One of the most delicate aspects of moving homes is ensuring that fragile items, especially dishes, make it to the new location undamaged. To guarantee the safe arrival of your cherished dinnerware, it’s essential to understand the proper packing techniques. This guide will walk you through the professional methods used to pack dishes for moving, so your belongings remain intact throughout the journey.

Materials Needed to Pack Dishes for Moving

Before you even start the packing process, having the right materials is essential. The list below details everything you’ll need:

Specialty Dish Boxes: These are designed with added thickness and padding, specifically meant for fragile items like dishes.
Packing Paper: You will need plenty of clean, white packing paper to cushion and wrap individual dishes.
Bubble Wrap: For especially delicate or cherished pieces, bubble wrap provides an additional layer of protection.
Packing Tape: Use thick, sturdy tape to ensure that your boxes remain sealed during the move.
Permanent Marker: Clearly labeling boxes can help movers identify which ones contain fragile items.

Packing Plates

Plates are usually the bulkiest dishware you’ll need to pack. Follow these steps for optimal safety:

Start with a Layer of Cushion: Begin by placing a thick layer of crumpled packing paper at the bottom of your dish box.
Wrap Each Plate: Using packing paper, wrap each plate individually. Stack wrapped plates vertically, like records, rather than horizontally. This vertical placement reduces the risk of breakage.
Fill Empty Spaces: Once the box is full, fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper to prevent movement.
Seal and Label: Use packing tape to securely close the box and label it with “Fragile – Dishes” using a permanent marker.

Packing Bowls

Bowls can be a bit trickier due to their varied sizes and shapes:

Cushioning First: As with plates, begin with a layer of crumpled packing paper.
Wrap Individually: Wrap each bowl in packing paper, tucking the ends of the paper inside the bowl.
Stacking: Place larger bowls at the bottom and stack smaller ones inside, ensuring that space is minimized but not too tight.
Finalize with Padding: Fill any remaining spaces with crumpled paper, seal the box, and label appropriately.

Packing Glasses and Stemware

These items are typically the most fragile:

Extra Cushioning: Given the delicate nature of glasses, start with a thicker layer of cushioning at the box’s bottom.
Rolling Technique: Place a glass on a corner of the packing paper and roll it, tucking in the sides as you go.
Upright Placement: Always place glasses and stemware upright, never on their sides.
Bubble Wrap for Stemware: For wine glasses or other stemware, use bubble wrap for added protection. Remember to always pack these items at the top of your boxes.
Seal and Mark: Once again, ensure the box is sealed tightly and labeled to indicate its fragile contents.

Packing dishes for a move might seem daunting initially, but with the right materials and techniques, you can ensure that your dinnerware reaches its new destination in perfect condition. Taking the time to pack each item with care will save you the heartache of unwrapping broken pieces at your new home. By following these industry-approved methods, your dishes will be ready for their next dinner party in no time!