Moving or storing dishes can be a nerve-wracking experience. The thought of your precious china or everyday dinnerware shattering into pieces during transit is enough to make anyone anxious. Fortunately, with the right techniques and materials, you can significantly reduce the risk of breakage and ensure your dishes arrive at their destination safe and sound. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to packing dishes effectively, covering everything from essential supplies to advanced packing strategies.
Gathering Your Packing Supplies
The foundation of a successful dish-packing operation lies in having the right tools at your disposal. Don’t skimp on quality here; investing in good packing supplies is far more cost-effective than replacing broken dishes.
Essential Packing Materials
Boxes: Opt for sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes specifically designed for packing dishes. These are typically smaller and more durable than standard moving boxes. Small to medium-sized boxes are ideal as they prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy, making them easier to handle and less likely to break. It is important to remember that even the sturdiest boxes need to be properly sealed.
Packing Paper: Unprinted packing paper is your best friend. It’s clean, versatile, and won’t transfer ink onto your dishes. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can stain your delicate items. A generous supply of packing paper is absolutely necessary.
Bubble Wrap: For fragile or valuable dishes, bubble wrap provides an extra layer of protection. Choose bubble wrap with small to medium-sized bubbles for optimal cushioning. Remember that bubble wrap is not always enough, especially for long-distance moves.
Packing Tape: Use strong packing tape that is at least 2 inches wide. Ensure it adheres well to the cardboard and creates a secure seal. Avoid using masking tape or duct tape, as they may not provide sufficient hold.
Dish Dividers: These cardboard inserts create individual compartments within the box, preventing dishes from rubbing against each other. They are especially helpful for plates and saucers. Dish dividers offer superb protection.
Cell Kits: Similar to dish dividers, cell kits are designed for glasses and stemware. They provide individual slots for each glass, minimizing the risk of breakage. Cell kits can be a worthwhile investment for valuable glassware.
Markers: Labeling boxes clearly is crucial. Use a permanent marker to write “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on all sides of the box. You may also want to indicate the contents of the box (e.g., “Plates,” “Bowls”).
Scissors or Utility Knife: These tools will be handy for cutting packing paper and bubble wrap. Exercise caution when using a utility knife.
Optional but Helpful Items
Gloves: Wearing gloves can help you maintain a better grip on the dishes, especially if they are slippery or delicate.
Padding Materials: Foam peanuts, packing peanuts, or even old towels can be used to fill empty spaces in the box and provide additional cushioning. However, be careful not to overstuff the box.
Moving Blankets: These can be used to wrap larger items or to provide extra protection for boxes during transport.
Preparing Your Dishes for Packing
Before you even think about wrapping a single dish, it’s essential to prepare them properly. This involves cleaning and sorting your dishes to ensure they are ready for the packing process.
Cleaning and Inspecting
Wash and dry all your dishes thoroughly before packing them. This will remove any food residue or grime that could attract pests or cause damage during storage or transport. While cleaning, carefully inspect each dish for chips, cracks, or other imperfections. Damaged dishes are more likely to break during packing and moving, so consider discarding them or setting them aside for separate transport.
Sorting Your Dishes
Sort your dishes by type and size. Group plates together, bowls together, glasses together, and so on. This will make the packing process more efficient and ensure that you are using the appropriate packing techniques for each type of dish. It also helps when unpacking, allowing you to quickly organize your kitchen.
The Packing Process: Step-by-Step
Now comes the main part: packing your dishes securely. Follow these steps carefully to minimize the risk of breakage.
Creating a Cushioning Base
Before placing any dishes in the box, create a cushioning base at the bottom. Crumple several sheets of packing paper and place them evenly across the bottom of the box. This will absorb shocks and vibrations during transit. The more fragile your dishes, the thicker this base should be. Do not be afraid to use plenty of packing paper.
Wrapping Individual Dishes
This is the most crucial step in the packing process. Each dish needs to be individually wrapped with packing paper.
