How to Pack Mugs for Moving

 

Let's face it - no one wants to unpack broken mugs at their new place. I've seen too many people toss their favorite coffee cups into boxes with just some newspaper and hope for the best. Evergreen movers tell me this happens all the time.

Trust me, spending an extra 15 minutes packing your mugs right now beats the disappointment of finding them in pieces later. I've moved eight times in the last decade and haven't broken a single mug using these methods.

Gather Packing Supplies

Before touching a single mug, grab these essentials: sturdy boxes (not those flimsy ones from the liquor store), packing paper (newspapers leave ink stains), bubble wrap for your special mugs, and decent packing tape. Don't cheap out on tape - the dollar store stuff will peel off during transit. 

Got hand-me-down boxes? Check them for weak spots. I once had the bottom fall out of a box of dishes because I skipped this step. Crush up some packing paper for box bottoms and save some for filling empty spaces. Your future self will thank you for being prepared.

Wrap Each Mug Securely

Here's my fool-proof wrapping method: Put your mug at an angle on a sheet of packing paper. Fold one corner over the top and tuck it into the handle. Spin the mug, fold the opposite corner, then do the same with the remaining sides. Secure it with a small tape piece. 

For your grandmother's antique mug or that $40 souvenir from your Hawaii trip, add bubble wrap. I once packed my entire mug collection this way for a cross-country move - zero casualties. The extra two minutes per mug saved me from losing irreplaceable items.

Use Sturdy Boxes

Not all boxes are created equal. Those flimsy Amazon packages won't cut it for mugs. Get small, sturdy boxes with thick walls - they're worth every penny. Reinforce the bottom with extra tape in both directions. I learned this lesson when I watched my kitchen box collapse in the moving truck. 

Fill the bottom with crumpled paper as a shock absorber. Never stuff too many mugs in one box; if you can't lift it easily with one hand, it's too heavy. Your back (and your mugs) will thank you.

Pack Mugs Strategically

Think of packing mugs like playing Tetris. Follow these battle-tested tips:

  • Place heavier mugs at the bottom of the box to provide a sturdy base.

  • Wrap each mug individually in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent scratches and chips.

  • Fill any empty spaces with packing material to keep the mugs from shifting.

  • Stack mugs of similar sizes together to optimize space utilization.

  • Avoid overpacking boxes to make certain they remain manageable and prevent breakage.

Label Boxes Clearly

Nothing's worse than digging through 20 identical boxes looking for your coffee mug on your first morning in a new place. Grab a thick marker and write "KITCHEN - MUGS - FRAGILE" on at least three sides of the box. I also like to add "OPEN FIRST" to my coffee mug box because, well, priorities. 

Take a quick photo of the contents before sealing each box - this saved me countless hours of searching during my last move. Your sleep-deprived future self will be eternally grateful when you can find your coffee mug immediately on that first hectic morning.

Got a move coming up? Start collecting packing supplies now instead of scrambling the night before. Your mugs aren't just dishes - they're morning companions, gift memories, and in some cases, irreplaceable keepsakes. Give them the protection they deserve. Your first peaceful coffee moment in your new home will make this extra effort worthwhile.


Other Related Topics: