How to Move a Glass Table: A Comprehensive Guide

Beautiful pieces like glass tables add elegance and visual spaciousness to a room, they can be a source of stress on moving days. Unlike wooden furniture which can withstand scrapes and bumps, glass tables need extra care during handling to avoid cracks, chips, or shattering.
Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the right supplies before you begin is essential for a smooth process:
- Moving blankets or furniture pads
- Bubble wrap (preferably large bubble size)
- Packing tape
- Cardboard corner protectors
- Plastic wrap/stretch wrap
- Foam padding
- Sturdy cardboard boxes (for smaller glass pieces)
- Furniture dolly
- Moving straps
- Gloves with grip
- “FRAGILE” labels
- Microfiber cloth and glass cleaner
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Glass Table
Cleaning First
- Mostly, glass tables come with parts that one can interchange such as the base and the glass top
- Detach the glass top from the base with precision adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Label every piece of hardware in plastic bags
- Place every bolt, screw, and connector in protective wrappings to prevent scratches
- Capture images or video snippets of the steps so you can refer back to them later
In case your table is not easy to disassemble, try looking for a professional guideline or manual instead of forcibly separating components.
Disassemble When Possible
The majority of glass tables are designed modularly with a glass top and stem base:
- Lift the glass top as instructed by the manufacturer
- Collect all factory parts in labeled plastic bags
- Wrap each hardware component to minimize scratches
- Wrap each hardware component in cloth to prevent scratches
- Take photographs or videos during the disassembly process
If your table does not have a straightforward modular assembly or you suspect there is a more complex solution, do not attempt to forcibly remove components. Instead, consult the manufacturer’s guide or contact a qualified professional.
Prepare the Base
Do not forget to properly organize the packing for the base as well:
- Use moving blankets to wrap bases that are made of wood, metal, or any other materials
- Use plastic wrap or packing tape to secure the wrap
- Use additional bubble wrap for even more protection from protruding or intricate-designed features
- For multi-piece bases, wrap each component separately
Loading for Transport
When the time comes to transport the packed table:
- Never transport glass tabletops on their edges. Always keep them flat during transport
- Furniture dollies are a great way to move the wrapped glass top to the vehicle
- Make sure at least two people are handling the glass top, the more the better if it is a large piece
- In the moving truck, the glass top should be loaded on a flat surface – best if placed on a mattress or cushioned between soft items
- While transporting it, make sure to secure the glass top so it cannot change position. Straps can be used if necessary
- Avoid placing any items on top of the glass
- Load the base separately while ensuring it is also secure and well-protected from shifting
The Professional Advantage: Hiring Expert Movers
Although moving glass tables can be done by yourself, there are clear benefits to hiring professionals to take care of these fragile items. Professional moving companies have years of experience dealing with fragile furniture and have specialized equipment designed for helping moving furniture.
Unlike DIY Moving, professional movers arrive equipped with custom-sized crates, high-density foam padding, and unique securing methods designed to surpass standard foam padding techniques. They grasp the intricacies of transportation and know how to distribute weight and pressure, reducing the risk of damage to fragile items. Moreover, reputable moving companies offer insurance options which can be particularly useful when relocating expensive glass items.
Equally important, professionals know that relocating a glass table goes beyond simply shielding the glass—safeguarding the movers biomechanically is also critical. Cuts or torn muscles caused by lifting heavy objects in an awkward manner, which is frequent in DIY moves, are non-existent due to the proper lifting technique training professionals have.
In case your table is disproportionate, oddly designed, or exceptionally valuable, hiring professional services will save you money in comparison to the piece replacement cost.