Why Properly Packing China and Dishes Matters
People’s china and dishes often have sentimental value, whether they were a wedding gift, a family heirloom, or simply your favorite pieces. If you’re moving, you want to make sure extra care is taken to wrap and protect them, so you know they will safely arrive at your new home. They can easily crack, chip, or shatter if not properly cushioned. Many of them may be irreplaceable if they get damaged or broken. Choosing the right movers who know how to pack china for moving will safeguard your dishes and give you peace of mind that they’ll stay protected.
Supplies You’ll Need Before You Start
Packing china and dishes can feel overwhelming, but having the right supplies can make it easier. Hiring help to ensure this job is done correctly can keep your china and dishes from getting broken. Using sturdy boxes, dividers, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape will give your dishes a solid foundation to cushion them, which is what professional packers use. They create a secure environment and know how to safely stack each piece and pack your most delicate heirlooms, ensuring they arrive intact with minimal risk. Their proven moving and packing techniques allow you to relax knowing your favorite items are in safe, experienced hands. If you value your belongings, hire professional movers who understand how to pack china for the safest, most reliable choice.
Step-by-Step: How To Pack China for Moving
The best way to pack china for moving is to gather your supplies, like small to medium dish boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, dividers, strong tape, and a marker. Reinforce the bottom of each box with extra tape, and line it with thick crumpled paper to pad it. Wrap each plate individually and stack them on edge, not flat. Separate layers by using dividers. Double wrap any special heirloom pieces. Wrap your bowls and cups separately and cushion them. Keep your dishes safe by filling every gap in the box with crushed paper so nothing rattles around. Add a soft cushion on top, tape the box shut, and attach labels. If you don’t want to worry about packing yourself, hiring professional movers to pack your dishes for you will ensure your fragile pieces are protected.
Best Way To Pack Plates for Moving
If you want your plates to arrive safely and not get broken, pack them upright, not flat. Tape the bottom of a sturdy box and add a soft layer of paper or bubble wrap. To reduce the chance they could break, wrap each plate individually, and insert them on their sides into the dish pack, fitting them snugly together and adding padding in between them. Add crumpled-up paper to fill any gaps in the box and place padding on top. Label the box with a fragile sticker.
How To Pack Glasses for Moving
To ensure they have maximum protection, treat your glassware like valuables. If you need to know how to pack a dish pack with glasses, use dividers, line the bottom with bubble wrap, then wrap each glass individually in packing paper or use foam sleeves. Ensure none of them touch, and position them upright inside the dividers. Eliminate any movement by filling gaps with paper. Seal up your boxes with tape and mark them as fragile. Packing your glassware this way will prevent chips and cracks, so it’s ready to use in your new living space.
Final Checklist Before Moving Your China and Dishes
Here’s a handy checklist of what you might need when you’re getting ready to pack dishes and china:
- Reinforced Boxes: Double-tape the bottoms and corners of all dish boxes to prevent collapse.
- Packing Paper or Foam Peanuts for Cushioning: Add at least 2–3 inches of crumpled packing paper or foam peanuts at the bottom of each box.
- Bubble Wrap: Every plate, bowl, cup, and glass should be wrapped separately in bubble wrap, with extra padding on rims, stems, and handles.
- Dividers in Place: Use cardboard or foam dividers between rows of plates and glasses to prevent contact.
- Proper Placement: Plates should be vertically stacked, glasses should be packed upright, and heavier items should be put in the bottom of the box with lighter ones at the top.
- No Empty Spaces: You don’t want your breakable dishes and glassware to shift during transport, so fill all the gaps up with crumpled paper.
- Heavy Packing Tape: Tape the box across all seams and edges.
- Labels: Mark each box with “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and the room it belongs in.
- Professional Help: Consider having professional movers pack your treasured dishes for added protection.
FAQS
How do you pack glasses for moving without paper?
An easy way to pack glasses without using paper is to wrap them in dishcloths, kitchen towels, pillowcases, or blankets. Wrap each one individually for added protection. Place them upright in a sturdy box lined with a folded towel at the bottom, and add another towel on top before sealing the box. This saves space by packing two types of items at once.
How early should I start packing dishes before moving?
Start packing about 1 to 2 weeks in advance, beginning with pieces you rarely use and finishing with everyday essentials the day before moving. Pack delicate items ahead of time so you can take extra care with them.
Is it better to move fragile items like china in my car or in the moving truck?
If you’re moving fragile items, like special dishes, it may be better to transport them in your own car for complete control and to minimize the risk of damage, especially if they’re irreplaceable. If you’re using professional moving services to pack your kitchen, their moving truck is another safe option, because skilled movers pack and move fragile dishes all the time with careful attention.
What should I do if my dishes or china break during a move?
If you find broken dishes or china when you’re unpacking, be careful of the shards so you don’t get cut. Photograph the damage and broken pieces, then contact your mover or insurance company to file a claim. It’s sometimes possible to use professional restoration services to repair certain pieces, depending on the break. Next time, consider professional moving services so your most treasured dishes and china receive extra cushioning.
