Skip to content

How to Protect Glass Items During Portable Storage

Knowing how to pack your glass items, organise your containers and protect from the environment can help stop any damage.

By Moss & Fog4 min read
Wooden shelving rack holding neat rows of clean wine glasses and tumblers

Glass items can be quite fragile in transport and storage. It is important to make sure that you prepare your glass items properly. This includes items such as mirrors, drinking glasses, picture frames, decors and glass tabletops. You will need to ensure they are properly packed with the correct items.

While portable storage can be very helpful with renovations, moving homes and cleaning up your property, it is important to properly prepare your items. Knowing how to pack your glass items, organise your containers and protect from the environment can help stop any damage.

Top-down view of clear wine glasses arranged on a peach-colored background
Close-up of clear plastic bubble wrap with rounded air pockets catching the light
Chapter 01

Selecting Appropriate Packing Materials

Photo: Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash

Packing your glass items with the right items will help protect them. Using bubble wrap, packing paper, foam and strong cardboard boxes will help cushion your items. Using packing paper in your drinking glasses will help protect them. However, using bubble wrap will add extra protection for your large decors and mirrors. Ensure each item has plenty of padding covering the item. Using clean items will help stop any dirt or gritty items from scratching your glass.

You should choose strong boxes for your glass items. Double walled cardboard boxes are usually better for heavier glass items. Dividers can help stop your drinking glasses and smaller items from clashing. You should not overload your boxes, this will cause pressure and weaken the bottom. Choose the right sized boxes for your items to stop any movement.

Labeling and Handling Fragile Packages

Labelling your items will help anyone who handles your stored items know which items need extra care. By labelling your items as fragile and showing them to be placed upright will help stop them being carelessly stacked. Make sure your labels can be seen from all sides. Keeping a list of your items will help you find your valuable glass items.

Make sure you lift your items correctly. Lift from the bottom of the box and avoid lifting from the top flaps or handles. Do not slide your items across the floor and drop them onto hard surfaces. When organising your storage London Ontario items for your move or renovation plan ahead so you do not have to move them too much. Communicate carefully to ensure everyone takes the same precautions.

A woman lifting a cardboard box from the bottom in a living room filled with moving boxes
Photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
The Moss & Fog Gift GuideGifts, already figured out.Six sets we put together ourselves, from $25, each with a handwritten card on us!See the gift setsThe Desk Set · $60Portland Pantry · $60Campfire Kit · $69

Preparing Glass Items Before Packing

Before you start packing your glass items you should make sure they are clean. This will stop any dust, dry dirt or grit from causing scratches. You will also be able to spot any chips, cracks or weak spots. If your item is damaged you will need to treat it carefully as they could be more likely to break. Ensure all your glass items are completely dry.

If possible, separate any loose parts. This will help to reduce any pressure on the glass. For example, if you have glass shelves in your cabinets, take them out. If you have loose frames or decorations, separate them and pack them individually. Each piece should be packed individually with padding. Pay special attention to corners and thin edges as these are more likely to be affected. This will also make it easier to unpack.

Organizing Glass Items Inside Storage Containers

The way you place your packed glass items can help to keep them safe. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes with delicate items on top. Never use glass items to hold heavy furniture, appliances or equipment. This can cause damage to your packaging. Place your boxes upright as they should be.

When using moving containers you want to make sure that your items are secure. Fill any gaps with soft padding items. Large furniture should be packed securely so it will not slip into your glass items. Mirrors and framed glass items should be placed upright with padding. Try to keep your glass items well spaced.

Managing Temperature and Moisture Exposure

While glass items are usually not affected by moisture, when the temperature changes inside the container you could get condensation. This could cause issues with your frames, adhesives, packaging and surrounding items. Choose a dry area to store your items and check your container for any signs of moisture. Pack your glass items with dry items.

Items with added parts, coatings or decors could be affected by temperature changes. Framed photos, glass decorations and decors could have materials that react differently. Avoid putting them directly against the sides of the container. If you are storing them for a few months check your container regularly to spot any moisture issues or damaged packaging.

Conclusion

Your glass goods will be protected if you use the right packaging, prepare them well, organise them and avoid any problems with the environment. If you separate them, weigh them correctly and label any fragile items then you will help prevent any breakages. Having regular checks and handling will help protect your delicate items. If you prepare your glass goods correctly at home you can be assured that they are protected until they need to be unpacked.

Lead photo: Kin Shing Lai on Unsplash

By Moss & Fog Staff

Enjoying the wander?

Our best stories on design, nature and architecture, plus Fog Signals, our weekly letter of favorite finds. Free, and easy to leave anytime.

Keep reading