Glassware breaks. That is not a criticism of anyone doing the packing or the crew doing the moving. It is just a reality that glass is fragile, boxes get jostled during transport, and a single gap in the packing process can turn a perfectly fine drive across Salt Lake City into a box full of shards by the time you arrive.
Properly packed glassware can survive a move from one end of the Wasatch Front to the other without a single crack. Getting it right is less about having special materials and more about following a consistent method for every piece. And honestly, leaning on a trusted packing team makes that consistency a lot easier to pull off.
Use the Right Boxes for Glassware
The type of box you use for glassware matters more than most people expect. Dish pack boxes, sometimes called cell boxes for stemware, have built-in dividers that keep each piece separated from the others. This removes one of the most common causes of breakage: pieces shifting and striking each other during transport.
If specialty boxes are not available in time, double-walled boxes are a solid alternative. Check that boxes are in good condition before packing anything fragile. The same principles that apply to packing dishes carry over to glassware, since both rely on sturdy boxes and the right internal support.
Wrap Every Piece Individually
Every piece of glassware should be wrapped separately before it goes into a box. Packing paper is the right material for this. Newspaper can work in a pinch, but the ink transfers onto glass and can be difficult to clean off.
For pieces with handles, wine glass stems, or narrow necks, pay extra attention to those specific areas. These are the most vulnerable points on any glass piece.
Pack Glasses and Stemware Vertically
Most people instinctively lay glasses on their side when packing because it seems more stable. For glassware, the opposite holds. Glasses and stemware are structurally stronger when packed upright on their rims.
Pack glasses rim-side down in the box, with the base pointing up. Stemware should go the same way, with the bowl of the glass facing down and the stem pointing up.
Worried about a box of glassware not making it in one piece? Call us at (801) 871-5221, and ask about partial packing for the pieces you cannot risk losing.
Fill Every Gap Inside the Box
A packed box of glassware should not rattle when you pick it up and shake it. If it does, something can shift during the move, and shifting is where breakage happens.
Put a layer of crumpled paper on the bottom of the box before placing any wrapped glassware, and fill the remaining space at the top before sealing.
Label Glassware Boxes on All Sides
A fragile label does a lot of work when it is visible and nothing at all when it is not. Write “fragile” on all four sides of the box and the top, in large, clear letters.
Add this side up with a directional arrow on multiple sides to reinforce the correct orientation throughout the move.
Consider Professional Packing for Your Most Valuable Pieces
If you have genuinely valuable glassware, whether financially or because it carries sentimental significance, the safest option is to have our team pack it. We offer partial packing, so you don’t have to book full packing for your entire home. If you’re weighing whether it’s worth it, the cost of packing services is often lower than replacing a single broken heirloom piece.
Our team packs glassware and fragile items for Salt Lake City moves on a regular basis and can remove the guesswork from the parts of your move that carry the most risk.
What you need to pack glassware correctly:
- Dish pack or cell boxes, or sturdy double-walled boxes
- Packing paper, not newspaper
- Crumpled paper or foam sheets for gap filling
- Dark-colored marker for fragile labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of box for packing glassware?
Dish pack boxes with built-in cell dividers are best because they keep each piece separated. Sturdy double-walled boxes are a solid alternative if specialty boxes are not available.
Should glasses be packed lying down or standing up?
Standing up, rim-side down with the base facing up. Glassware is structurally stronger upright, and this position keeps the most fragile part of the glass away from pressure during transport.
What should I use to wrap glassware?
Packing paper, not newspaper. Newspaper ink can transfer onto glass and is difficult to clean off. Wrap each piece individually, paying extra attention to stems, handles, and narrow necks.
How do I know if a box of glassware is packed well?
It should not rattle when you pick it up and shake it gently. If anything shifts, add more crumpled paper until the contents are held firmly in place.
Can Best of Utah Moving pack fragile glassware for me?
Yes. We offer partial packing for glassware and other fragile items without requiring you to book full packing for the entire home. Call us to talk through which pieces you would rather hand off.
If you would rather leave your glassware to people who pack it every day, call (801) 871-5221 or email contact@bestofutahmoving.com to schedule your Salt Lake City move.
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