How to pack glasses without breaking them

Nothing ruins moving day quite like unpacking a box of glass shards where your wine glasses used to be. In the US, about 15% of glassware cracks and breaks during moves because of careless packing. Too often, it gets wrapped in random materials and hastily thrown into any available box, rather than being treated as a priority.

Fortunately, packing glasses isn’t as complicated as it seems! To help you out, this moving guide shows you exactly how to pack glasses for moving so they arrive at your new place in perfect condition, ready for that first celebratory drink.

What you’ll need before you start

Essential materials and tools laid out for packing glasses. (Source: iStock)

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

• Moving boxes (dish packs or double-walled boxes): These heavy-duty boxes support the weight of glassware and minimize 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 (optional): 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.

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

Preparing your glassware for packing

Carefully drying glassware with a soft cloth in the kitchen. (Source: iStock)

Whether preparing for a small load move or relocating interstate, the best way to pack glasses for moving starts with assessing your collection. Take a moment to check what you actually use, then set aside anything chipped, pitted, or no longer needed. It’s the perfect time to donate mismatched sets or recycle old glassware and discard anything that could be a health risk.

Remember, a quick sort now saves time, space, and hassle when the real packing begins.

• 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.

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 mess, start by checking that your box is in good condition without any tears, weak corners, or dents. Then, seal the base firmly with strong packing tape, applying it in a cross pattern over the flaps to reinforce every seam.

Once the base is secure, create a thick cushion using loosely crumpled packing paper. Aim for a layer about 3 to 4 inches deep. This soft base acts as a shock absorber, keeping your precious glassware protected from bumps and knocks by minimizing impact and preventing direct contact with the bottom of the box. You may also add a layer of any void fillers for extra protection. 

Step 2: Wrap each glass individually

The rule of thumb for packing kitchen items is simple: heavy first, delicate last. Start with your heaviest glass items, like chunky mugs and plates, at the bottom of the box to anchor everything down. Then work your way up with increasingly fragile items. This way, your delicate pieces ride safely on top instead of getting crushed underneath.

To wrap glasses properly, lay out a sheet of packing paper on a clean, flat surface. Place a glass in one corner at an angle, then roll it tightly, tucking the ends into the opening as you go. Fold the excess paper over the base to create a snug bundle. You shouldn’t be able to feel the glass shape through the wrapping. If you can, add another layer.

Step 3: Add extra padding

Decorative glasses being wrapped in protective materials for moving. (Source: iStock)

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 delicate item relocation 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. No dividers? Simply cut up some spare cardboard or fold thick paper to make your own. The important thing here is to make sure each glass has no room to slide around or rattle.

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.

Step 6: Seal and label the box

Once your glasses are packed upright and all gaps are filled, it’s time to seal the box securely. Use strong packing tape along all seams to create an H-pattern that keeps the box firmly closed. Avoid using cheap tape, since it can also peel or split during the move.

Next, make sure your box is clearly labelled with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” in large, easy-to-read letters on at least two sides, and add the destination room, like “Kitchen” or “Dining Room.” You can also include extra labels such as “GLASSWARE,” “DISHES,” or arrows showing the correct upright position for added clarity.

Tips for packing different types of glasses

Kitchen cupboard displaying neatly arranged glassware. (Source: iStock)

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 that 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.

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 maximize space and add internal protection.

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.

Common mistakes to avoid when packing glasses

Taping up a large cardboard box for a move. (Source: iStock)

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 also moving appliances at the same time, 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 movers on Airtasker

Your fragile glassware doesn’t have to end up in shards on moving day. With the right packing steps and a bit of care, even the trickiest pieces like tall stemware or vintage crystal can make it through the move unscathed.

If you’re short on time or simply want to hand off the most fragile part of your move, post a task on Airtasker today. Get competitive quotes from local packers near you who know exactly how to wrap, cushion, and protect every piece.