Learn to Wrap and Pack Cups and Saucers for a Move

Supplies

• A sturdy moving box
• Packing paper or unprinted newsprint (printed newsprint can rub off on your items)
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• A permanent marker

Wrapping the cups

• Stuff your cups. Crumple up balls of packing paper or unprinted newsprint and stuff the interior of your cups with them to provide support.
• Wrap the handles. Your cups' handles are the most fragile portion, so place some balled up packing paper in the space between the handle and the cup, then wrap the whole section in bubble wrap and secure with packing tape.
• Wrap the cup. Place the cup on the corner of several sheets of packing paper and roll the paper over and under the mug until you get to the end of the sheet. Tuck the excess paper around the base and over the lip of the cup.
• Wrap again. If you want to be extra cautious (especially if your cups and saucers are irreplaceable), wrap this entire bundle once more in bubble wrap and a final sheet of packing paper.
• Repeat. Continue this process until all your cups are wrapped.

Wrapping the saucers

The packing process

• Secure the moving box. Tape the bottom of your moving box shut with several pieces of packing tape. This will prevent the bottom of the box from falling open during your move.
• Cushion the bottom. Place a layer of bubble wrap and another layer of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of your moving box to provide cushioning.
• Stack the saucers first. The individually wrapped saucers can be bundled in groups of three, wrapped with another sheet of packing paper around the bundle (don't forget to tape) and placed into a box on their edges, similar to how you would store records.
• Divide the box. To save space, place a cardboard divider snug against your saucers to keep them upright in the box. In the open space next to your packed saucers you can place your cups.
• Place your cups. Layer your wrapped cups in the cushioned box with the lip side down for additional support. Place the wrapped cups snugly next to each other will all the handles facing in the same direction to utilize the space efficiently.
• Fill in any empty space. Place crumpled packing paper in voids left between the mugs and the space between the cups and the box's lid. The less the cups shift during transit the less likely they'll be damaged.
• Seal the box. Seal the open lid of the box with packing tape.
  
• Label it. Write on the box that the contents are "FRAGILE" and note which way the box must be held and loaded during the move, adding: "THIS SIDE UP" with an arrow pointing toward the top. Also be sure to write where to place the box inside your new home as well as what the box contains.

TIP: For added protection, separate the individually wrapped cups with a cell box. Cell boxes can be purchased from your moving company, a packing product supplier or you can make one yourself. If you choose to use a cell box, pack your cups and saucers separately.

Hire movers