Article takeaways
- Taking time and care to properly wrap, pack, and store a collection of shot glasses is key to protecting them from damage.
- Investing in a climate-controlled storage unit is the best way to avoid temperature and moisture damage to your shot glasses while saving space in your home.
- Consider hiring an accredited appraiser to value your collection and purchasing insurance to cover it in the event of an accident.
Aspiring mixologists, party hosts, and barware collectors alike can quickly find themselves out of their depth when they end up with a large set of glasses and utensils. Storing your barware requires a little extra care, especially with glassware–and especially with shot glasses, which are prone to chipping and breaking due to their small size.
With the right care, however, your shot glasses will stay clean and undamaged in storage, and you’ll be ready to serve up shots in your workhorse glasses with minimal fuss. Storing collectible glasses you don’t plan on using will preserve their value and keep precious heirlooms from dirt and damage as well. In this article, we’ll go into detail on why you should take extra care to store your shot glasses and what special considerations will help them last the longest.
Why does proper shot glass storage matter?
Finding a space to store shot glasses in your home or investing in a storage unit is a simple and effective way to save space while keeping your barware in a safe place, but it’ll all be for nothing if you don’t take the proper precautions to cushion and insulate them from damage and dirt. With the right protective materials and organization, you’ll be able to protect fragile glassware from cracks and chips while moving, and wrapping it properly will keep it clean and safe to handle and drink from.
Less valuable shot glasses that you plan to use as drinkware will benefit from this storage, as you’ll just need a quick wash to get them ready to use after you unpack them. If you’re storing collectible shot glasses that you want to display as valuables, however, taking some extra care in storage will ensure they don’t lose value and stay as clean and undamaged as the day you got them.
What supplies should I use to store shot glasses?
Protective materials
Having protective materials for your shot glasses on hand before you start packing will make the storage process much easier. Using bubble wrap to wrap your glasses will protect them from shocks and jostling during moving and storage, but if you don’t have bubble wrap, you can use tissue paper to wrap and insulate your glasses. If you’re storing them in boxes, use cardboard separators or foam dividers to keep them from touching each other–this will ensure your glasses don’t break if they bump into each other during movement.
You’ll want to look into heavy-duty, acid-free cardboard boxes or heavy-duty plastic tubs to store all your glasses in when putting them in storage. For maximum protection from the elements, consider a climate-controlled storage facility–this will keep your belongings at a predictable humidity and temperature range, preventing moisture buildup and protecting them from temperature extremes or changes.
Organization tools
If you’re storing your shot glasses at home, there are plenty of ways to keep them safe while still showing them off. Wooden display cases or shadow boxes will protect your collectible glasses from the elements while allowing you and your guests to admire them, and drawer organizers and trays will keep the ones you plan on serving drinks in easy to find and separate from each other. Some people even use spice racks to store their shot glasses, as they’re often the perfect size to fit them all while keeping them from bumping into each other. If you’re displaying them next to your whiskey collection, check out this guide on how to store whiskey to preserve its flavor.
On the other hand, if you’re putting your glasses away in a unit or a closet, be sure to label your boxes and bins clearly, and make a note that fragile materials are inside. Plastic tubs are often made to be stacked, so you can easily stack them when you’ve filled them with shot glasses or other belongings–just be sure you don’t put anything heavy on top of them to avoid any potential crushing damage.
What processes should I follow to properly store my shot glasses?
Home storage
When storing a shot glass collection at home, you should first determine which glasses you plan on using and which you plan on storing as collectibles so you can sort and store them accordingly. For glasses you want to use, it’s best to keep them in a drawer or a cabinet to best protect them from bacteria and dust, using a drawer organizer or small shelves to keep them sturdy and easy to find. As mentioned above, even a spice rack will help keep your glasses separated and sturdy.
If you’d like to display collectible glasses you don’t plan on using as much, consider investing in display cases or boxes that will allow you to view your collection while protecting them from the elements. On the other hand, if you’re planning on putting them in a closet or attic, plastic tubs or acid-free cardboard storage boxes will work best to protect your collection–just be sure to consider temperature and humidity, as it’s much harder to predict the environment at home as it is in a climate controlled storage unit.
