Every moving day comes after many days of preparation – organization, finding the best packing company, scheduling a relocation, etc. If you are one of our neighbors in the Dallas area or just about to move here, you know what we’re talking about. If this is your first time to relocate and handle all the organization and especially packing – don’t sweat, we are here to help with some useful tips. This time, let’s talk about packing glasses.

Before packing your glassware, make sure you have all your packing materials on-hand. Also, check all your fragile glasses and sort them however you want. That would be the best preparation, so let’s go step by step.

1 – Precaution

Even if you got brand new boxes, make sure to reinforce them with the tape to ensure security. Glassware can both be heavy and fragile, so additional precaution is never a bad thing. Use heavy-duty packing tape and reinforce the bottom seams of the box with multiple layers. This adds extra strength to prevent the box from giving out due to the weight of the glasses. If you’re using second-hand boxes, ensure they’re sturdy and free of any damage.

2 – Newspaper Insulation

Use the newspapers to insulate the inside of the boxes before placing any glasses there. Bubble wrap would also be a great material to isolate, but newspapers are a much cheaper option since you must have some in your house or apartment already. Crumple the newspapers into loose balls and create a thick layer at the bottom of the box to absorb any shocks during transit. You can also add a layer of padding around the sides of the box for extra protection.

3 – Wrap

Take a big piece of packing paper and carefully fold it around the glass to entirely cover it and also tuck the rest inside of the glass. For stemmed glasses or unusually shaped glassware, use extra layers of bubble wrap for added protection. Secure the wrapping with small pieces of tape to prevent it from unraveling during the move. Avoid wrapping multiple glasses together, as they can knock against each other and crack.

4 – Priority

Of course, not all glasses in your house are easily breakable, nor have the same value. The glasses without stems and the cheaper ones are easier to pack and save, whereas the wine glasses (extremely thin) or some expensive glassware has to be carefully covered and additionally protected with the bubble wrap. Pack valuable or heirloom glassware separately and consider labeling these boxes as “fragile” or “handle with care.” You can also carry these high-value items in your car rather than loading them with the moving truck for added peace of mind.

5 – Fill the box

This step might be the most important – it matters the most how you place your glasses in the box. If you’re not cautious about this step, you might end up with a bunch of shattered glass in the boxes. Make sure your glasses are tightly placed, so there is no extra room in the box. And then, you’re done! Fill any gaps between glasses with crumpled newspaper, foam peanuts, or additional bubble wrap. This prevents the glasses from shifting during transit. For extra safety, place a final layer of padding on top of the packed glasses before sealing the box.

Additional Packing Tips

  • Label Everything: Clearly label boxes containing glassware as “fragile.” Include directional arrows to ensure movers know which side should remain upright.
  • Use Dividers: For smaller glasses or cups, cardboard dividers can help keep each item separate and safe. These are especially useful for wine glasses or mugs.
  • Pack Small Boxes: Avoid overpacking a single box with too many glasses. Use smaller boxes to make handling easier and reduce the risk of damage.
  • Transport with Care: When loading boxes onto the truck, ensure fragile boxes are placed on top and not stacked under heavy items.

Conclusion

Packing glasses might seem daunting, but with the right materials and techniques, it can be done efficiently and safely. By taking precautions, insulating your boxes, and prioritizing fragile items, you’ll ensure your glassware arrives at your new home intact. Whether you’re moving locally in Dallas or across the country, these tips will help you protect your delicate items and reduce stress on moving day. With proper preparation, you can focus on settling into your new space without worrying about broken glass. Good luck with your move!