Published: December 15, 2023

Safely Packing Your Dishes for a Seamless Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most delicate and essential tasks during a move is packing your dishes. Whether you’re moving to a new apartment across town or relocating to a different city, you want to ensure that your dishes arrive at your new home in one piece. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to pack your dishes safely and securely to minimize the risk of breakage.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start packing, gather the necessary materials to protect your dishes:

1. Cardboard Boxes: Select sturdy boxes in various sizes. Dish-specific boxes with dividers are ideal but not mandatory.
2. Packing Paper: Use plain newsprint or bubble wrap to wrap each dish individually.
3. Packing Tape: Secure boxes and reinforce seams with high-quality packing tape.
4. Marker: Label your boxes to indicate their contents and the room they belong to.
5. Styrofoam or Foam Sheets: Extra cushioning to protect your dishes.
6. Cushioning Materials: Use towels, dishcloths, or packing peanuts to add extra protection.

Step 1: Declutter and Organize

Before you start packing, take the opportunity to declutter your dishware. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need or use. This will lighten your load and make the packing process more manageable.

Step 2: Prepare Your Boxes

Choose boxes of various sizes to accommodate different types of dishes. If possible, use dish-specific boxes with built-in dividers. These dividers help prevent dishes from touching each other, reducing the risk of breakage.

Step 3: Wrap Each Dish Individually

Wrap each dish individually using packing paper or bubble wrap. Start with the larger items and work your way down to smaller plates and saucers. Here’s how to wrap them:

1. Place a sheet of packing paper or bubble wrap on a flat surface.
2. Lay the dish in the center of the paper.
3. Fold the corners of the paper over the dish.
4. Roll the dish in the paper, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. Secure the wrapped dish with tape.

Step 4: Create Layers

Line the bottom of your boxes with crumpled packing paper or foam sheets to provide a cushioning base. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Add layers of crumpled paper or foam sheets between each layer of dishes for extra protection.

Step 5: Fill Empty Spaces

To prevent shifting during transit, fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts, towels, or dishcloths. Make sure everything is snugly packed but not overly tight.

Step 6: Seal and Label Boxes

Once you’ve filled a box, seal it securely with packing tape. Use a marker to label each box with its contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates” or “Dining Room – Glasses”) and the room it belongs to.

Step 7: Handle With Care

When loading the boxes, place them upright and stack them carefully. Ensure that the boxes with dishes are not at the bottom of heavy stacks.

Step 8: Special Care for Fragile Items

For particularly fragile dishes, like fine china or crystal, consider double-boxing them. Place the wrapped dish in one box, and then put that box inside another box with additional cushioning materials.

Step 9: Keep Valuables With You

If you have extremely valuable or sentimental dishes, consider transporting them yourself in your car to ensure their safety.

Packing your dishes for a move may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and a systematic approach, you can ensure that they arrive at your new home unscathed. Taking the time to pack your dishes properly will not only protect your investment but also make settling into your new home much smoother. Happy moving!

For more information or assistance with moving, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Kansas or call us at (785) 465-4727.