Moving house can be stressful enough without worrying about your delicate glassware breaking. From wine glasses and tumblers to everyday drinking glasses, packing fragile items correctly is essential to ensure everything arrives safely at your new home.
Whether you’re moving locally, across the UK, or internationally, following the right packing techniques can save time, money, and heartbreak.
1. Gather the Right Materials
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to protect your glassware:
- Strong cardboard boxes (preferably small to medium-sized)
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Packing tape
- Dividers or cardboard inserts (optional but ideal for wine glasses)
- Labels and markers
Using proper packing materials is the first step to preventing damage.
2. Clean and Dry Your Glasses
Always wash and dry your glasses thoroughly before packing. Not only does this prevent stains and odors during transit, but it also reduces the risk of bacteria growth if items are stored for a while.
3. Wrap Each Glass Individually
Fragile items should never be packed loose. Wrap each glass separately:
- Use bubble wrap, foam sheets, or crumpled packing paper
- Cover the entire glass, including the stem if it has one
- Secure with tape to prevent the wrap from unraveling
For extra protection, consider wrapping stems and bowls separately before combining them in layers.
4. Use Dividers or Padding
For extra fragile glasses like wine glasses or champagne flutes, use box dividers or cardboard inserts. These separate individual glasses and prevent them from knocking together during the move.
If you don’t have dividers, line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper, place glasses upright, and fill gaps with additional paper or bubble wrap.
5. Pack Glasses Vertically
Whenever possible, pack glasses upright rather than upside down. Upright positioning reduces pressure on rims, which are more fragile than the base.
Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate glasses on top.
6. Fill Empty Spaces
Prevent movement inside the box by filling all gaps with crumpled paper, foam, or bubble wrap. Glasses should feel snug and secure; even a little shifting can cause chips or cracks during transport.
7. Label Boxes Clearly
Always mark boxes containing fragile glassware with “Fragile – Glassware” and indicate which side is up. This ensures anyone handling the boxes knows to be extra careful.
Consider Professional Packing for Extra Valuable Items
If you have heirloom crystal, wine collections, or expensive glassware, professional packing may be the safest option. Experienced movers like Purdie Worldwide provide specialised packing materials and techniques to minimise risk during a move.
Final Tips
- Don’t overpack a single box—smaller boxes are easier to carry and safer for fragile items.
- Keep frequently used glasses in a separate box for easy access when unpacking.
- Take your time; rushing can lead to broken items.
By taking these steps, you can move your glassware safely and arrive at your new home with everything intact.
