Learn how to pack glasses and keep them safe when moving

What you will need to pack glasses properly

Correct Size Moving Boxes

Unprinted Paper / Bubblewrap

Tape

Marker

We understand that not everyone knows how to pack glasses properly and that it can be quite intimidating when you start opening up all those kitchen cupboards and are faced with an array of glasses to pack. Don’t panic we are here to help. We understand that you need to be extra careful when packing glasses but if you follow our step by step guide on how to pack glasses we can help to make sure that your glasses arrive in your beautiful new home is pristine condition.

 

Step by step guide on how to pack glasses –

 

Prepare a work station to pack glasses on

Choose a solid work station such as a table or a large countertop where you will feel comfortable standing when you are packing the glasses. We recommend a work station that is around waist high so that you are not crouching over which will help to make sure your back does not hurt. We recommend covering your work station with a protective cover such as a moving blanket. This will ensure that the table or counter top does not get scratched when you are packing the glasses. Finally place clean unprinted packing paper on your workstation.

Prepare your moving box

The next step is to tape up and prepare the box you are going to put the glasses into. We recommend medium boxes as large boxes can become too heavy when packed with glasses. Normal medium boxes are fine to use but if you are extremely worried about the glasses we recommend using double walled dish packs for extra protection. When you have chosen the correct box the next step is to tape it correctly. The final step in preparing the box is to place 8 to 12 pieces of crushed paper in the bottom of the box so that the bottom is completely covered.

Wrap each glass in paper

Start of by placing on glass on its side 6 to 8 inches from one of the corners of your packing paper. Next, bring the nearest corner of your paper over the top of your glass, then start to roll the glass until it is completely covered by the paper. Next, fold the outside paper in towards the center then continue to roll the glass and fold in the corners as needed until the glass is fully wrapped and protected.

Box up each wrapped glass

When you have finished wrapping each glass place it upside down on top of the crushed paper. Placing it upside down will will to protect the glasses during transportation. Continue to place each wrapped glass along the bottom of the box until it is completely covered. If there are any spaces fill them with more crushed paper. If you have enough room, place another layer of crushed paper on top of the wrapped glasses and place another layer of wrapped glasses on top.

Leave some space at the top of the box

We recommend not packing your boxes all the way to the top and instead leaving around 6 inches of space at the top for extra packing material. Grab some more crushed paper and use it to fill the box to the top. This will help to give an extra level of protection to your packed glasses.

Check, Tape and Label your box

The final step is to to check, tape and label your boxes. CHECK that the box has been packed properly. Look Into the box and make sure that no glass can be seen. Next, give the box a shake. You should not be able to hear any glasses knocking against each other. If you can, check the box and fill with more paper as required. TAPE the box when you are completely happy using the same technique outlined above. Lastly LABEL each box with a sharpie, listing the contents of each box and what room you would like them to go to in your new home.

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Learn how to tape moving boxes correctly

What you will need to tape moving boxes correctly

  1. Correct size moving box
  2. Correct type of Tape

Moving can be a stressful process, but knowing the right way to put a box together can make all the difference to your move and ensure that your items end up safely at your new home and not broken on the floor. You may not even know that you’ve have been taping moving boxes wrong all these years but by following our advice you will be taping moving boxes like the pros in no time.

Moving can be a stressful process, but knowing the right way to put a box together can make all the difference to your move and ensure that your items end up safely at your new home and not broken on the floor. You may not even know that you’ve have been taping moving boxes wrong all these years but by following our advice you will be taping moving boxes like the pros in no time.

Choose the correct size moving box.

As a general rule there 3 main sizes of boxes, small, medium and large. Small boxes are typically used for smaller heavier items such as books and canned food ect. Medium boxes are more used for items like plates, glasses and electronics. The larger boxes are typically used for large light items such as bedding, pillows and toys ect.  Choosing the right size box for your items will mean that the items will arrive safe and that the boxes will be the correct weight and easier to move.

Correct type of tape

There are a number of different types of tapes you can use when taping moving boxes, duct tape, masking tape, shipping tape and filament tape. Having been in the moving industry for over 15 years we feel that your best option is shipping tape. It is cheap, easy to use, and strong enough to seal boxes. It is also water-resistant and very sticky. Having used shipping tape for over 15 years and never been let down by it we feel that this is the best tape option for taping moving boxes.

How to tape moving boxes

  • Make sure the box is completely flat to start with.
  • There are 2 flaps at the top of the box that are connected by a small piece of cardboard, these are used for the flap lock feature. Fold the 2 sides that have the flaps down so that they are against the box.
  • Next, open the box up so that it is square, the 2 flap sides should have stayed attached to the box, the part where the flaps are folded over is going to be the top of your box.
  • Next flip the box upside down, we are now ready to tape the bottom of the box.
  • First fold in the 2 small flaps, then fold in the 2 longer flaps.
  • Run a piece of tape along the opening of the 2 long flaps, ensure that there is at least 3 inches of tape going up the side of the box.
  • Repeat this process twice but make sure to put the next 2 pieces of tape an inch either side of the first piece. This will help to improve the strength of the tape.
  • Flip your box back over and [ack up to the top of the folded flaps.
  • Finally break apart the flaps that were being held by the small pieces of cardboard and repeat the taping process we used for the bottom of the box. Label it correctly and you’re done.

