How to Pack Wine & Liquor
While you can certainly pack your wine and liquor safely, consider using some or all of your alcohol before the move. Your professional mover may not be able to move open bottles of liquor, and heavy bottles are difficult and expensive to transport. Rather than move your wine and liquor, hold a farewell cocktail party with friends. You may also want to set aside a bottle or two for those long nights of packing, as a gift to friends who help with your move, or for a celebration once you move in to your new home.
If you decide to more with all or some of your wine and liquor, follow the steps below to ensure it arrives at your home undamaged.
Supplies needed:
- Cell boxes, which can be purchased from a winery, liquor store, or your moving company
- Newsprint
- Tape
Instructions:
- Reinforce a cell box with tape and extra piece of cardboard in the bottom to increase its strength. Never use a worn or pre-used box for glass bottles.
- Tighten caps on opened bottles.
- Lie out several sheets of newsprint. Place the bottle perpendicular to a corner, and begin to roll and wrap the bottle.
- As you roll the bottle, fold in the ends of the newsprint. Make sure any bottlenecks are wrapped tightly.
- Tape the newsprint to ensure the bottle stays wrapped.
- Place the bottle in a cell.
- Once the box is full, make sure it is light enough for one person to carry. Tape the box and mark "FRAGILE" on the top and sides.
Packing wine
Packing wine takes special consideration. If you have a rather valuable wine collection, you can have it appraised for an official note of value. With this appraisal, you can purchase additional insurance coverage to cover any loss.
Tips for packing wine:
- Pack wine on its side, the same as your store it.
- Take care to store and transport your wine at the proper temperature. If you only have a few bottles, take these with you in your car. If you have a larger collection, consider the extra insurance (and cost) of a climate-controlled moving van.
- For the best taste, let the bottles of wine "settle" for at least a week before opening.
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