Moving your wine collection might seem a bit challenging but with the right supplies and some basic know-how, you can keep every bottle safe. Whether you have just a few bottles or a large collection, these tips can help make the whole process smoother and less stressful.
- Have your wine collection valued. Knowing how much it’s worth before moving is important, so you can make a claim if something gets damaged. If you don’t know where to get an appraisal, you can ask a local wine shop or distributor for suggestions.
- Gather the right packing supplies. If you’re trying to save money, you can wrap each wine bottle in paper or bubble wrap, put them in regular boxes and fill any gaps with extra paper. For a safer and more convenient option, use special wine boxes that are made to protect bottles and make packing easier.
- Drink any opened bottles before moving. Only pack wine bottles that are sealed, since open ones can spill. This is a good excuse to enjoy the opened ones ahead of your move.
- Check the corks. Make sure each one is tight enough to stay secure during the move. If you’re concerned, you can use cork cages for extra protection.
- Reinforce the bottom of the boxes. If the boxes seem weak, add 2–3 extra pieces of cardboard at the base before packing. Then seal them with extra tape to keep everything secure.
- Don’t pack bottles standing up. Corks need to stay moist which is why they’re normally stored on their sides in a wine fridge or cellar. When moving them, place corked bottles on their sides or with the cork facing down.
- Pack similar wines in the same box. Keep wines with the same type or storage needs together, like reds, whites or sparkling. This makes both packing and unpacking easier.
- Keep the temperature steady. Wine stays best at about 55°F, so use your car for a small collection or a climate-controlled van if you’re moving a lot of bottles.
- Reach out to the alcohol control office in your new state. Check if you’re allowed to bring wine and find out about any rules or limits you should follow.
- Don’t ship wine in very hot or freezing weather. Extreme temperatures can ruin it.
- Never leave wine in a parked car. Even for a short time, it can heat up quickly and damage the bottles.
- Track your delivery. If you’re using a shipping service, get a tracking number so you can see where your wine is at all times.
- Let the wine rest after the move. Once you’ve arrived, wait a few days before opening it so it has time to settle from the trip.
Shipping wine can be easy if you follow these simple tips.
Note: No Boarders Moving Company doesn’t handle wine shipments but our team is always happy to share helpful tips on how to move your wine safely.