Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you start packing at the last minute. In a rush and with so many things to pack and prepare, it’s easy to lose track of smaller things, such as mugs and cups. Unfortunately, this often results in lost or damaged belongings. Luckily, as with many other things in life, knowledge can prevent potential mishaps and facilitate the packing process of fragile items to help you move with ease and without stress. Below you’ll find a few useful tips on how to pack mugs for moving to ensure they reach your new home in perfect condition!
But first, take a minute to think about what and why you want to pack. Coffee and tea mugs are probably among the most frequently used items in your kitchen. But do you really use all of them? Even after excluding your favourite coffee mug, there are certainly some that are used more often than others. If you have a number of mismatched mugs that you never use stored at the back of your cupboard, this is the perfect time to get rid of them.
Start by sorting all your mugs into two groups, depending on whether you want to take them with you or not. There’s no point in wasting time and effort on packing and transporting things you don’t even use, especially if they hold no sentimental value. If the mugs you don’t want are still in good condition, you may want to consider giving them to friends or family, donating them to charity, or even selling them.
How to Pack Mugs for Moving
Packing Materials You’ll Need
- Cardboard boxes
- Wrapping paper or old newspapers
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Markers
Find the Right Moving Box and Prepare It
Choosing moving boxes to pack glasses and mugs seems like a pretty straightforward task, right? Well, not quite, as there are a few things worth keeping in mind. You can buy new moving boxes or reuse those you already have, but always make sure that each cardboard container is sturdy and in good condition. This way, it will serve as an additional protective layer for your breakable items.
Use medium-sized boxes when packing mugs. A large cardboard box filled with all your mugs will be too heavy and bulky to move around. Smaller boxes are easier to carry and limit the risk of accidents and damage.
Now it’s time to prepare the boxes. Use packing tape to secure the bottom of the box and stop it from opening. As another safety measure, line each container with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap (you can also use a T-shirt or a towel) to make sure your porcelain cups and mugs are protected from each side.
While it’s perfectly fine to pack mugs for moving in standard moving boxes and secure them with proper packing materials, you may want to consider using cell boxes instead. They are a convenient way to transport fragile items, such as porcelain mugs, because they come with dividers (a cell pack) inside to keep individual items separated in the box. You can buy pre-made dividers in the required size or make your own using a spare cardboard box.
Wrap Each Mug Individually
When it comes to things as fragile as a porcelain cup, even a small bump may be enough to break it. That’s why it’s important to secure each mug separately with packing paper or bubble wrap. This way, even if the items inside the box come into contact during transport, they will be protected.
- Grab a sheet of packing paper (or bubble wrap) and put it on your table or other flat surface.
- Wrap your mug.
- Method #1: Place it on the edge of the paper sheet and roll it gently until it’s completely covered. Fold the rest of the packing paper inside to cover the edges.
- Method #2: Place it in the centre of the packing paper or bubble wrap and tuck each corner inside until it’s fully wrapped.
- Secure the paper bundle with packing tape to keep it in place.
When packing coffee mugs that are particularly important to you, e.g., because of their sentimental value, you may want to wrap them in an additional layer of soft material or bubble wrap for extra protection or even put them in a smaller separate box.
Pack Your Mugs Carefully
Place your wrapped mugs inside the cardboard box, but avoid applying too much pressure to fit them in. Using force may result in scratches or chips. If there’s any empty space but not enough to fit another cup, you can use it to pack something else, e.g., a book, or simply fill it with packing materials later.
It’s usually safer to pack porcelain mugs and other breakable things in a single layer. However, if you have a taller box and want to use the available space by adding another layer, make sure to place the heavier mugs at the bottom. To be extra careful, add more packing paper, newspaper or bubble wrap inside each mug first.
Fill the Empty Space Inside the Box With Packing Materials
Now that your boxes are packed, it’s time to secure them for transport. Try to move each mug inside the box. If they can be moved, you need to fill all empty spaces with crumpled paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or other packing material to keep them in place. At this point, your tea mugs should have no room to move around. To be sure, shake the box gently. If there’s no sign of movement during the shake-up test, fill the top with packing material and proceed to the next step.
Seal the Box and Label It
Once everything is packed, close the box securely and seal the top with packing tape. Don’t forget to label each moving box. This will help you and your friends or your movers transport them in the right way. Whether you simply write ‘mugs’ with a marker or add a store-bought sticker, make sure that your labels are clear and visible. To avoid accidents during transport, mark which way up each box should be carried.
Common Questions About Packing Mugs for Moving
- How do you pack mugs so they don’t break? First, you need to gather the necessary packing supplies, including suitable moving boxes, wrapping paper and bubble wrap. Carefully wrap each mug and pack them snugly inside the box to prevent movement.
- Do you need to pack each mug individually? Yes. Each mug should be wrapped and secured separately. This way, there’s no risk of them coming into direct contact inside the box, which could lead to breakage and damage.
- How can I transport mugs without breaking them? You can protect your mugs during transport by using sturdy moving boxes and adding more layers of packing materials. It’s also important to secure each box inside the removal van to make sure it cannot move around on the way to your new address.
Hire Professional Movers for a Hassle-Free House Move
As you can see, packing mugs for moving doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can take some of your valuable time. If you’d rather spend it on something else, consider working with a professional removal company. Our team can not only transport but also pack your belongings to make sure they reach their destination safely. It’s a great way to save time and avoid stress during your house move. If you’re interested in our services, please contact us or request a free quotation to learn more!
