When you move to a new house, some aspects of packing and transportation are more complex than others. While it may be a big job to pack up your bedroom or living room, delicate objects require more preparation and attention than labor. Moving your liquor cabinet or wine collection is just such a task. How should you approach it? Here are five steps for success.
1. Don't Move Everything
The first step is usually to go through your alcohol collection to decide what's worth moving. This depends on how empty a bottle is, how expensive it is, how rare it is, or how sentimental it is. If it's not worth prepping and paying to move, enjoy it with friends or give it as a parting gift before moving.
2. Get Dedicated Containers
In general, you don't want to move wine, beer, or spirits in just any old box. The best boxes are specially designed solely for transporting wine bottles or other shapes. These often come with molded padding in each cell of the box to prevent movement. However, you can also find less expensive boxes with cells to keep bottles separate and upright.
3. Don't Skimp on Padding
Protective material is one of the best investments you can make. If you aren't using specially molded cell boxes, make up for the lack of packing material on your own. Use whatever type of packing material that works for you, but keep in mind that the goal is to provide a complete cushion and prevent bottles from shifting.
4. Protect Against Leaks
No matter how careful you are, every glass bottle is at risk of breakage. So prepare containers defensively. Seal the bottom and top with packing tape to prevent collapse. Never use wet or compromised boxes. Line the box with a waterproof or absorbent material like plastic or foam.
5. Notify the Movers
Finally, if the movers are not packing up the bottles, make sure they know about them. While the boxes themselves should be carefully and clearly labeled as fragile, go beyond this. Set them aside in a designated place so that they are not packed with anything else. They should generally go on the truck last, never be stacked on or under other items, and come off the truck first.
Where to Learn More
Want help preparing or transporting an expensive spirits or wine collection? Start by meeting with professional residential movers in your area.
