How To Pack Mugs and Teacups for Moving

Supplies Needed to Pack Mugs and Teacups Safely

One of the top packing tips for mugs and teacups is to use the right supplies. You'll need the following items:

• Boxes: Choose small boxes instead of large ones. The less room delicate items like cups have to knock into each other, the better. But if the boxes are small, you can also pack each one efficiently without worrying about it being too heavy.
• Packing tape: The adhesive in packing tape responds well to pressure, creating a tight seal when you press it onto the top of a moving box, which means it’s a better choice over duct tape or masking tape.
• Packing paper: Although you can use newspaper, it sometimes leaves behind ink stains. Plain packing paper protects delicate items without damaging them.
• Bubble wrap: Each piece of bubble wrap has air pockets designed to absorb shock. This makes bubble wrap essential for packing fragile mugs and teacups.
• Cardboard dividers. Dividers keep mugs and teacups from touching each other during transport, reducing the risk of breakage.
• Scissors: You'll need scissors to cut your tape and packing paper.
• Rubber bands and masking tape: Both of these help keep packing material wrapped around the tea cups and mugs. Rubber bands have elasticity, so they're ideal for holding packing paper in place once you wrap it around an item. Masking tape is easy to remove, which makes it ideal for labeling boxes and keeping packing paper in place around mugs and teacups.
• Permanent marker. Use a permanent marker to label each box and indicate which way it should be stacked.
• Packing peanuts: These lightweight fillers help prevent movement inside the box. They're especially useful for filling large gaps around mugs and teacups to prevent shifting during transport.
• Old towels or sheets. You'll need something soft to cushion the bottom of each box.

You can keep the cost of your packing supplies low by getting free boxes from your local grocery store or asking friends if you can have some of their old linens. You can purchase the remaining supplies at any big-box retailer or home improvement store.

Step-by-Step Guide for Packing Mugs and Teacups

Before you begin packing, wash your mugs and teacups to remove dirt and dust. Once they're completely dry, start following our 6-step guide on how to pack your mugs and teacups.

Step 1. Prepare Your Supplies

Gather your boxes, packing materials, and other supplies. If necessary, assemble the boxes and use packing tape to seal the center seam on the bottom of each one. Use old towels or sheets to create a support layer at the bottom of each box. You'll need 2 to 3 inches of cushioning to protect your breakables.

Step 2. Wrap the Mugs and Teacups

Clear off a table or another flat surface. Make sure you have plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and rubber bands. Follow these steps to wrap each item:

1. Wrap a piece of bubble wrap around the handle. Secure the bubble wrap with a small piece of masking tape. Alternatively, use a rubber band to keep the bubble wrap in place.
2. Select a sheet of packing paper.
3. Place the item on its side at one corner of the paper.
4. Roll the item diagonally (from the starting corner to the ending corner). Make sure the edges of the paper roll under the mug or teacup as it moves.
5. Use a rubber band or masking tape to secure the paper.

Repeat the same process until you've wrapped every mug or teacup in your collection.

Step 3. Insert Dividers

If you're using them, insert dividers into a small box. Dividers keep mugs and teacups upright, ensuring they arrive at your destination intact. If you don't have standard dividers, pieces of cardboard can work. So can clean clothing like socks, t-shirts, and pillowcases. All you need to do is make sure there's space between each cup or mug inside the box.

Step 4. Fill the Box

Place several wrapped mugs or teacups at the bottom of the box, and make sure each item is right side up. Remember to have an old towel or a folded sheet underneath for extra protection. Once every mug or cup is placed, fill in empty spaces with packing paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to prevent them from shifting during transport.

Step 5. Add a Second Layer

If the box is large enough for a second layer, place a towel or folded sheet on top of the first layer of items. Insert a cardboard divider, and then repeat the steps outlined in Step 4 to fill the box.

Step 6. Seal and Label the Box

Once the box is full, close the flaps and secure them with packing tape. If desired, place one strip of tape down the center and another along the side seams. Taping in both directions reinforces the box, making it less likely to break while you're carrying it. Finish by using a permanent marker to write "Fragile" and "This Side Up" on the side of each box.

How to Transport Mugs and Teacups Safely

Now that you know how to pack mugs and teacups for moving, you need to transport them safely. Start by keeping the boxes right side up at all times, which you can make sure you do by labeling them properly before the boxes are sealed.

You can also prevent damage by placing boxes with mugs and teacups on top of heavier items. Conversely, never load anything heavy on top of or surrounding any boxes with breakables in them. If you're driving to your destination, consider transporting mugs, teacups, and other breakables with you, either behind the driver's seat or in the trunk.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.