Packing glassware for storage 101
The moving process consists is complicated and consists of many parts. Therefore, handling the entire process can certainly be difficult, exhausting, and stressful. Nevertheless, preparing in advance will ultimately help you arrive at your new destination smoothly and without complications. Even though packing glassware often causes headaches, there’s a solution for that too. Renting or buying a storage unit is a great temporary answer to your problems. Whether you choose to rent or buy, you want to make sure your belongings are protected. Opening a box months later with shards of glass in it would simply be heartbreaking. Which is precisely the reason you always want to pack with care. That is why today, Master Moving Guide will help you learn all about packing glassware for storage!
6 (mostly) simple steps for packing glassware for storage
For all those owning a lot of glassware, we’ve outlined a step-by-step procedure to follow in order to pack properly. Keep in mind at all times that your fragile items must be handled very carefully. Additionally, you should know that packing glassware may take quite a bit of your time. If senior movers or anyone else feel like this is too stressful, don’t hesitate to contact a professional moving company. However, if you wish to pack everything yourself, you must do so properly. Otherwise, your glassware may suffer damage during transport and storage. Make note of the steps to follow:
- Making an inventory list
- Gathering packing materials
- Washing and drying your glassware
- Wrapping and placing your glassware in storage boxes
- Labeling each box and placing them in the moving truck
- Finally, placing glassware in the storage unit
1. Making an inventory list before packing glassware for storage
Before you start packing for storage, you should decide which pieces of glassware you want to save and store. Now is the time to get rid of all those old and broken glass pieces. Some you may donate and some you may have to throw away. Once you’ve finished decluttering, you’ll know the exact amount of items you want to store. This will determine what kind and size of storage unit you should rent or buy. After that, write up an inventory list of all the items you intend to place in the storage unit! Make sure you don’t lose the list so that every piece of glassware you wrap and pack ends up back in your possession.
2. Gathering packing materials
Using old shoe boxes and newspapers for packing and protecting your glassware first comes to mind. Unfortunately, it’s not such a good idea! You should invest in some higher-quality packing materials if you want to be sure your glassware is properly packed and protected. This is the bare minimum you will have to get a hold of:
- New storage boxes, double corrugated if possible
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Packing tape and tape cutter
- Colored markers and labels
And if you’re using professional moving services, make sure you know your options. Learn what is a rough estimate, a non-binding estimate, and what is a binding estimate too, so you can make informed decisions.
3. Washing and drying your glassware before packing it
Sure, it may sound like a waste of time, but cleaning and drying your glassware is more than recommended. Presuming your glassware will be sitting in the moving boxes for a long time, packing them wet will result in them becoming moldy. Furthermore, if your glassware is dirty, the dirt will spread and be impossible to remove after a long period of time. So, you should clean and especially dry your glassware at least 24 hours before packing.
4. Wrapping and carefully placing your glassware in storage boxes
Here’s what to do in order to wrap your glassware properly. Put bubble wrap around every piece of glassware. Add as many layers as needed to ensure items are safe. Afterward, put your glassware in boxes, but don’t overfill them! Then, use packing paper to stuff the hollow sections between items. Before sealing the box, shake it gently. If you hear glass clicking or feel the items moving too much, you need to repack. Otherwise, seal the boxes with packing tape.
5. Labeling each box and placing them in the moving truck
You will need labels and different color markers. Here’s how to label moving boxes properly. When labeling the boxes be specific. For instance, don’t simply write “cups” on the box. Instead, you ought to write “Tea Cups and Saucers” or “Coffee Mugs” etc. Labeling your glassware like this will make the unpacking process easier when the time comes. Next, be sure to protect your fragile belongings during transport also! Place glassware boxes where they cannot be damaged by other boxes that can fall over. Especially valuable fragile items should be placed on the front seat and secured with a seat belt. Be careful and try not to stack anything heavy on top of the boxes filled with glassware!
Hire professionals
If you have no time to deal with the glassware packing process, no worries. You should just hire professional movers who will provide you with their professional packing and unpacking services. In no time will they pack all of your glassware and relocate everything safely. A professional mover also provides a lot of other moving services, so take your time and choose carefully.
This is the end of our list of tips you should follow when packing glassware for storage like a pro! Nonetheless, since the packing process takes quite a bit of time, so, if you think you can’t manage, you should definitely hire a professional moving company to assist you. That’s all from us, good luck with your relocation!