Plates and Saucers: Place a plate in the center of a stack of packing paper. Bring the corners of the paper up and over the plate, tucking them in securely. Rotate the plate and repeat with another layer of packing paper. For added protection, wrap the plate in bubble wrap as well.
Bowls: The process is similar to wrapping plates. Place the bowl in the center of the packing paper and bring the corners up and over, tucking them in securely. Add an extra layer of paper around the rim of the bowl, as this is the most vulnerable part. Again, consider bubble wrap for added protection.
Glasses and Stemware: Wrap each glass individually with packing paper. Pay special attention to the stem of stemware, as this is the most delicate part. Use extra packing paper to reinforce the stem. For valuable glassware, wrap each glass in bubble wrap after wrapping it in packing paper. Consider using cell kits for stemware to provide maximum protection.
Packing Dishes into the Box
Once each dish is individually wrapped, carefully place them into the box.
Plates and Saucers: Pack plates and saucers vertically, like records in a crate. This is the most stable way to pack them and reduces the risk of breakage. Use dish dividers to create individual compartments for each plate.
Bowls: Pack bowls on their sides, with the rims facing up or down. This prevents them from nesting together and potentially chipping.
Glasses and Stemware: Pack glasses and stemware upright, with the base facing down. Use cell kits for added protection. If you don’t have cell kits, wrap each glass securely and place them in the box with crumpled packing paper around them to prevent them from shifting.
Filling Empty Spaces
After you’ve packed the dishes into the box, fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts, or old towels. This will prevent the dishes from shifting during transit and provide additional cushioning. Make sure the box is full but not overstuffed.
Sealing and Labeling the Box
Once the box is packed, seal it securely with packing tape. Use several layers of tape to reinforce the seams of the box. Label the box clearly with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on all sides. Indicate the contents of the box (e.g., “Plates,” “Bowls”) and the room where the box should be placed in your new home.
Advanced Packing Strategies
For particularly valuable or fragile dishes, consider these advanced packing strategies:
Double-Boxing
For extremely delicate items, consider double-boxing. This involves placing the packed dish box inside a larger box with packing material filling the space between the two boxes. This provides an extra layer of protection against impacts.
Custom Crating
For irreplaceable heirlooms or museum-quality pieces, consider custom crating. This involves building a custom wooden crate that is specifically designed to protect the dish during transport. This is the most expensive option, but it provides the highest level of protection.
Professional Packing Services
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply don’t have the time to pack your dishes yourself, consider hiring professional packing services. Professional packers have the experience and expertise to pack your dishes safely and efficiently. They also have access to high-quality packing materials and equipment. This can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you have a large number of fragile items.
Tips for Moving and Transporting Dishes
Packing is only half the battle. You also need to ensure that your dishes are moved and transported safely.
Loading and Unloading
Handle boxes of dishes with care. Avoid dropping or bumping them. Load boxes of dishes into the moving truck carefully, placing them on a flat surface and securing them so they don’t shift during transport. When unloading, use the same care and caution.
Driving Considerations
If you’re driving the moving truck yourself, drive slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden stops and turns. Be especially cautious when driving over bumps or potholes.
Climate Control
If you’re storing your dishes in a storage unit, consider using a climate-controlled unit. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage dishes over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when packing dishes. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Using Newspaper for Packing
Newspaper ink can stain your dishes. Use unprinted packing paper instead.
Not Using Enough Packing Paper
Don’t skimp on packing paper. The more protection you provide, the less likely your dishes are to break.
Overstuffing Boxes
Overstuffing boxes can cause them to break or collapse. Use smaller boxes and fill them appropriately.
Not Labeling Boxes Clearly
Labeling boxes clearly is essential. Write “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on all sides of the box.
Neglecting the Bottom of the Box
Creating a cushioning base at the bottom of the box is crucial. Don’t skip this step.