Long term storage
If you’ve invested in a storage unit for your shot glass collection, you’ll want to wash and dry your glasses first. Less delicate glasses can be taken care of in the dishwasher, while the glasses you’re most worried about should be hand-washed with dish soap and extra care and dried on a drying rack. Once your glasses are dry, tightly wrap each one with bubble wrap or tissue paper, ensuring whatever material you use is filling in the space inside the glass.
When packing glasses into a box, use extra foam or paper to fill in the extra space between each glass so they don’t jostle or touch each other during movement. Finally, make a detailed list of which glasses are in each of your boxes and clearly label each box so you know where to find them during and after long-term storage.
What professional storage options should I consider for shot glasses?
When to consider self storage
A barware collection of any size can benefit from a storage unit, whether you have just one or two boxes or multiple rooms’ worth of belongings to store. Investing in a storage unit will give you a dedicated space to store and secure your shot glasses, saving space within your home and giving you the flexibility to rotate out different glasses from your kitchen as needed.
Additional amenities will grant you even more security and flexibility when storing your collection. Finding a facility that offers 24-hour access will allow you to visit your unit even when the office isn’t open, and investing in a unit with extra security features will improve your peace of mind and better protect a valuable set of shot glasses. A climate-controlled storage facility is also ideal for storing fragile valuables such as these, protecting them from temperature and humidity changes that could damage them.
The size of the unit and the length of time you anticipate renting the unit for are far from the only things to consider when factoring in costs. Ask yourself the following questions before you commit to renting a unit:
- Will you be investing in a climate-controlled unit for a valuable collection?
- Will you require 24-hour access to your unit?
- How robust do you need the unit’s security features to be?
Storage.com has plenty of resources that will help you compare storage costs at a glance and give you accurate numbers to work from, no matter how large or small your collection may be.
Choosing the right facility
If your cost-benefit analysis has led you to decide a storage unit is right for storing your shot glass collection, you’ll want to do plenty of research before choosing a facility to rent from. Closely examine your collection, measure the boxes you’ll be storing it in, and estimate the square footage you’ll require–and don’t forget to consider vertical space as well, as you can save plenty of space by stacking properly packed boxes on top of each other. Take a look at common storage unit sizes and average prices, and use this as a baseline.
From here, examine what you’re willing to pay extra for. If your collection is extra fragile and you want to protect it from the elements, consider a climate-controlled storage unit to lower your risk of environmental damage, and research insurance for valuable items in the rare case of an accident or pest infestation. If you live a busy lifestyle, consider a 24-hour storage facility that enables you to visit and check on your unit even when the office is closed.
What special considerations should I take for valuable shot glasses?
Antique and collectible storage
A valuable collection of shot glasses needs extra care to maintain its value. Take extra care when wrapping and storing each glass, pack your glasses while wearing gloves to protect them from any oils or dirt on your hands, invest in high-quality packing and cushioning materials, and store them in airtight boxes that won’t let moisture or pests in. You should also take photos of each of your glasses and document where each one is located, as this will help you with insurance needs if they come out damaged.
When looking into insurance needs, it’s important to know how much your collection is worth–hiring an accredited professional appraiser to determine the value of your shot glasses will help you choose an appropriate policy. Once your value is determined, bring it to an insurance agent and find a personal articles or collectibles policy that meets your needs. You should also have your collection re-evaluated over time, as the value of collectibles can fluctuate.
Organizing a collection by theme
If you plan on displaying your collection rather than putting it into storage, figuring out how you want to organize your shot glass collection will be the fun part. When you have the proper display cases and shelves to protect your collection from the elements, it’s time to determine how you want to sort and display your glasses.
