Glassware, antique glass items, and mirrors are the most vulnerable items requiring extra handling and attention to detail when being moved. Any improper treatment is fraught with failure, as chips and cracks usually cannot be repaired. Therefore, you should be well prepared for shipping glass, no matter locally or to another city. Here are some simple tips you should follow.
Tips for Shipping Glass Without Damaging It
General rules
- Handle the glassware with care. Do not shake it, flip it, or move it abruptly.
- Shipping glass items requires choosing the right vehicle. It is better to hire professional movers with a special van equipped with fasteners.
- Mirrors should be transported vertically. Shipping them horizontally can cause cracks. Always select a truck with a suitable body height.
- Glass and fragile items should be secured inside the truck with straps. Do not allow heavy objects to be placed on boxes with glass items.
Packing glass dishes
- Stock up on appropriate packing materials, such as bubble wrap, wrapping paper, and shipping boxes (crates).
- Cover glasses and cups with several layers of bubble wrap. Pay attention to protruding parts.
- Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box.
- Small glassware can be stacked on top. Try not to leave any voids so that the dishes do not shift inside the box. Fill the empty space with bubble wrap, paper, cloth, or other appropriate soft materials.
Packing framed mirrors and artworks
- Wrap each item in several layers of bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
- Use corrugated cardboard as the second layer of protection.
- It is better to secure the corners of paintings with special corner protectors.
- Label the package with the “Fragile” sticker on the front side.
You can contact Fine Art Shippers if you have trouble with shipping glass or other fragile items to your new home. Our team has extensive moving experience and can provide hassle-free relocation of even the most delicate pieces.