Investing in moving your wine is almost as important as investing in the wine itself
Relocating a bar—whether it’s your home collection or a full-blown commercial operation—can be a logistical nightmare. Whether you’re navigating rising costs, rent hikes, or simply moving to a new location, the process rarely goes as smoothly as expected. Safe to say, it’s essential to have a proper plan in place.
To help you avoid costly mistakes and potential disasters, I called in the expert advice of Anthony Ward Thomas, an industry leader with decades of experience managing high-value moves and specialist relocations, to share his expertise on the biggest challenges when it comes to moving bar and kitchen items—and, crucially, how to avoid them all.
1. Packing Glassware, Bottles, and Equipment
The first step to a smooth move? Proper packing. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of this, but as Ward Thomas explains, “Wine cellars are often the highest-value spaces in a home, so protecting your bottles is key.” His advice is simple but critical: “Use polystyrene sleeves for better protection to wrap bottles of high value,” and for the rarest bottles, “custom-built plywood crates.”
When it comes to glassware, there’s no room for shortcuts either. While it might seem like a hassle, Ward Thomas and his company’s approach is thorough: “Each piece should be wrapped individually to keep it from shifting and breaking,” he advises. It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference, and items like bar carts, stemware, and the like often require custom crates or bespoke solutions for maximum safety.
If you’re packing a home bar, consider organizing your bottles by type (wines, spirits, liqueurs) or frequency of use. This will not only protect your collection but also make it easier to set up in your new space. A move isn’t just about getting things from A to B—it’s about making sure they arrive ready to go.
2. Moving Heavy Equipment
Heavy-duty appliances, like industrial fridges, ice machines, or even the bar counter itself, often require a different level of care—and muscle. “We might call on heavy lifting specialists to help,” Ward Thomas says, especially when dealing with oversized or awkward items. He recalls one recent job: “We had to crane out a large marble tabletop because it was too long and awkward to move up the stairs.”
When handling smaller, but still hefty, items like espresso machines or mixers, Ward Thomas recommends bubble wrapping and boxing up with care. “For larger machines, we make bespoke boxes,” he explains. Put simply, the possibility of damaging pricey equipment is not worth a more laissez-faire attitude. If it’s large, awkward, or valuable, leave it to the professionals who have the right tools—and the right experience.
When moving commercial equipment, it’s worth assessing whether it’s more cost-effective to replace old appliances or restore them. If a piece of equipment is nearing the end of its life, it may save you money (and stress) to get a new one instead of trying to move it. On the flip side, it’s worth considering moving your essential high-value equipment first, with expert help, to minimize downtime in your new space. You can always throw your clothes in some boxes later down the line.
Specialist boxes to move high-value wine
3. Mistakes People Make When Moving Their Bar
It’s easy to think you can handle everything yourself, but Ward Thomas believes many people don’t have the expertise, or time, to really understand what is—and isn’t—worth packing. Particularly, not being ruthless enough with what you want to keep and what you want to throw away. “The biggest mistake we see is clients packing up food into boxes that are going into store,” he says. “We have seen a cellophaned bowl of soup come out of boxes that were put into storage.”
Another thing Ward Thomas stresses is staying organized. “Group items in a way in which they will be easier to find together,” he says, making sure your boxes are clearly labeled with both the contents and the room they belong in. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to unpacking—that, and getting your favorite Champagne out to chill straight away on move-in day.
Make a packing checklist well before the big day. It not only gives you a clear picture of what you’re working with, but helps you avoid overpacking or missing crucial items. It’s also an excellent opportunity to check for any items that may need replacing before the move. (A good reminder to check expiry dates on your bitters collection, too!)
4. Moving Specialty Food and Drink Internationally
If you’re moving internationally, expect a more complicated process—especially when it comes to moving high-value food and drink items. “It’s a lot of work due to the trade restrictions,” Ward Thomas warns. If Trump’s recent tariffs have taught us anything, it’s that moving bottles of wine, spirits, or specialty foods across borders isn’t just about logistics—it’s also about following strict regulations.
Ward Thomas explains, “It involves heavy tax implications, and most countries have strict labeling and documentation requirements.” This means each bottle of wine must be correctly labeled with purchase prices, which can add significant costs and paperwork.
For international moves, enlist a specialist familiar with customs, taxes, and import/export laws. The last thing you want is a shipment that’s delayed or rejected because of incomplete paperwork. While it’s an additional cost, it’s an investment in avoiding costly mistakes (and the complete loss of the vintage you’ve been storing for forty years). You’re welcome in advance.
