When moving house, some items are more difficult to pack than others. Glassware is one of these things. Packing glassware is nerve-wracking, especially if you have nice glasses or tumblers that you don’t want to get chipped or arrive at their destination broken.
Glasses, tumblers, and cups are fragile, so this job needs more attention than other packing tasks. Make sure you have the right supplies, and take your time to pack your glasses properly. This will help avoid any breakage during your move.
Before you begin packing, gather all your supplies for the job. You'll need:
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Before you start, make sure your boxes are clean, dry, and in good condition. Try to avoid using old or damaged boxes for your glasses as these may break more easily, especially when packed with more weight. Reinforce the bottom with an extra layer of tape to provide additional support. Place crumpled packing paper at the bottom of each box to create a protective layer. It's also a good idea to use smaller-sized boxes so you're not transporting all your glassware in one container.
Start by carefully wrapping each glass separately. Lay a piece of packing paper flat and place the glass in one corner. Roll the glass tightly, tucking the sides of the paper into the middle of the glass as you go. Use additional layers of paper for more delicate items. Secure the wrapping with tape, making sure no piece of the glass is exposed.
For stemmed glassware, insert each glass into a cardboard divider or a cell in a cell kit. These dividers prevent glasses from bumping into each other and reduce the risk of breakage. If dividers aren't available, you can use rolled-up packing paper to separate glasses within the box.
After placing the wrapped glasses inside the box, fill any remaining gaps with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This extra padding prevents movement during transit and minimises the chance of breakage. Make sure the glasses are snugly packed, but avoid overcrowding the box.
Once all the glassware is securely packed, close the box and seal it with wide packing tape. Label the box clearly as "Fragile" or "Glassware" on all sides, indicating which end should remain upright. This will help ensure you or your professional movers take extra care when handling these boxes.
Handle each box gently, taking care to set them down carefully. Make sure you load them upright in the vehicle, securing them in place to prevent shifting. During storage, keep the glassware boxes in a cool, dry area away from extreme temperatures or humidity.
When unpacking, carefully remove each glass from its wrapping. Inspect them for any damage or signs of breakage. If any glasses are broken, throw them into your wheelie bin and handle the broken glass with care. Don't put the broken glass into your recycling as it is dangerous for the recycling collectors to handle.
While it may be tempting to maximise space and pack as many items as possible into a single box, don't make the boxes too heavy. Overpacked boxes can split and are harder to handle.
Excessively heavy boxes can cause strain and injury to you or the movers. Distributing the weight evenly among the boxes is recommended, keeping them manageable and safe for lifting.
When loading the moving van, distribute the boxes' weight strategically. Heavier boxes should be placed on the bottom to create a stable foundation. This helps maintain balance and prevents the boxes from shifting during transit.
Lighter boxes, such as those containing glassware, should be placed on top of the heavier ones. This weight distribution ensures that heavier items do not crush fragile items and reduces the risk of damage.
Glassware boxes require special attention during transport to prevent breakage. Keeping these boxes upright is important as you don't want them to tilt or fall during your move. Ensure your glassware boxes are placed somewhere they won't move during transit. Keep them away from heavy furniture or appliances that could potentially shift and cause damage.
Book the best professional movers with Wise Move for careful packing, safe transport, and reliable delivery. Our trusted moving teams can handle your precious belongings with care and help make sure everything arrives safely and in one piece. Book your professional moving service now.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
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