Of all the things you must handle during a move, dishes score high in the “most dreaded” category. So many things can go wrong. For example, breaking all the dishes. If this hasn’t happened to you once already, you’re probably worrying that this move is “the one”.
Fortunately, while there are no guarantees in life, there are steps to take that will cut down on the chances of breaking dishes. It takes planning, cautiously following some important steps, and a ton of packing paper.
Read on to see how to pack different types of dishes for your move.
The Boxes
Small to medium-size boxes are best for moving dishes. Make sure the boxes are strong enough to handle the weight of the dishes. This eliminates one of the common catastrophes with moving dishes – the bottom falls open, spilling dishes that shatter on the floor. Some packing suppliers offer special corrugated boxes for dishes that are stronger. At the bottom of each box, place a layer of crumpled paper to help absorb any shaking that may occur.
Plates
Using newspaper or packing paper, wrap plates individually. Then, place them in groups of three or four and wrap them together into a bundle. Place plates into the box vertically, but make sure they are tightly packed. Fill any excess space with crumpled packing paper.
Fine China
All fine china and drinkware should get wrapped with several sheets of packing paper. Also, line the box with extra paper to provide more padding.
Knives
Wrap knives individually in paper, then place them inside bubble wrap. Make sure to mark them so you are mindful of sharp edges when you unpack them. Other silverware can simply get wrapped and taped up in the silverware tray, then packed flat at the bottom of a box.
Pots, Pans, and Bowls
Place pots and pans in nesting bundles. Start with a large pan and line it with paper, then place the next size into the pan and repeat the procedure. Place the entire bundle upside down on wrapping paper and wrap the entire nesting bundle. This same procedure also works with bowls.
Mugs, Cups, and Glasses
Gently fill each cup, mug or glass with crumpled paper (this includes stemware). Then, completely wrap each one individually. Some use a method in which you lay the dish at a corner of packing paper, then roll it across to the opposite corner, wrapping it as you go. Place them in a box together in an upright position, then cushion the empty space with packing paper.
Other Tips for Packing Dishes
Here are some other tips to keep in mind for packing dishes.
- Remember to put the heavy items in the box first
- If you run low on packing paper, you can also use towels.
- Make sure each box is cushioned with crumpled paper
- Also, make sure to use packing paper to fill in any space in each box to provide padding
- Every dish box should get labeled “fragile”
- Don’t overfill the boxes – it’s better to have a few more boxes than one big, overstuffed one
If you take these steps, you can cut down on the chance of breaking dishes during your move. With a full-service moving company, you can get your supplies directly from them. You also can opt to have them handle the packing for you!
Are You Planning A Move? Contact A Relocation Specialist Now: South Florida (561) 683-1313 – Tampa (813) 438-2700
