquin Trapero, with two decades of experience in the removal industry, owns Removalist Melbourne CBD. He brings unparalleled expertise and proficiency to every move.

Items such as glassware, electronics and ceramics are especially fragile items that can easily be damaged in transit. By packing these items correctly, you can minimise the breakage.

At North Removals, we’ve mastered the art of damage-free packing, and we’re here to share our 10 professional tips for protecting your glassware during a move. In addition, we created this YouTube video where we teach you how to pack glasses and cups for moving!

Related article: How to Pack Clothes When Moving

Our Youtube Video of How to Pack Glasses and Cups Safely for Moving Day

We filmed this video with two of our best removalists, Jose and Leo, they have years of experience packing houses around Melbourne and in just a few minutes they’ll teach you how to pack your glassware in the most safely and efficient way:

1.  Gather the Right Materials

Before you start packing, make sure you have the following essentials:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes: Pick heavy duty boxes.
  • Bubble wrap: This one cushions and prevents scratching.
  • Butcher paper: A gentler substitute for newspaper, especially good for wrapping breakables.
  • Packing tape: Ensures the box stays secure.

It is good to have these materials ready so the process will be faster and efficient.

2.  Reinforce the Bottom of the Box

To avoid boxes breaking under the weight of your glassware:

  • Use packing tape to reinforce the bottom of every box. If the box is gonna be heavy, do it double.
  • For extra cushioning add a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom.

3.  Create a Sturdy Base with Plates

Start by packing the heaviest and most durable items, such as plates:

  • Take each plate and wrap in a single layer of butcher paper.
  • Stack them at the bottom of the box, flat. Because of its bottom, this base gives balance to a few weaker things, like glasses and cups.

4.  Wrap Glasses and Medium Strength Items

Once the base is ready, move on to bowls, glasses and medium-strength items:

  • Each item should be wrapped with at least two layers of butcher paper.
  • Pack them tightly so they won’t move in transit.

5.  Add Extra Padding between Items

Empty spaces inside the box can produce shifting and potential damage. To prevent this:

  • Make paper balls using crumpled butcher paper.
  • Fill all those spaces between the items to absorb the shock and prevent impacts.

6.  Separate Fragile Glasses with a Protective Layer

When the box is 60% full:

  • To separate heavier items from fragile glasses, add a layer of bubble wrap or butcher paper across the top.
  • The benefit of this is that it gives maximum protection when you pack more delicate pieces on top.

7.  Wrap Fragile Glasses Individually

For the most delicate glasses and stemware:

  • Use three sheets of butcher paper per glass.
  • Wrap each one individually allowing a bit of air between the paper and the glass so they can cushion each other. As a result it prevents any direct pressure on the glass which thereby lessens the possibility to break it.

8.  Add a Final Layer of Protection and Seal the Box

When the box is almost full:

  • Fill out any extra space with crumpled paper so it stays tight.
  • Then before sealing it up with packing tape add a final protective layer on top.
  • Be sure to label the box as ‘Fragile’ or ‘Nothing On Top’ so it’s handled carefully during the move.

9.  Handle Valuables with Extra Care

If you have valuable or sentimental glassware:

  • Pack them separately in small, well padded boxes.
  • Make sure you mark these boxes clearly so they will get extra attention during the move.

10. Consult Professionals if Needed

There’s nothing quite like the stress of packing fragile items. Removalist Melbourne CBD can take care of any large collection of glassware or highly valuable items. We use professional grade packing materials and proven techniques to get your belongings to you safely.

FAQ: Pack Glasses and Cups for Moving

Below are answers to some of the most popular questions people ask about packing glassware for a safe move.

1.  Can I use old newspapers instead of butcher paper?

You can use old newspapers but be warned that the ink can transfer onto your items if they’re damp or delicate. If you do go the route of newspapers, wrap another layer of clean paper or plastic wrap around your glassware to avoid stains.

2.  What’s the best box size for glassware?

A small to medium sized box (1.5–2 cubic feet) is the ideal box size for glassware because the box cannot be too heavy to carry. You can check the different sizes in our complete box moving size guide.

3.  How do I transport glasses if I don’t have packing materials?

If you don’t have traditional packing materials, you can use:

  • Individual glasses should be wrapped with towels or dishcloths.
  • Small items can be cushioned by clothing or socks.
  • Make shift compartments inside a larger box, with shoe boxes. Just make sure not to leave any empty space in the box to prevent movement in the transit.

4.  How much weight can a glassware box safely hold?

You shouldn’t put more than 9-13 kg in a box with glassware, as it is too heavy to comfortably lift, and could break from the weight. It’s good to always reinforce the bottom of the box with tape so it won’t fall apart.

5.  Should I label the box as “fragile”?

Absolutely. Label the box clearly “Fragile” on all sides, and include instructions to “This Side Up” so that the movers will handle it with care.

6.  Can I reuse boxes from previous moves?

Yes, but only if the boxes are in great condition and don’t have torn or creased sides, or weak sides. Glassware is fragile and needs sturdy box to avoid damage.

7.  What’s the best way to pack stemware?

For stemware:

  1. Individual pieces should be wrapped with at least three layers of butcher paper or bubble wrap.
    1. Put them upside down in a box with dividers to keep the stems from breaking.
    1. Put something between the stems and sides of the box to cushion.

8.  How do I ensure items don’t move inside the box?

Use crumpled butcher paper, packing peanuts or foam to fill all gaps, to prevent shifting.

9.  Is bubble wrap better than butcher paper for fragile items?

Both are excellent, but bubble wrap is a better shock absorber for ultra delicate objects such as crystal or antique glassware. Bubble wrap is also more expensive.

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