Packing Dishes for Moving: How to Avoid Breakage and Keep Your Valuables Safe
MOTM
May 26th, 2022
When you're packing dishes to move, it's important to get it right the first time, or you could end up with broken plates and glasses, destroyed cutlery and bent silverware, or all of the above! Here are some tips on how to pack dishes for moving in order to ensure that your valuables arrive at your new home unscathed and ready to be used when you do. Make sure everything gets there in one piece!
The Right Boxes
When it comes to moving, you don't want to cut corners by using a box that's too big or one that doesn't have enough room for your stuff. You also don't want anything in your boxes getting crushed or broken, so opt for medium-sized moving boxes that can hold wine glasses, plates, and bowls without taking up extra space. Packing material like bubble wrap will also help keep things from breaking during transit. Make sure you label each box with its contents if it contains any breakable items so movers won't mistake them for a regular book or t-shirt box when loading up your stuff into their truck.
The Right Materials
This sounds like common sense, but many moving companies have experienced breakages caused by packing with inappropriate materials. To minimize damage from shifting during transit, make sure your dishes are packed in material designed for packing glassware (packing paper is a popular choice). Make sure that any dish or glass you use on a regular basis is always packed separately so it can be unpacked first. You should also invest in some quality packing tape—packing duct tape may help seal cracks and holes in your boxes, but it can't stand up to temperature fluctuations or rough handling. Securely pack all boxes before loading them into your vehicle; avoid stacking them outside where they could topple over.
Time Management
The key to packing dishes is time management. If you have lots of fragile kitchen items, start with those first. Packing glasses takes very little time and can be done first so that when you're done, you can get on with other things.
Label Each Box
One of the most important rules of packing dishes for moving is to label each box. You'll also want to identify which boxes contain fine china, learning how to pack dishes, fragile items, or glasses and stemware. When you label your boxes, be sure to write down what's inside and where that item should go in your new home. To make it easier on yourself when it comes time to unpack your dishes, create a list that indicates which box has which types of dishes in it. That way, you won't have to waste time digging through every box when looking for something specific.
Ensure Your Boxes Are Sturdy
Moving companies require sturdy boxes, so it's a good idea to think about what will be in each box before you start packing. When choosing your boxes, use multiple layers of tape on all seams. Start with a sturdy bottom layer and follow up with layers of corrugated cardboard—this gives your dishes some protection from whatever else is in that particular moving truck. After boxing them, add more layers of tape on top as well as tape along the edges.
Use the Right Technique When Hand Lifting
As you're packing your plates, be sure not to lift them by their rims. You'll want to use both hands as much as possible, so keeping a firm grip on your glassware is key. Use one hand to support it from underneath while gripping it from above with your other hand. This can help reduce breakage and keep your valuables safe!
Transporting Heavy Items with Movers
If you're moving a large number of heavy items, it might be worth your while to hire professional movers. While you can rent a truck on your own, it's more time-consuming and can be pretty difficult; using movers also allows you to complete several other aspects of your move (like packing) while they handle everything. Moving companies typically have specialized equipment like straps, dollies, and hand trucks, making moving all those heavy things much easier. If you hire professionals, consider requesting helpers who are physically strong (lifting hundreds of pounds is a lot harder than it looks). No matter how many people are helping you move or how well-equipped they are, be careful about overloading them.
Wrapping Each Item Individually
If you want to keep your china pieces intact, it's best not to stack them in a box. Instead, wrap each plate, bowl, or cup individually in bubble wrap or an old newspaper. While going through all of that work may seem like too much effort, we promise you it's worth it—you can ensure that each item is safely secured without worrying about any breakage during transit.
In Conclusion
While the process of packing dishes can be time-consuming, it's not difficult. Follow the steps above if you want to successfully pack dishes without breakage or other damage.
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