Packing glasses for a move takes more than just placing them in a box and hoping for the best. Delicate items like these need extra care to arrive safely at your new home. If you want to avoid unpacking boxes full of broken glass, following proven techniques is key. With help from leading movers in San Bruno, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about properly packing your glassware to prevent chips, cracks, and breakage.
Gather Packing Supplies
Start by gathering all the necessary packing materials. You’ll need sturdy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and strong packing tape. Bubble wrap adds crucial cushioning to protect glasses from impacts, while packing paper helps wrap each item securely. Be sure to choose durable boxes designed to handle fragile items. Reinforced boxes with double walls are an excellent option for heavier glassware. Keeping everything within reach before you begin will make the process much smoother.
Wrap Glasses Individually
Wrapping each glass individually is essential to prevent scratches, chips, and breaks during transport. Follow these steps to ensure proper protection:
- Choose Suitable Materials: Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloth to wrap every glass.
- Wrap Thoroughly: Place the glass diagonally on the wrapping material. Start at one corner and roll the glass while tucking in the edges.
- Secure with Tape: Once the glass is fully wrapped, use a small piece of tape to hold the wrapping in place.
- Label for Easy Unpacking: Write a brief note on the wrapping, such as “wine glass” or “tumbler,” to make unpacking more organized.
Taking the time to protect each piece individually helps safeguard your glasses from accidental knocks or shifts during the move.
Use Dividers in Boxes
Dividers are a smart way to keep glasses separated, reducing the risk of them knocking into each other during transit. You can purchase pre-made cardboard dividers designed for glassware, or make your own using thick cardboard or bubble wrap. Place a divider between each item, ensuring they fit snugly without too much room to shift. Dividers provide a valuable buffer that absorbs vibrations and sudden movements during loading, unloading, and transport.
Pack Boxes Carefully
Packing the boxes correctly is just as important as wrapping the glasses. Use these steps to build a protective environment inside each box:
- Layer the Bottom: Start with a cushion of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap along the bottom of the box.
- Layer Strategically: Place heavier glasses on the bottom layer, with more delicate pieces like wine glasses or stemware on top.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing paper, dish towels, or other soft materials to fill any gaps between glasses or between the glasses and the box walls.
- Top Cushioning: Before sealing the box, add another protective layer of bubble wrap or paper to the top.
This layering method ensures each item stays in place and minimizes movement during transit.
Label Boxes for Fragile Items
Clear labeling can make all the difference when it comes to protecting fragile items during a move. Use bold markers to write “Fragile – Glassware” on multiple sides of each box. It also helps to indicate the room the box belongs to, such as “Kitchen – Glasses” or “Dining Room – Stemware.” For added visibility, consider using bright fragile stickers.
When loading the moving truck, ensure these boxes are placed on top of heavier, sturdier items and not underneath anything that could crush them. Clear labeling also helps your movers or helpers know to handle these boxes with care, reducing the chance of mishandling.
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