Dishes are some of the trickiest items to pack when you’re relocating. One wrong move and you’re dealing with broken plates and shattered glasses before you even get to your new place. A trusted moving company will tell you that proper packing makes all the difference between pristine dinnerware and a box full of ceramic shards. This guide walks you through gathering the right supplies, using the right wrapping techniques, and organizing your smart box. Follow these steps, and your dishes will survive the trip without a scratch.
Gather Packing Supplies
Before you start wrapping anything, gather all your packing supplies. You’ll need sturdy boxes made specifically for dishes. They’re thicker and hold up better than regular boxes. Grab bubble wrap or packing paper for cushioning, and have packing tape ready to seal everything tight. Keep a marker handy for labeling boxes with their contents and fragility level. Dish dividers or cardboard grids are great for keeping plates separated during the ride. Don’t forget scissors for cutting your packing materials. Having everything within reach speeds up the whole process.
Prepare the Boxes
Getting your boxes ready the right way prevents a lot of headaches later. Pick strong, ribbed cardboard boxes in different sizes so you can match each box to what you’re packing. Reinforce the bottom of every box with extra packing tape. This adds support and stops the bottom from giving out under the weight. Before any dishes go in, line the bottom with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap for a cushioned base. Always put heavier items at the bottom and lighter stuff on top to avoid crushing anything. Write clearly on each box what’s inside and mark it as fragile if needed. A little prep work here saves your dishes from disaster.
Wrap Each Dish Securely
Wrapping your dishes properly is the most important step in keeping them safe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use Proper Packing Materials: Grab bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam sheets to protect dishes from bumps and shakes during the move.
- Wrap Each Dish Individually: Every single dish needs its own wrap. This stops them from knocking into each other, which is how chips and cracks happen.
- Secure Wrapping with Tape: Once wrapped, tape it shut to keep the material in place. This adds another layer of protection for anything breakable.
Layer and Arrange in Boxes
How you stack dishes in the box matters just as much as how you wrap them. Start with a layer of cushioning material at the bottom. Place your heaviest items, like dinner plates, at the base. Put padding between each dish, bubble wrap, or packing paper works great, so nothing touches directly. For bowls and delicate pieces, nest them inside each other and stuff crumpled paper into any gaps. Once the box is full, add one more cushioning layer on top before taping it shut. The goal is a snug fit without cramming too much in, which can cause cracks.
Fill Empty Spaces
Empty space in a box means your dishes can shift around and break during transport. Here’s how to fill those gaps:
- Use Packing Paper: Crumple up paper and stuff it between dishes for extra cushioning.
- Bubble Wrap: Wrap fragile items like wine glasses or fine china in bubble wrap, then use more to fill open spaces in the box.
- Sturdy Items: Dish towels or soft clothing work great for filling remaining voids and keeping everything snug.
Seal and Label Boxes
Once a box is packed, seal and label it right away. Use packing tape to close the box securely so it won’t pop open during the move. Write the contents and destination room clearly on the outside with a permanent marker. This small step saves you tons of time when you’re unpacking at your new place. Color-coded labels or stickers for different rooms can speed things up even more. Sealing and labeling as you go keeps fragile items handled carefully and makes sure each box ends up where it belongs.
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