How to properly pack dishes for a move

Packing dishes for a move requires careful planning and proper materials to ensure they arrive at your new home intact. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack dishes effectively: Click Here

Materials Needed:

1. Sturdy Boxes:
   • Use strong, corrugated cardboard boxes in various sizes. Reinforce the bottom with packing tape to prevent breakage.
2. Packing Paper:
   • Use packing paper to wrap each dish individually. Avoid using newspaper as the ink can transfer onto your dishes.
3. Bubble Wrap:
   • For extra protection, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap after wrapping them in packing paper.
4. Packing Tape:
   • Securely seal boxes with packing tape to prevent them from opening during transportation.
5. Dividers or Cell Kits:
   • Consider using cardboard dividers or cell kits designed for packing dishes. These create individual compartments for each dish, reducing the risk of breakage.
6. Marker:
   • Clearly label boxes as “Fragile” and indicate the contents, room destination, and any handling instructions.

Step-by-Step Packing Guide:

1. Prepare the Boxes:
   • Place a layer of crumpled packing paper at the bottom of each box for extra cushioning.
2. Wrap Each Dish:
   • Start with one corner of the packing paper and wrap each dish individually. Place plates on their edges to reduce the risk of breakage.
3. Use Bubble Wrap for Fragile Items:
   • For especially fragile or valuable items, wrap them in a layer of bubble wrap after the initial layer of packing paper.
4. Pack Bowls and Glasses:
   • Nest bowls together and wrap them as a single unit. Wrap glasses individually and consider placing crumpled paper inside each glass for added protection.
5. Secure with Packing Tape:
   • Use packing tape to secure the packing paper or bubble wrap around each item. Ensure that the entire item is covered.
6. Use Dividers or Cell Kits:
   • If you have dividers or cell kits, place them inside the box to create separate compartments for each dish. This helps prevent items from shifting during transit.
7. Layer Items in the Box:
   • Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more fragile items on top. Fill any gaps with additional crumpled packing paper to prevent shifting.
8. Label the Box:
   • Clearly label the box as “Fragile” and indicate the contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates and Bowls”). Also, mark which side is up.
9. Pack Flat Items:
   • For flat items like serving platters, stack them with layers of packing paper in between and wrap the entire stack securely.
10. Fill Empty Spaces:
    • Fill any empty spaces in the box with additional packing paper to minimize movement.
11. Seal the Box:
    • Seal the box securely with packing tape. Reinforce the bottom and top to ensure stability.

Additional Tips:

• Pack a Box of Essentials:
  • Pack a separate box with essential items for the kitchen, such as a few dishes, utensils, and basic cookware, so you can easily access them upon arrival.
• Label Fragile Items Clearly:
  • Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items. This will alert movers to handle them with extra care.
• Inform Movers:
  • Communicate with your movers about the fragility of the boxes and any specific handling instructions.

By taking the time to pack your dishes carefully, you’ll increase the likelihood that they’ll arrive at your new home in good condition. Click Here