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Moving house is a stressful experience overall, but packing fragile objects is especially difficult. Dishes, in particular, are difficult to transport because they are not only fragile but also have peculiar shapes. You probably have a lot of dishes, glasses, and other tableware to pack up before moving day, including plates, cups, bowls, saucers, and cutlery.
It would help if you waited until the last minute to wash the main glasses and dishes, but you can get a head start on the fine china and unique silverware you only get out for special occasions. Keep reading to learn how to pack dishes for moving and what packing supplies for dishes and other kitchenware could come in handy.
Moving boxes for the dishes
Dish boxes or dish barrels are your best friends regarding safe packing and transport. These moving boxes for dishes are sturdier than standard moving boxes and typically come with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The thicker walls can protect your dishes and prevent the box from giving out on the bottom or crumpling. These barrels might be a bit more expensive than typical moving boxes, but they are still much cheaper than replacing your fine china.
Paper for wrapping dishes and bubble wrap
Don’t forget you will also need some paper for wrapping your dishes and other delicate items from the kitchen. Paper and bubble wrap can give extra cushioning during transport. Avoid old newspapers if you can because they may stain and smudge your fine china. Your best bet is to use paper in a combination of bubble wrap, and you may even use old dish rags and towels to keep them safe.
Get you packing tape ready
Moving boxes for glasses and dishes can get heavy once packed, so it’s also imperative to get solid-quality packing tape to secure every box. As a matter of fact, professional packers advise using only packing tape and nothing else, especially for securing containers with fragile valuables in them.
Prepare the boxes
After getting all the packing supplies for your dishes, it’s time to prepare them. Get your boxes and tape their bottom lines up to ⅓ of their slides. This will strengthen the bottom area even more, so the boxes can withstand the weight of the dishes.
Don’t forget to place crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the boxes and cover the bottom area with bubble wrap. You can also add an old towel on top to insulate and secure everything.
Wrap the dishes
Take the paper for packing the dishes, and spread some of it out on your table in the kitchen. Take one corner and pull it over the plate, repeat it with the other corners and then tuck in the ends. Take the wrapped dish and put it in the box on its edge. After you have the first layer of covered dishes on the bottom of the box, put some packing paper and bubble wrap on it, and add another layer of wrapped dishes.
Once the box is filled with dishes, ensure there are no gaps by gently shaking the box. If you can hear any movement, you might need to add more cushioning.
Once done, put an extra bubble wrap layer on the top, shut the box, and tape the lids. Don’t forget to label the box on the sides and top, so you remember that you packed fragile dishes in it.
Get your boxes for glasses and the rest of the dishes, and repeat this process until you’re done. Your saucers, cups, bowls, and pots should also be packed like this.
How to pack dishes for moving: The bundled plate method
While the method discussed above is probably the best, there is also a different way to fill up your moving boxes for glasses and dishes.
The bundled packing technique might agree with you more, especially if you want to save some space and time while packing your boxes.
To get started, pick up some paper plates for this packing technique. Then, place a dish in the middle of a sheet of packing paper and a paper plate on top of it. Then another actual plate, then a paper plate, then another real plate until you have about five real plates stacked. Cover the stack with packing paper and tape the stack together.
Then, place them in boxes and make sure that they have the necessary amount of cushioning.
Packing fragile items
While dishes are the first to pop into mind, they aren’t the only breakables around the house. Here are a few tips on how to pack your other fragile valuables:
Stemware and China
- Grab a sturdy box made out of cardboard
- Pack the China plates vertically while placing the glasses upright
- Fill all the gaps with packing paper
- Use partitions for your stemware and crystals
- Ceramic and decorative glass items should be packed separately
- Don’t forget to write “FRAGILE” on the box
Artwork and picture frames
- Pack each frame and artwork vertically in picture frame boxes and load the boxes on the truck vertically as well
- Use cardboard to cover expensive surfaces
- Furniture pads can also be used to wrap large frames and artwork
- Bedding and clothing can be used to fill in the gaps inside the boxes
Packing wine bottles
There are a few perks you should know when it comes to packing and transporting wine bottles so that the contents keep their flavors and integrity intact. If you are taking advantage of professional packing services, tell your movers in advance that you have a wine collection so that the packers can come prepared.
They will ensure that the collection gets transported smoothly and will probably bring special boxes, sturdier than standard moving supplies.
If you are taking the DIY route, pack your corked bottles upside down, so the corks won’t dry out.
Your best option would be to get unique wine packing boxes with dividers. These will ensure that every bottle stays snug and secure while in the box. These can be difficult to find, so if you can’t, you can get standard moving boxes and purchase dividers from your local liquor store.
Need help? We’re here
Packing your fragile belongings is probably the most nerve-wracking part of the entire moving process. To keep these breakables safe, you need to pack them with skill and care. Or, it might be better to leave them to professionals with the knowledge and the tools to pack them securely.
If you’re ever going through local household relocation in NYC, feel free to contact us.
