Moving can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. While the prospect of starting a new life in a new place can be thrilling, the thought of packing up all your belongings and transporting them to your new home can be overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges: how to pack dishes for moving.
Dishes are fragile and require special attention to ensure that they arrive at your new home in one piece. Here are some useful tips on how to pack dishes for moving or storage.
Packing Dishes For Moving
Packaging material is essential when it comes to packing dishes for a move. Several materials can be used, such as packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam pouches.
It’s important to understand that different dishware has different packaging needs. For instance, fine china requires more protection and should be wrapped individually with packing paper or foam pouches.
Soft materials may be used for items such as bowls, cups, and plates. Bubblewrap, on the other hand, offers more protection and is an excellent choice for items such as stemware, figurines, and other delicate items.
Now let’s take a thorough look at how to pack dishes for moving.
Gather the Right Supplies
Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and packing materials. You will need:
- Sturdy boxes of various sizes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Styrofoam peanuts or packing peanuts
- Dish dividers or cardboard inserts
- Marker pen
Sort Your Dishes
The first step in packing dishes is to sort them. Use a flat surface to separate them into categories, such as plates, bowls, cups, and saucers. This will help you pack them more efficiently in a dish box or moving box.
It’s also a good time to declutter. Review your existing kitchen items and get rid of any dishes that you no longer use or need.
In general, keep heavy items at the bottom and lighter items at the top to avoid breakage. It is also advisable to fill larger gaps in boxes with crumpled packing paper to keep the dishes secure and in place.
Wrap Each Dish Individually
To protect each dish from damage during transportation, wrap each one individually. Use either bubble wrap or packing paper.
Start by placing the dish in the center of the paper or wrap, then fold the corners over the dish.
Secure the paper or wrap it with tape. Make sure that the dish is completely covered and there are no exposed areas.
Use Dish Dividers or Cardboard Inserts
To prevent dishes from touching each other, use dish dividers or cardboard inserts. These can be purchased from a moving supply store or made at home.
Place the divider or insert in the box, then carefully place the wrapped dish inside. Repeat the process until the box is full.
Make sure there is no empty space in the box, as this can cause the dishes to move around during transportation.
Pack Plates Vertically
When packing plates, it’s best to pack them vertically. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent them from cracking or breaking.
Place a layer of packing peanuts or foam peanuts at the bottom of the box, then place the plates vertically, with the larger ones at the bottom. Use a dish divider or cardboard insert between each plate.
Pack Bowls and Cups Carefully
Bowls and cups are usually more delicate than plates. They require extra care when packing.
Wrap each one individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill the inside of the bowl or cup with packing peanuts or foam peanuts, then place it in the box.
Make sure to use a dish divider or cardboard insert between each bowl or cup.
Label Your Boxes
Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier when it comes time to unpack. Use a marker pen to write on the box, and make sure the label is visible on all sides.
Pack Your Dishes in Small Batches
It’s best to pack your dishes in small batches rather than trying to pack everything at once. This will make the process less overwhelming and ensure that you pack each dish carefully. Take breaks in between packing to avoid getting tired or frustrated.
Also, when packing, it’s easy to forget that some dishes can scratch or damage others. If you have pots and pans and other metal cookware, it’s best to pack them separately.
It is also advisable to remove glass pieces from the refrigerator and pack them individually.
When it comes to silverware, you can invest in compartmentalized boxes to prevent damage and tarnishing.
Accidents may happen, but with proper packaging, you can minimize the risk of breakage and damage to your delicate items.
Use a Professional Moving Company
The process of packing your dishes when moving may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a seasoned mover like Smooth Move People can ease the burden of packing your dishes and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your dishes are in good hands.
Packing dishes for the moving truck or for storage requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dishes arrive at your new home in one piece.
Remember to take your time, use the right supplies, and pack your dishes in small batches. With a little patience and effort, you can make your move a success.
If you’re not confident in your ability to pack your dishes properly, consider using a professional moving company like Smooth Move People. We have more than 30 years of experience in the packing of fragile items. We’ll make sure your dishes arrive at your new home safely. Plus, our experienced staff can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your dishes are in good hands.
For added protection, use bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion each item. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Wrap glasses and bowls individually and label each box clearly with “Fragile” stickers for extra precaution. You can also
If you prefer to do it yourself, make sure you invest in the right materials, label your boxes accordingly, and pack your dishes strategically. At the end of the day, a well-packaged box is a happy box — and that is what everyone desires when moving.
And, as always, let Smooth Move People know how we can help you!