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We all know that when moving books are not fun to move. There heavy, take up space and when it is all said and done they will most likely just gather up dust in your nice new home. With this in mind we have put together a list of great organizations and charities that will really put your old books to good use. Donating your old unwanted books will help to save in moving costs, and you will feel great about putting your books in the hands of those who will love them.

Where to donate books when moving

Project Night Night

project night night image 1-The Guru of Moving

Each year, Project Night Night sends over 25,000 “Night Night Packages” to homeless children. These packages really do make a difference in children’s lives. They not only accept book donations but also donations of blankets, toys and money. Check them out at projectnightnight

Books for prisoners

books for prisoners-The Guru of Moving

Books for Prisoners is a non-profit student organization based at the University of California, San Diego.  Individual inmates write to the organization, often requesting specific books, dictionaries, and textbooks for their studies. Books for Prisoners, in turn, sends the requested materials in the hopes of furthering their education and helping to turn their lives around. Education is key to a better life for inmates, and you can help make their goals a reality by donating your used books.

Books for soldiers

 books for soldiers1-The Guru of Moving

Books for soldiers is a non-profit corporation, operated as a ministry of the non-denominational, interfaith Order of the Red Grail church in North Carolina. They make it super easy to send your unwanted books to soldiers all over the world. Every month they ship thousands of books, dvd’s and cd’s to those in need

Book for Africa

books for africa-The Guru of Moving

Books For Africa remains the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent, shipping over 39 million books to 49 different countries since 1988.  Over the past 12 months they have shipped three million books, 93 computers and e-readers containing 223,000 digital books, as well as 10 new law and human rights libraries to 18 African countries. More than $2.5 million was raised last year to ship the books to the students of Africa.

To learn more about groups currently fundraising to ship books to specific African countries, view the Projects page.

The Salvation Army

slavation-The Guru of Moving

The Salvation Army accepts used goods donations, including hardback and paperback books. The donations go to stock the Salvation Army store, or to provide reading materials for Salvation Army’s homeless shelters. You can find drop-off locations in your community on the Salvation Army website.

Children’s Book Project

childrens book 1-The Guru of Moving

The Children’s Book Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps children who need books learn to read by providing free books and other resources to children and their shelters, schools, daycares, and community centers. They are based in San Francisco and you can visit their website at The Children’s Book Project

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This is a great way to not only find a list of potential companies but also research what previous customers have to say about them at the same time. When putting your list together we recommending choosing companies that have at least 30+ reviews. This ensures that the company has been around for at least a few years and that the majority of their reviews should all be real.

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This is our personal favorite way to choose movers. Ask friends, co-workers or even your realtor. The reason we like this option is because these people will have had first hand experience with the companies they are recommending from beginning to end. If they are saying great thing about a company after they have used them they are worth listening to. One tip is to ask the person who referred you if they remember the names of the actual crew who moved them, that way you can personally request the same crew when you call

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There is nothing worse than watching your movers stand around waiting for the elavator. If possible try and reserve the elevator with the building to keep you move on pace.

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This is a great way to help keep the cost of the move down. Items that usually need to be disassembled are things like beds and tables. Always to remember to put the hardware in a zip lock back and keep it in a safe place.

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Moving is a great time to get rid of all your unwanted items, plus the more you get rid of the easier your move will be. Give yourself plenty of time so that by the time moving day comes you have got rid of all that clutter. Ask friends if there are any items they want, contact goodwill or even put them on the free section of Craigslist.

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Lets face it, after a long hard day of moving the last thing you want to do is to start unpacking boxes looking for them essential items you need to get through the night and next day. Pack a bag or box with all your essentials such as a change of clothes, phone charger, laptop, medication ect. When you have done this clearly mark that it does not go in the moving truck and place it in a safe place.

As a mover I cannot stress how important this is. Don’t assume that you will have time to do it when the movers are moving the big items, you will not have enough time as packing always takes longer than you think. Having everything in boxes will make the move go so much faster, which will save you money and will also keep your movers happy.

Always stack dishes upwards when packing, and avoid breakage by using custom-designed boxes. It’s also a good idea to avoid wrapping china in newsprint; the ink can stain your dishes. If you are not quite sure how to do it, check out this great video on how to pack dishes.

This one tip alone will not only help to save you time but it may also save your sanity. Simply take pictures of the back of your electronics before you disconnect them and then when you go to connect all the wires at your new home you simply have to look at each picture.​

Filling the box completely will to ensure that the items inside stay safer as they will be unable to move around. Having the boxes filled to the top also means that your box will not crush when it is loaded onto the truck.

This will help to ensure that your mover places all the boxes in the correct rooms which will save you time and money and also mean you won’t have to move wayward boxes up and down stairs when they leave.

This may sound obvious but we have seen so many people make the mistake of not doing this properly. Our advice is to put 3 strips of tape on the top and bottom of the box. Do not fold the flaps of the box, always tape them.

If you are in doubt you can always follow our video on How To Tape Moving Boxes Correctly