When packing for a house move, fragile items arguably are the most challenging tasks in the whole process. Dishes in particular pose a big challenge not just because they’re so delicate but because they’re awkwardly shaped. You likely have a large number of plates, glasses, saucers, cups, bowls, pots, pans, and silverware that you need to pack up properly before moving day.
Leave your main dishes and cups till the last minute, but you can start early on those items that you don’t use every day, such as fine China or special silverware that you rarely haul out unless it’s for a holiday dinner party.
Get the Right Supplies
First, gather the proper packing supplies before you even touch a dish. You will need:
Dish Boxes
Yes, there is such a thing as dish boxes, also known as dish barrels or packs. They’re made of stronger materials than your typical moving box, usually involving a double layer of corrugated cardboard rather than single. You will spend a bit more on these but the investment is well worth it.
They have thicker walls that give your dishes the added protection they need so the box doesn’t crumple or give out on the bottom.
Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap
You will need some soft white packing paper for all your delicate kitchen items to cushion them during transport. Avoid newspaper if you can, as it can smudge and stain your fragile dishes. As another layer of defense, get plenty of bubble wrap. You can also use towels and dish rags to provide even more cushion.
Packing Tape
Pick up some quality packing tape that can secure even your heaviest boxes. Don’t use any other kind of tape.
Prepare Your Boxes
Tape the middle bottom line of your cardboard box up to 1/3 of its sides; this will reinforce the bottom to ensure the box can withstand the weight of all those dishes.
Place crumpled pieces of packing paper on the bottom of each box, cover the bottom with some bubble wrap, and then add a thick towel on top as an insulating material.
Wrapping Your Dishes
Spread out some packing paper on the kitchen table. Grab one corner and pull it over the dish, repeating with the other three corners. Tuck in the ends.
Place the wrapped dish in the box on its edge – not flat. Once you have one layer of wrapped dishes on the bottom, add more bubble wrap and packing paper in between, then start another layer on top.
When the box is full, make sure there are no gaps. Try to shake the box gently. If you hear any movement, add more cushioning.
Place one later layer of bubble wrap on top, then shut and tape the lids.
Label the box in detail, i.e., “Everyday Kitchen Dishes, Fragile.” Write this on all four sides and top of the box.
You can repeat this process for the rest of your dishes, as well as cups, saucers, pots, pasta bowls and cereal bowls.
Try the Bundled Plate Packing Method
The method we have described above (individual plate packing method) is the best, but you can also try a different way. This is called the bundled packing technique, and it will save you some time and space in each box. Pick up some paper plates for this method.
Place a plate in the middle of some packing paper, placing a paper plate on top. Follow that with a real plate, then a paper plate, and so on until you have about five stacked.
Cover with the packing paper like above, taping the bundle together.
Pack them in the boxes as above and make sure you have placed enough padding material to stop any shifting.
No matter which method you use, be careful not to make the boxes too heavy. Each box should be no more than 45 pounds.
How to Pack Other Fragile Items
Dishes aren’t the only fragile things you need to pack. Here’s how to properly pack other breakables.
China and Stemware
- Get a sturdy cardboard box.
- Pack glasses upright and place China plates vertically.
- Add packing paper so all gaps are filled.
- Use partitions for crystal and all stemware
- Pack decorative ceramic and glass items separately from the rest of the plates and juice glasses.
- Label the box “FRAGILE.”
Picture Frames and Artwork
- Pack each picture frame and piece of art vertically in the box, and be sure to and load them on the truck that way too.
- Use furniture pads to wrap large picture frames and wall art.
- Cover expansive surfaces with cardboard.
- Fill gaps with clothing or bedding. You already have it, why not use it?
Wine Bottles
Wine must be packed and stored carefully so as to keep its integrity and flavors intact. Always tell your movers that you have a wine collection so they can come prepared. They should know how to move it with the utmost care and protection. In fact, they can bring special boxes that are designed to protect fragile items from any damage.
When packing your corked wine bottles, pack them upside down so there’s no possibility that the corks will dry out.
Gather a variety of box sizes with the ability to hold six to 12 bottles at once. If you get special wine packing boxes, they will feature dividers that will ensure the bottles stay snug throughout transport. If you don’t want to spend the money or can’t find them, use standard cardboard cell boxes with dividers. You can get these free from any liquor store.
Tape the bottom of the box with packing tape or line it with another piece of cardboard. This is one box you don’t want to bottom out on you!
Contact Olde World Movers
Here at Olde World Movers, packing is one of our services – and dishes are no challenge for us! To get a free quote on packing dishes and anything else in Dallas, contact us today. We would be glad to pack your dishes and any other items that are giving you a challenge as you face a relocation.
