How to Pack Dishes for Moving

If You’re Wondering How to Pack Dishes for Moving, Packing Supplies Are the First Step

One of the key factors to keeping your dishware from breaking or getting crushed is using the proper supplies. Here are packing materials you should obtain to make your relocation smooth and without cracking sounds:

• Box-sealing tape – a better quality tape dispenser might be pricier, but it’s worth getting. The cheaper ones won’t reinforce your boxes properly, or you’ll spend significantly more time in the packaging process due to tape’s weak bonding power.
• Bubble wrap – with this wrapping material, any fragile item will be protected completely, such as china or expensive vases. But keep in mind that bubble wrap is costly and challenging to recycle, so there will be more to say about its possible replacement options later.
• Wrapping paper – It’s handy for all types of dishware and pottery, and the rule of a thumb when it comes to wrapping is – the more, the better. You can replace it with a newspaper, but it’s risky for your plates and bowls because of possible ink transfers.
• Dish box and glass pack box – These special boxes are designed to hold your breakables, so they are thicker and more durable than most packages. With extra padding, shocks are absorbed, and if any accident occurs, your dishes will have more chances to stay in one piece than with regular packages.

Preparation for Breakable Items

There are several useful preparatory steps to perform before you start with the final packaging process:

• Reinforce the bottom of your boxes with box-sealing tape, no matter if they’re used or new ones
• Make several balls of the wrapper (or newsprint) and use it to line the bottom and top of the packages
• Instead of bubble wrap, you can use old towels or old clothes

Tips for Packing Glassware and Other Dishes

Of course, it’s not possible and necessary to enfold each dish in bubble wrap, but you should definitely learn how to store your valuable belongings, so they arrive at your new home undamaged. These clever packing tips can help you with that.

Put a Plenty of Packing Paper to Cushion Box Content

As we mentioned before, plenty of layers is great cushioning that will protect your bowls and cups from any possible damage. So, your first step should be to crumple packing paper or newsprint and make sure the bottom is as equally packed with it as the top of the box.

Wrap Glasses, Cups and Dishes Individually

Yes, this might sound like a very tedious and tricky process, but don’t try to put more than one glass in a single piece of wrapper. Each item should be covered entirely, and strapping tape is desirable to fix the paper in place. Some bigger items or oddly shaped ones may require multiple sheets, and the truth is you can’t overdo it with this kind of protection.

Plates Require Special Treatment

Keep in mind that stacking platters in the box horizontally is wrong. You should enfold each plate and place them vertically, which will make them more durable and resistant to shocks during the move. Free space around them should be filled with soft materials, or with old towels and socks to keep them secure.

Pack Vases, Lamps and Tall Glasses Vertically

The larger dishware should also be packed upright instead of on their side. Vases and lamps are quite vulnerable, so make sure to place them in a dish pack or glass pack box separately. Mixing rows of bowls with fragile vases or crystal glasses is a recipe for failure.

Heavier Items Go on the Bottom and Lighter Ones on Top

In the case of deep packages, you will have multiple layers of dishware. That’s why you need to provide an inch or two of cushioning between each item. Heavy plates or dishware should be placed in the bottom, while lighter cups or smaller salvers should be located above them.

Label Moving Boxes and Fill All Space Inside of Them with Padding

If you miss the label the packages with fragile and valuable things, for movers, all the packs are the same. So, don’t be shy about using markers as much as possible to highlight the content and which side is up.

Other Kitchen Items

We all know that there’s much more than platters and mugs in the kitchen that should be packed. Larger dishware and those with more parts, such as teapots or pots and pans, should have additional paper around each element. Some pieces, such as pitchers, have fragile handles, so they should be wrapped before wrapping the whole jar into a proper material.

When it comes to pots and pans, several sheets should be placed in a large pan, and then, insert a smaller one into it. Line them with more paper, seal with a piece of tape, and place in a box that is also lined with wrapping material. Storing pots and pans in nesting groups by sizes is the safest way to transport them undamaged.

Cutlery and knives should be wrapped individually in paper, and after that in bubble wrap. You can also use protective sleeves for knives if you have them.

Consider These Options if You Don’t Have Enough Paper or Bubble Wrap

Sometimes, you run out of wrapping material or can’t afford it enough due to its price. Don’t worry. There are plenty of replacements you can find in your household, and the best thing is that they will do a great job. Some of these are the following:

• Styrofoam plates
• Old clothes, towels, socks, and linens
• Cornstarch
• Newspapers and magazines
• Office paper waste

Don’t Overload the Boxes

When packing your boxes, they shouldn’t be heavier than 45 pounds max. That’s how you can avoid the possibility of breaking the bottom of the packages under the load. But, keep in mind that if the package is half empty, the content can shift during transportation, or get crushed under the weight of heavier items or crates. How to pack dishes for moving if you don’t have enough stuff inside the box? If you have empty spaces, you can use foam peanuts or unbuttered popcorn as a replacement. That’s how your belongings will be secure while moving.

Therefore, before you hire professional movers, their packing and storage services, stick with these tips, and be peaceful when the relocation date arrives.