How to Pack Wine Bottles for Moving

When Cross-Country Moving Meets Merlot, It’s a Recipe for Disaster

Obviously, wines cost much more to transport than most other household and kitchen items. They fall under the expensive perishable goods category, and not every relocation and car shipping company will want to deal with that, especially when it comes to interstate moves. However, there are also those up for a challenge, such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving.

You Can’t Just Ship the Bottles and Hope for the Best

This is because bottles need to be transported in climate-controlled trucks, and not every long-distance moving company has one. So, you need to be careful to pick the right cross-country movers for the job.

Of course, there’s always the option to DIY the whole ordeal. However, without the right relocation hacks, it’s a recipe for plenty of headaches down the road. But either way, it’s good to know how to pack wine for shipping – so, let’s get down to it.

First Things First, Get Proper Packing Supplies

When it comes to transporting fragile items, it’s best to avoid cheap packing materials. Make sure to get high-quality wine moving boxes, as these are equipped with styrofoam or cardboard dividers, as well as reinforced on the bottom for a safer ride.

These special boxes come in various sizes, suitable for a wide range of collections. It’s best to pick smaller ones that fit fewer items because lifting them will be easier. Of course, they cost more than regular boxes, but when your prized bottles are at stake, investing in them will certainly pay off.

It’s All About Keeping the Bottles Separated and Secure

While specialized boxes are the best choice, there are also containers with cardboard cell dividers that can also do the trick. They are available in general stores, usually at lower prices, which is good news for your relocation budget. You can also turn to your local liquor store and see if they have some they’re willing to share.

No matter the type of box, you’ll need to make sure that the height matches the tallest bottle you have, as they’ll obviously need to be closed properly for a safe move. You will also need sheets of packing paper, and let’s not forget the almighty duct tape. But if you’re already starting to sweat at the thought of doing all of this by yourself, remember that booking packing services is always an option.

How to Pack Wine Bottles for Moving – Tips & Tricks

Bottles are prone to breaking, so they need to be properly packed either in a couple of layers of packing paper or bubble wrap. Luckily, there are plenty of relocation tips that can help you handle your valuable collection properly, even if you’re completely new to the task at hand.

It’s a good idea to create a relocation inventory just for your collection, stating the names, vintages, and years. You can even photograph them for reference if you want. Once that’s done, you can start the whole ordeal by doing the following:

• Lay a clean, flat surface on the table for packaging the bottles,
• Place each bottle flat on the table, roll it in your chosen wrapping material,
• Mold the top securely and use tape to secure wrapping around each bottle,
• Place the wrapped bottles upright in a sturdy box, ensuring they’re snug and won’t shift,
• Fill any gaps in the box with additional materials, like packing peanuts or crumbled paper,
• Close the box and secure it with tape to make sure it stays tightly sealed,
• Clearly label the box with “Top” and “Fragile” so long-distance movers know how to handle it.

Make Sure to Tape the Bottom of the Box Before You Pack the Bottles

Before you place anything in boxes, make sure each one is reinforced with an additional layer of cardboard and tape. After all, these containers will have to endure a lot of weight. Once you place the bottles, carefully lift the box to see if it holds the weight. Shake it gently to check if you need to add more padding before you start taking them out of the kitchen.

Use Sheets of Packing Paper for Extra Protection

Protective paper is super important if you’re using alternative containers, especially the ones without cells. Be generous with it, as it will protect your valuable bottles from coming in contact with each other and breaking during shipping.  Add extra cushioning just to be safe. Do not exceed 12 bottles per box, as that standard was established for a reason.

Use a Divider and Position the Bottles Properly

Along with the aforementioned special containers, cell boxes are the next best option, as the dividers will separate the bottles and prevent them from coming in contact with one another. Once in the moving truck, it can be a bumpy road, so you need all the protection you can get.

Another thing to consider to prevent things from breaking is the right positioning of each bottle, which impacts the quality of the wine. Red and white vintage ones are best positioned on their sides to keep the corks wet and expanded. Keep in mind that dry corks can shrink and let air inside, which causes oxidation and affects the taste and quality.

Positioning them upside down is also not recommended for longer periods because the wine sediments settling in the bottlenecks can spoil the taste. Especially keep that in mind if you’re planning on keeping the collection in a storage unit.

But even with all possible precautions, relocating them across the country can cause travel shock, which affects the flavor. To avoid this problem, when you reach the new home, make sure you leave them unopened for at least a week, allowing them to settle in.

Your Wine Is Ready to Roll With Our Relocation and Auto Transport Company

There you have it – no smashed Sauvignon Blancs or Pinot Noir puddles in your future – just perfectly preserved bottles ready to be uncorked in the new home. With all those careful steps, your wine is set to make the move without a single cork popping prematurely.

But let’s be real – this is no small feat. If you don’t want the stress to spoil your wine, long-distance moving services are always an option. Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to help with everything from handling that prized collection to even auto transport, so you know our team has got you covered. Contact us, and let’s make the move smooth, efficient, and totally toast-worthy!