How to Pack Wine Glasses

Supplies Needed to Pack Wine Glasses Safely

If you're moving with wine glasses or fragile dishes, the right materials can make all the difference in preventing chips and cracks. Consider investing in the following supplies:

• A sturdy dish-packing box. Buy a double-walled box with reinforced handles designed to carry the weight of dishes. The extra support reduces the risk of damage to your glassware if the box is bumped during transit.
• Divider inserts. Invest in cardboard grid inserts that create individual compartments for each glass in your box. This streamlines packing while keeping wine glasses from knocking into each other during transport.
• Packing paper or bubble wrap. Choose clean, flexible paper that you can easily wrap around each glass. You can also use bubble wrap. Unused gift wrap and tissue paper can work in a pinch, but not quite as well. Avoid using old newspapers because the ink can smudge and stain your glasses.
• Tape. Use high-quality packing tape to seal your boxes once they're full.
• Labels and markers. Have supplies to ensure boxes are labeled in a way that won't fall off or smudge during the move.
• (Optional) Foam sheets or towels. You can use dish cloths or other linens you need to pack anyway.

Step-by-Step Guide for Packing Wine Glasses

Take your time when packing wine glasses to ensure your stemware is well protected for loading, unloading, and transport. Follow these 9 steps to keep your glasses intact and ready for another toast in your new home.

Step 1: Clean your stemware

Wine glasses that aren't used regularly may have collected a layer of dust. Run them through the dishwasher or hand wash and dry them before you pack. Cleaning your dishes prior to packing helps you arrive at your new home with a truly fresh start.

Step 2: Reinforce the bottom of the box

Start by adding an extra strip or two of packing tape to the seams to reduce the risk of the bottom opening during transport. Consider adding a layer of packing tape across the entire bottom of the box if you're reusing a box or want to protect valuable collectible stemware.

Step 3: Add a shock-absorbing layer

Create a layer at least 2 inches deep of crumpled packing paper, folded towels, foam padding, or another soft substance on the bottom of the box.

Step 4: Place dividers

Insert cell dividers if you're using them. You can make your own by cutting pieces of cardboard from extra boxes.

Step 5: Wrap each wine glass

Place a piece of clean packing paper on a table or counter. Lay a wine glass diagonally across it at one corner. Carefully roll the glass and paper, tucking the corners and sides into and around the glass. Think of it like creating a snug little wine glass burrito.

Step 6: Reinforce delicate wine glasses

Add another sheet of packing paper or some bubble wrap if you have especially delicate glasses.

Step 7: Pack glasses in the box

Place them upright, even though it might be tempting to put them upside down. If you're using a divider, place glasses one per divider. If you don't have dividers, place glasses in the box so they fill up the space without touching each other or the sides of the box.

Step 8: Pad all the gaps

Carefully fill in the spaces between the glasses with packing paper, towels, bubble wrap, or other soft material. The glasses shouldn't shift when you shake the box slightly.

"For optimal security, wedge the box [with your wineglasses] firmly between soft items [in the moving truck] for transport. Moving blankets, couch cushions, and bed pillows are all ideal for this purpose."

Aim for at least 2 inches of space between the tops of the glasses and the box lid. Add towels, paper, or bubble wrap to fill in that space.

Step 9: Seal and label the box

Tape the box shut with several strips of packing tape, then label the box on top and several sides with words like "glassware" and "fragile". Indicate which side is up so you can safely unpack the glasses later.

Smart Substitutes for Dish Boxes and Paper

If you don't have a double-walled box, you can also pack wine glasses in other sturdy containers. For instance, a plastic or rubber bin can support the weight of glassware and help protect it from breakage. To pack wine glasses in these types of containers, follow the same steps above, and consider securing the lid of the bin with tape, especially if it doesn't have its own locking mechanism.

If you run out of packing paper, you can still pack your wine glasses safely. Consider using clean socks, t-shirts, or pillowcases to wrap or otherwise protect your glasses. Don't, however, wrap delicate stemware in clothing with buttons, zippers, or other hard components. Metal, wood, and even hard plastic items can scratch or damage your glasses.

And if you’re moving the wine as well as the glasses, make sure you know how to pack and transport it.

Learn more on our How to Pack Hub.