Pack drinking glasses and stemware
- Use a divided carton or make cells. A carton with cell dividers is made for glasses. If you only have a plain box, build a grid from folded cardboard.
- Pad the base. Lay crushed paper in the bottom of the carton and in each cell.
- Wrap the glass alone. Set the glass at the corner of a sheet, fold in the corners, roll it, and tuck the ends. Stuff a little paper inside tumblers to support the walls.
- Wrap the stem of stemware. Twist a sheet around the stem and the base first, then wrap the bowl, so the stem is cushioned.
- Place them upright in the cells. Heavier glasses go in the bottom layer. Add a pad of paper before the next layer.
- Fill the top and label. Cover the top layer with crushed paper, close the lid flat and mark the box GLASSES, THIS SIDE UP.
A drinking glass is strong along its sides and weak at the rim. A wine glass is weakest at the stem. Packing is about keeping those weak points free of pressure, from other glasses and from the box.
Why upright, and why alone
Glassware is stiffest top to bottom. A glass packed on its side puts weight on the rim, and one glass pressed against another is at risk when the box shifts. Individual wrapping in paper and a cell for each glass keeps them apart.
Three kinds of glass, three small differences
- Tumblers and everyday glasses: can nest in pairs with paper between, in the lower layer.
- Wine glasses and flutes: wrapped at the stem first, one per cell, in the upper layer.
- Crystal and heirloom glass: wrapped twice, packed in their own box, and carried in your car if they are irreplaceable.
- Mugs and cups: handles wrapped inward with a pad of paper.
The label matters
Write the contents and an arrow for the top on at least two sides of the box. A crew that sees THIS SIDE UP will keep the carton upright on the truck and in the stack. Write the room on the box as well, so it goes straight to the kitchen at the new home.
Unpacking
Open the box from the top and lift each glass out by the base. Unwrap over the box, not over the counter, so any broken piece stays in the carton. Rinse before use, since paper leaves dust.
For the rest of the cabinet, see how to pack dishes and the master guide on how to pack for a move.