How to Pack Crystal Stemware for Moving

One of the frequent questions we get from customers is how to pack crystal for a move. We have to be especially creative if you don’t still have the packing box the glasses were in when you sold them or if they are treasured memories of your grandmother.

In this article, we’ll share the key ways to do it, further advice is to just stick to common sense.

Packing Materials for Crystal Glasses

1. Cell boxes (Essential). Individual compartments to securely hold each glass prevent glasses from colliding with each other during transport and reduce the risk of breakage by restricting movement.
2. Cardboard dividers (optional if boxes are not pre-separated). Create separate compartments within the box, add structure and prevent direct contact between the glasses. They can be cut and adjusted to fit different sizes of glasses.
3. Wrapping or tissue paper (soft, unprinted). Wrapping around each glass to soften the impact and padding inside the glass for internal support and to prevent cracking and scratching.
4. Bubble wrap (optional but recommended). Provides extra cushioning around the glasses, and comes in handy for wrapping the stem. It can also be placed on top of the wrapped glasses for extra protection.
5. Packing tape. To secure the flaps of the box to prevent it from opening during transport, and to strengthen the box so that it can support the weight of the crockery.
6. Labels or fragile stickers. These indicate that the box contains fragile items and help movers recognise which box to be more careful with.
7. Soft cloth or towels (optional). Can be used for additional cushioning of the bottom or top of the box, they absorb shocks and vibrations during transport.
8. Scissors or box cutters for cutting dividers or trimming excess packing material.
9. Marker or pen to label the box with the contents and handling instructions.
10. Gloves (optional). Protect fragile glassware from fingerprints and smudges.

Steps for Packing Crystal Stemware for Moving

First of all, prepare (order delivery or buy yourself or gather from your own supplies) all the necessary materials from the list above.

Prepare the Boxes for Housing the Crystal Stemware

Assemble the boxes, fix the bottom flaps and reinforce with cushioning material. If the boxes are not divided into cells, create them with cardboard dividers. Ideally, the dividers should fit together well and hold your fragile items in position during the move.

 

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Stuff the Globe of Each Glass

The primary purpose of stuffing is to keep the stemware globe intact. Fill it to the brim and be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate glass. Avoid pushing the glass globe outward from inside as the glass is thin and fragile. Also, ensure that you don’t exert too much pressure on the sides or compact the paper too tightly to avoid breakage.

This adds internal support and prevents the glass from breaking under pressure.

Wrap the Glasses

Before placing the crystal stemware in the individual cells, wrap the glass with one or two sheets of tissue paper. Make sure you pull the corners of the tissue paper to cover the round brim of the glass completely. Roll the glass forward gently and tuck the tissue paper around the base and over the globe until the entire glass is covered.

Place the Glass into the Cell Boxes

One of the mistakes homeowners make when moving crystal stemware is placing them in the cells in an upright position. Doing so increases the risk of the stem breaking. Avoid them by laying the glass on its side on top of tissue paper or packing paper. Ideally, the stem should be laid perpendicular to the corner of the papers.

If you find excessive space between the boxes, fill it with crumpled paper, but do not stuff it.

Seal and Label the Box

Add packing or tissue paper around the boxes with boxes to give your crystal items extra protection from shocks during transport. Avoid using regular newspapers, as typographical ink can easily stain glassware, especially if it is wet.

Seal the box with several layers of scotch tape and label the box. Use the labels:

1. FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE,
2. THIS WAY UP’ (with arrow),
3. Crystal Stemware (optional, for easy identification).

Pro Tips for Crystal Glassware During Transport

1. Control temperature and humidity. Crystal is sensitive to temperature fluctuations that can cause expansion or contraction, resulting in cracks or breakage. If possible, do not transport the crystal in freezing temperatures or provide temperature control, such as transporting it in the interior of a car rather than in the boot.
2. Proper loading. Place the box at the front or between soft items such as pillows or blankets to give it a soft feel. Do not place heavy boxes or furniture on top of dish boxes to avoid crushing them. Place the box on a flat surface, not at an angle. Use straps or cords to secure the boxes.
3. Be careful when carrying. Always carry the box from the bottom to support the weight. Do not hold the box by the sides or corners as this may cause the bottom to sag.
4. Careful driving. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns, jolts, and bumps can damage even well-packed crystalware. If you are using a haulage company, warn them that some boxes are fragile and should be handled with extra care.
5. Caution. If you hear rattling or movement inside the box while handling it, stop and reinforce the packaging before continuing.

Closing Remarks

If you have been wondering how to pack crystal stemware for moving, now you know how to do it right. Adjust your schedule to get ample time to prep the crystal stemware for the long-distance or local move. Please don’t hesitate to contact A Plus Moving Group at (800) 919-6332 for professional help if you encounter any challenges when packing crystal stemware. Good luck!