How to Store Glassware Safely in a Storage Unit

Glassware can have a special place in any household, whether it's a collection of vintage crystal, your favorite set of wine glasses, or everyday drinkware. Careful preparation and appropriate packaging are critical when storing glassware to guarantee that it stays undamaged and ready for future use. Take a look at our guide on how to store glassware in a storage unit.

1. Gather the Right Packing Materials

When you're deciding how to store your glassware in a storage unit, you should take the time to acquire all the supplies you'll need before you begin packing:

• Sturdy Boxes: Ideally, use heavy duty reinforced cardboard boxes or dish boxes that are equipped with dividers.
• Bubble Wrap/Packing Paper: Can be wrapped around each individual item or used as cushioning.
• Cardboard Dividers: These keep your glassware from clinking together and possibly cracking.
• Packing Tape: Make sure it's robust enough to firmly seal boxes.
• Markers: To label each box with its contents.

2. Prepare the Glassware for Packing

Before packing, give each piece of glassware a thorough cleaning. Dust, dirt, and food residue can attract pests and cause discoloration in your glass over time. After cleaning, ensure the glassware dries completely to prevent moisture accumulation that could cause damage like mildew.

3. Wrap Each Piece Individually

Each glass, cup, and dish should be wrapped with bubble wrap or packing paper. After positioning the object in the middle of the packing paper, tuck in the edges by bringing the corners up over the piece. If necessary, use tape to secure the wrap. When packing fragile or pricey items, it is advisable to use both packing paper and bubble wrap for additional protection.

4. Pack with Care

When you're packing the glassware into boxes:

• Layer the Bottom: Start by placing a layer of bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper at the box's base. This gives the glasses a cushion.
• Employ Dividers: If you have box dividers, set them inside the box and slide the glasses into the designated openings. This stops your glasses from moving during transit and knocking into one another.
• Pack Heavy Items First: Lighter, more delicate things should be placed on top of the box, and heavier items, like bowls or mugs, should be placed at the bottom.
• Fill Empty Spaces: To fill in any gaps in the box, use bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or crumpled packing paper. This stops your glassware from moving around while being transported or stored.

5. Clearly Label the Boxes

When a box is filled and your glassware is ready to store, use packing tape to seal the box tightly and mark it as "Fragile" or "Glassware." To make it easier for you to locate the items you need later, it's also a good idea to list the contents (and possibly the intended room) on the outside of the box.

6. Securely Stack Boxes in the Storage Unit

When you store glassware in a storage unit, stack so that the lighter boxes are on top and the heaviest boxes are at the bottom. To keep the boxes from toppling over and squashing the contents underneath, try not to stack them too high on top of one another.

7. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage

Glass is vulnerable to sharp variations in temperature. It makes sense to put your glassware in a climate-controlled storage unit, so that your glasses won't need to deal with temperature extremes or humidity. Not only will this stop the glass from cracking, but it will also protect your packing materials from degradation. 

8. Regularly Check on Your Stored Glassware

Checking on glassware periodically is a good idea if you intend to store it for a long time. Pop in every now and then to make sure that the unit is dry, clean, and free of vermin, and that all of your boxes are still in good shape.

Storing glassware in a storage unit doesn't have to be a hassle. If you take the time to pack and store it carefully, your glassware will stay in pristine condition and be ready to use when you need it again. Looking for more tips? Contact your local StaxUP Storage team to see how we can help you store safely and securely.