Ask yourself how you want to sort your glasses, whether by era, brand, style, or color. Choose your favorite glasses and display them most prominently in your cases, and figure out how often you want to rotate them out so different glasses are showcased at different times. You should also follow storage strategies as listed above, such as handling your glasses with gloves to keep oils and dirt from transferring from your hands to your collection.
What should I avoid when storing my shot glass collection?
Here are a few common mistakes that can lower the value of your collection or result in permanent damage.
| DON’T: | DO: |
|---|---|
| Stack your storage boxes without protection. If you haven’t properly packed and wrapped your shot glasses, vertically stacking storage boxes and tubs can put pressure on the boxes lower in the stack and cause the glasses inside to crack or shatter. | Properly wrap and protect glasses. If stacking boxes vertically, always remember to put the heaviest items on the bottom of the stack to minimize the pressure on the lowest boxes. |
| Ignore the importance of climate control. If you live in an area with dramatic temperature and humidity shifts, the elements can damage your packing materials or allow moisture into your collection. | Consider investing in a climate-controlled self storage unit to keep your glasses in a predictable environment. Follow proper wrapping and packing procedures to further protect your collection. |
| Forget to label and document your boxes in storage. Without a list of what’s in each box and where it’s located, or labels on your boxes informing you of fragile materials, you may lose track of where objects are and handle fragile boxes improperly. | Take extra time to write down where each of your glasses are and where their storage boxes are in your unit. Clearly label boxes with their contents and make a note of whether they contain fragile material. |
| Insure your collection incorrectly. If you don’t properly appraise and insure your shot glass collection for its actual value, you won’t be reimbursed in the event of an accident. | Seek out an accredited appraiser and talk to insurance agents about coverage for the full value of your collection. |
How can I maintain my shot glass collection in storage?
Regular storage unit inspections
No matter the value of your shot glass collection, if you’re renting a storage unit for it, we recommend checking in on the unit at least once a month. A 24-hour storage unit will allow you to perform this at any time, even if the office isn’t open. Start by checking over your boxes and tubs to make sure there aren’t any signs of moisture or pest damage–a high-quality storage facility will minimize this risk, but be sure to check anyway just in case.
Look inside your boxes and make sure your glasses are clean and free of dust, and if they aren’t, take time to wipe them down and dry them before leaving. If you’re putting more glasses into storage or taking some out, bring your documentation and make notes of what you’re changing before leaving the unit.
Seasonal considerations
If your shot glass collection is staying in a storage unit for an extended period of time, it’s worth looking into climate-controlled storage to protect it from seasonal temperature and humidity changes. Temperature shifts can cause boxes to expand and contract slightly, potentially damaging their contents, and too much humidity can cause moisture to gather on boxes and their contents, leading to mold or attracting pests.
Many of these climate control concerns can be further assuaged if you use airtight plastic tubs to store your collection, as they provide the best protection from the elements. Tightly wrapping each glass will also keep moisture from getting in.
How can I save money when storing my shot glasses?
Many storage options that may cost more up front will save you money in the long run by protecting your shot glass collection from any eventuality. However, for shorter-term storage and less valuable collections, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to protect and display glasses. For example, as mentioned above, a spice rack is an easily available and inexpensive way to display and organize a collection in your home.
If you’re packing glasses away for some time and don’t want to invest in a storage unit, cardboard boxes are both budget-friendly and strong, and will protect your collection well if you’ve properly packed and wrapped it. Be sure to store these boxes in a cool, dry place in your home to best protect them from the elements.
In conclusion
When you’re planning to store a collection of shot glasses, the techniques you use will depend on your collection’s needs. If you’ll be organizing inexpensive glasses to use within your home, simple drawer and shelf organizers will be more than adequate. If you’re packing valuable glasses away for a long time, however, be sure to document and organize your collection in each box, properly wrap and pack each glass, and consider insurance and climate-controlled storage to protect them.
If a storage unit is right for your needs, Storage.com is here to help you find the perfect unit to store your shot glass collection. Take a look at our search tool to compare prices and available units near you, or get personalized support by calling one of our storage experts at (844) 285-1307.
