Packing your kitchen for a move can feel especially overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. All it takes is a few materials and following some easy steps to ensure that all of your glassware will make it to your new home in one piece.
Step One – Gather Materials
The first step to packing your glassware is stocking up on the materials you need for the job. You will need:
- Small and medium-sized boxes
- Box dividers
- Bubble wrap, cut into 15”x 15” squares
- Brown packing paper or newspaper
- Foam wrap or dish towels
- Heavy duty shipping tape
- Permanent marker
Step Two – Prepare the Boxes
Preparing the boxes correctly is almost as important as the actual wrapping and packing of the items. Tape the underside of the box starting halfway up the side of the box, moving along the seam on the bottom of the box and ending halfway up the other side of the box. Reinforce the tape line by adding tape strips along the other two “open” sides of the box, essentially creating the letter “H” with your tape lines. Next, line the bottom and sides of your box with a layer of foam wrap and scrunched up brown packing paper or newspaper to create padding and prevent movement. Now, insert a box divider. Your box is now ready to be filled!
Step Three – Sort the Glassware
Now it is time to sort your glassware by type. If you do not have enough of one type of glass to fill an entire box, then group them by weight and fragility. For example, pair wine glasses with martini glasses in a glass storage kit.
Step Three – Wrap the Glassware
Now it’s time to wrap your glassware. Start by placing your glass diagonally across a square of bubble wrap and roll the glass to cover, tucking the excess over the bottom of the glass and inside the bowl of the glass. Next, fill the glass with foam wrap, brown packing paper or newspaper. If the glass is prone to etching, use a softer material like a dish towel.
Step Four – Pack the Glassware
Place each wrapped glass into the box with a divider separating each glass. Once the box is filled, place another layer of brown packing paper or newspaper on top. It should be packed tightly enough to prevent movement, but not so tightly that it is placing unnecessary pressure on the glassware.
Step Five – Seal the Box and Label
Now that the box is full, it is time to seal the top of the box using the same taping method used on the bottom. Be sure to label the box with a permanent marker.
This packing technique can be used for packing anything fragile, such as dishes or crystal. If you follow these simple packing steps, you can be sure that your glassware will arrive at your new home in perfect condition. You’ll be able to toast to a successful move in perfect champagne glasses instead of drinking out of paper cups!