Relocating to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it comes with the challenge of safely transporting your belonging, especially fragile items like dishes. These delicate pieces need special attention during packing to ensure they make it to your new kitchen without a scratch. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, this guide will equip you with the best strategies for packing your dishes securely and efficiently.
Must-Have packing material for your move
Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Moving boxes: Choose boxes designed for moving. Medium-sized boxes are ideal for dishes, as they can hold the weight without becoming too heavy to lift.
- Wrapping paper: Use plain, non-printed packing paper to avoid ink transfer onto your dishes.
- Bubble wrap: This is for extra protection, especially for delicate items like china or glassware.
- Adhesive tape: Ensure the bottom of each box is securely taped to prevent it from collapsing.
- Markers and labels: Clearly label each box with “fragile” and list its contents. This will help movers handle them with care.
Prepare the boxes before moving
Before placing any dishes inside, reinforce the bottom of each box with extra wrapping paper. Then, create a cushioning layer by crumpling packing paper and placing it at the bottom of the box. This layer will absorb shocks during transit.
Wrap each dish individually
Each dish should be wrapped individually to prevent them from clinking together and breaking. Follow these steps:
- Plates: Start by laying a sheet of packing paper on a flat surface. Place the plate in the center, then fold the paper over it, wrapping it completely. For extra security, you can wrap the plate in a second sheet of paper or bubble wrap. Once wrapped, line up the plates on their edge inside the box. Avoid laying them flat as this makes them more susceptible to damages.
- Bowls: Wrap bowls the same way you would plates. Place the bowl in the center of the paper sheet, fold the corners in, and wrap tightly. Stack wrapped bowls on their sides, not nested inside each other.
- Glasses and stemware: These are the most delicate items and require extra care. Wrap each glass individually with packing paper, ensuring you cover the stem and base thoroughly. You can also use bubble wrap for added protection. If your box has dividers, place one glass in each section. Otherwise, ensure there is plenty of padding around each glass
- Cups and mugs: Wrap each one individually, paying extra attention to the handles. Place them in the box with the handles facing the same direction to avoid pressure on them during the move.
Pack the dishes carefully for your move
Once all your dishes are wrapped, start placing them in the box:
- Plates and bowls: Begin with the heaviest items, like plates, at the bottom. Stack them vertically, separated by layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap. Bowls can be placed on top of the plates.
- Glasses and stemware: Place these items on top of the plates and bowls, ensuring they are well-cushioned and do not touch the sides of the box.
- Fill gaps: Use crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any gaps in the box. This prevents the dishes from shifting during the move.
- Final cushioning: Add a final layer of crumpled paper on top of the dishes before sealing the box. This provides extra protection against any impacts.
Seal and label the boxes
After packing, close the box and seal it with packing tape. Label each box clearly with “fragile”, and specify the room it belongs to, such as “kitchen” or “dining room”. This ensures movers know to handle the box with care and place it in the correct location in your new home.
Transporting the boxes to your new home
When loading your moving truck, place the dish boxes on top of heavier items and avoid stacking anything on top of them. If possible, keep these boxes upright and secure them so they don’t move around during the drive.
Unpacking and checking
When you arrive at your new home, unpack the dish boxes first to check for any damage. Carefully remove each item and inspect it before placing it in your cupboards.
Conclusion
Packing dishes for a move requires attention to detail and the right materials, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these steps, you can ensure that your kitchenware arrives safely at your new home, ready to be unpacked and used again.
