How to safely pack glasses when moving

Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about your precious belongings arriving in pieces. Among all your household items, glassware consistently ranks as one of the most vulnerable during relocations. That’s why learning how to pack glasses for moving should be high on your to-do list, especially for long-distance moves.

While some breakage is almost inevitable during any move, the good news is that most glass casualties are completely preventable with the right approach. In this comprehensive moving guide, we’ll walk you through foolproof techniques for packing glasses that’ll give you peace of mind and keep your glassware intact from your old home to your new one.

What you’ll need before you start

Prepare enough moving supplies. 

Success with packing glassware comes down to having the right materials ready before your house removal day arrives. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• Sturdy dish packs or double-walled boxes: These heavy-duty boxes support the weight of glassware and minimise the risk of breakage from bumps or drops.
• Packing paper or newsprint: The primary wrapping material that cushions each glassware to prevent scratches, chips, and shifting inside the box.
• Bubble wrap: A packing material that adds shock absorption for especially delicate pieces, reducing the risk of fractures from vibrations or knocks.
• Cell dividers (if available): These pre-cut cardboard inserts create individual compartments, keeping glasses upright to prevent direct contact and breakage.
• Packing tape and scissors: Ensure boxes stay securely sealed and wrapping materials are cut precisely to fit
• Labels and markers: Help direct careful handling and make it easier to unpack items in the correct room without unnecessary handling.

For added protection, you may also reuse void fillers like packing peanuts, foam sheets, or air pillows from previous deliveries to fill empty spaces and minimise shock and friction during the move.

Preparing your glassware for packing

Using proper technique for packing plates.

Whether relocating across Brisbane to Sydney or relocating locally, the best way to pack glasses for moving is to sort your collection into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. As a rule of thumb, all cracked or chipped glasses go straight to the discard pile because they’re dangerous to transport. 

Once you’ve sorted your “keep” pile, you’re ready to prep them properly:

• Inspecting and cleaning all glasses: Begin by quickly cleaning each piece, as you do not want any critters finding crumbs during the move. Also, don’t forget to check for any cracks or damage that could worsen during transport.

• Grouping by size and type: Sort glasses, cups, and mugs into groups of similar sizes, such as wine glasses, coffee mugs, tumblers, and stemware. This makes packing more efficient and helps you choose the right wrapping technique for each type.

• Setting aside extremely delicate or sentimental items for extra care: Items like crystal stemware, antique pieces, or family heirlooms should be identified early so you can allocate additional time and materials for their protection.

When you pack dishes alongside glassware, the same careful preparation saves time and ensures everything arrives safely. Group similar items together and scrub everything thoroughly before wrapping to prevent unpleasant surprises when unpacking in your new home.

How to pack glassware for moving: A step-by-step guide

Here’s exactly how to wrap and box up your glassware the smart way.

Ensure to wrap your fragile items carefully.

Step 1: Line the box

When packing fragile items, the last thing you need is the bottom of the box collapsing mid-move. To avoid that disaster, follow these two steps:

• Reinforce the bottom: Check your box for tears or weak spots, then seal the base with strong packing tape in a cross pattern over all flaps and seams.
• Create a cushion: Fill the bottom with loosely crumpled packing paper or any void filler available, about 3 to 4 inches deep, to absorb shocks and prevent direct contact with the box floor. 

Step 2: Wrap each glass individually

The rule of thumb for packing kitchen items is simple: heavy first, delicate last. This prevents your delicate pieces from getting crushed and creates a stable foundation. Here’s how to get it right:

• Pack by weight: Start with chunky mugs and plates at the bottom to anchor everything down, then work your way up with increasingly fragile items.
• Wrap each piece: Lay packing paper on a flat surface, place the glass in one corner at an angle, then roll tightly while tucking the ends into the opening.
• Check your work: You shouldn’t feel the glass shape through the wrapping. If you can, add another layer for extra protection.

Step 3: Add extra padding

Stacking glass items with internal padding helps absorb shocks during transit.

Surrounding your items with soft materials adds an extra layer of protection against movement and pressure during transit. So, when packing fragile items for moving, start by placing padding between each layer of glassware in the box. 

You can use bubble wrap, crumpled packing paper, tea towels, or clean, thick socks. Socks are especially useful for narrow or stemmed wine glasses, helping to keep each piece secure and separated.

For extra protection, wrap fragile glasses in a final layer of bubble wrap with the bubbles facing the glass. This further helps cushion any bumps during the move.

Step 4: Use dividers (optional)

Once your glassware is wrapped and padded, it’s time to keep everything in place. Cardboard dividers are one of the simplest ways to prevent items from knocking into each other during transit. They’re especially helpful during fragile item removals because they balance the weight and make lifting safer.

Pop the dividers into your box before loading them into your wrapped glasses, one per slot. 

For crystal or sentimental glassware, use a box-in-box method: place the wrapped item in a small box, then pack that box inside a larger one with padding in between.

Step 5: Pack glasses upright

While it may feel safer to lay glasses on their sides, this actually increases the risk of breakage. Glassware is designed to bear weight vertically, with the base offering the most support. Standing glasses upright allows pressure to distribute more evenly and reduces stress on delicate parts.

When you lay glasses on their sides, you’re actually putting stress on the weakest points, such as the rim and any curves in the glass. This is especially important when packing stemware, as the stem can snap if placed sideways with weight on top.

Never pack glassware in the same box as metal items or tools, as even small movements can cause chips or cracks.

Step 6: Seal and label the box

Before sealing the box, gently rock it side to side. If you feel movement, add more padding until everything stays firmly in place.

Once your glasses are packed upright and all gaps are filled, it’s time to seal the box securely. For this step, it’s recommended that you don’t skimp on tape quality, as cheap tape can easily peel or split during the move. Here’s how to finish the job properly:

• Seal securely: Use strong packing tape along all seams in an H-pattern to keep the box firmly closed.
• Label clearly: Write ‘FRAGILE’ and ‘THIS SIDE UP’ in large letters on at least two sides, plus add the destination room, like ‘Kitchen’ or 'Dining Room.’
• Add extra details: Include labels like 'GLASSWARE,' arrows showing the correct upright position, or colour-coded tape for different rooms.

Glassware boxes should always be loaded last and placed against a flat wall inside the truck, secured so they can’t shift during braking.

Tips for packing different types of glasses

Different glassware requires different packing methods. Whether you’re dealing with fragile stems, bulky handles, or stackable shapes, using the right technique helps prevent cracks, chips, and wasted space.

Wine glasses and stemware

Learning how to pack wine glasses comes down to protecting the stem without putting pressure on the bowl. To do this, pad the stem until roughly the same thickness as the bowl, then reinforce any weak spots with extra layers. Filling the bowl with crumpled paper also helps prevent collapse, creating a more stable, impact-resistant shape overall.

For extra cushioning, consider wrapping each one in a clean towel or soft cloth before placing it in the box.

When packing opened alcohol bottles, first tighten the cap securely, then seal the top with cling wrap or plastic film. Place the bottle inside a sealed plastic bag before wrapping it with paper or bubble wrap. Always pack opened bottles upright and away from glassware to avoid leaks damaging other items.

Mugs and cups

Coffee mugs and teacups are generally sturdier than stemware, but their handles require careful attention. Wrap extra padding around the handle separately before wrapping the entire mug, as handles can easily break off if they catch on something. Fill the inside of mugs with small, soft items like clean socks or ball-up small cloths to maximise space and add internal protection.

Nest smaller mugs inside larger ones (with padding between them) to save space, but only if they fit comfortably without forcing them together.

Highball and lowball glasses

These sturdy glasses are among the easiest to pack, but their straight sides mean they can easily nest together and get stuck. Always wrap each glass individually, even if they’re from the same set. Their solid construction means you can use less padding than with stemware, but still fill the interior with crumpled paper to prevent internal pressure damage.

Pack these glasses in sets of four, standing them upright in a square formation with padding between each one to create a stable, self-supporting unit within the box.

Common mistakes to avoid when packing glasses

Using a thick tea towel or microfiber cloth for cushion against impact.

Even with the most careful packing, little mistakes often lead to breakage. If you want your glassware to arrive in one piece, knowing what not to do is just as important as following the right steps.

• Using newspaper that can smudge: Newspaper might seem like an easy option, but the ink can transfer onto glass and leave stubborn stains. Use clean packing paper for direct contact, and reserve newspaper for extra padding only.

• Overfilling or underfilling the box: Cramming too many glasses into one box creates pressure points that lead to cracks, while underfilling allows items to shift and knock against each other. Aim for a snug fit where nothing moves when gently shaking the box.

• Stacking heavy items on top: Glassware boxes should never sit under heavier loads. If you’re managing appliance removal as part of your move, make sure these boxes are loaded last and kept on top to avoid crushing.

• Skipping labels: Unlabelled boxes are more likely to be handled roughly or stored upside down. Always mark glassware boxes clearly on all sides with ‘Fragile’ and ‘This Side Up.’

• Not testing the box bottom: Always reinforce the bottom with quality packing tape in a cross pattern, and give it a gentle test lift before loading it with glassware.

Connect with experienced removalists on Airtasker

There's no need to kiss your favourite glasses goodbye when you move. With the right packing tricks, you’ll keep your glassware safe and scratch-free from one place to the next. The key is taking it slow, using quality materials, and giving each piece the individual attention it deserves.

Of course, if you’d rather focus on other aspects of your move, there’s no need to tackle this delicate job alone. Experienced Taskers on Airtasker specialise in handling fragile items and can save you hours of careful wrapping and packing. Post a task now for a qualified removalist and make your move easier, safer, and break-free!