Packing dishes without them breaking requires patience, care, and the right materials. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and ensure that your precious dishes arrive at their destination in one piece. Remember to prioritize safety, use plenty of packing material, and label your boxes clearly. With a little planning and effort, you can move or store your dishes with confidence.
What types of packing materials are best for protecting dishes during a move?
When packing dishes, opt for materials that offer cushioning and prevent movement within the boxes. Bubble wrap is excellent for individually wrapping each dish, providing a protective layer against impacts. Packing paper, especially unprinted newsprint, is ideal for filling empty spaces within the boxes to prevent dishes from shifting and clanging against each other. Avoid using materials like newspaper that could transfer ink and stain your dishes.
Beyond these basics, consider specialized dish packing kits that often include cardboard dividers for organizing plates and bowls. These dividers create individual compartments, minimizing the risk of breakage. Packing peanuts, while less ideal than bubble wrap or paper, can also be used to fill voids, but ensure they are used in conjunction with other protective measures to prevent settling and dish movement during transport.
How should I wrap plates to prevent them from breaking?
Start by laying a sheet of bubble wrap on a flat surface. Place a plate in the center of the bubble wrap and fold the wrap over the plate, securing it with packing tape. Repeat this process until the entire plate is covered with multiple layers of bubble wrap. For added protection, consider wrapping each plate in packing paper before adding the bubble wrap layer. This provides an extra barrier against scratches and chipping.
For stacking plates within a box, wrap each plate individually and then stack them vertically, edge-to-edge. This method distributes the weight more evenly and reduces the likelihood of pressure causing breakage. Place a layer of cushioning material, like crumpled packing paper or a foam sheet, between each stack of plates to further minimize the risk of damage during transport. Remember to avoid laying plates flat on top of each other without sufficient cushioning.
What is the best way to pack bowls to avoid chips and cracks?
Similar to plates, begin by individually wrapping each bowl in bubble wrap, ensuring complete coverage. For nesting bowls, wrap each bowl separately before placing them inside one another. Add a layer of packing paper between each nested bowl to prevent them from rubbing together during transit. Use plenty of tape to secure the bubble wrap and packing paper around each bowl.
When packing the bowls into boxes, position them upright, mimicking how they would sit on a shelf. Avoid stacking heavier bowls on top of lighter ones. Fill any empty spaces within the bowls with crumpled packing paper to provide internal support and prevent them from being crushed if the box is accidentally compressed. Remember to create a buffer layer of cushioning material at the bottom and top of the box.
What is the proper way to pack glassware, such as cups and glasses?
Glassware requires extra care due to its fragility. Wrap each glass or cup individually in multiple layers of bubble wrap, paying particular attention to the stems and rims, which are the most vulnerable areas. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape. Stuff the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper to provide internal support and prevent them from being crushed during the move.
When packing glassware into boxes, position them upright, similar to bowls. Consider using a dish pack box with dividers to keep each glass separate and prevent them from touching. If you don’t have dividers, create compartments using cardboard and packing tape. Ensure there is ample cushioning material, such as crumpled packing paper or foam inserts, around each glass to absorb shocks and vibrations during transit. Label the box clearly as “Fragile” and indicate that it contains glassware.
How do I pack delicate or antique dishes?
Delicate or antique dishes require the utmost care. Start by wrapping each item in acid-free archival paper to prevent any chemical reactions or damage over time. Then, add several layers of bubble wrap, securing each layer with packing tape. For particularly fragile pieces, consider using a double-boxing technique, where you place the wrapped item in a smaller box and then place that box inside a larger box, filling the space between them with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper.
When packing delicate dishes into boxes, avoid stacking them if possible. Instead, place each item individually in its own compartment or wrapped in sufficient cushioning to prevent any contact with other items. Clearly label the box as “Extremely Fragile” and “Handle with Care.” If possible, consider transporting these items separately in your personal vehicle to minimize the risk of damage during the move. Taking pictures before packing will help in case a claim needs to be filed.
What type of box should I use for packing dishes?
The best type of box for packing dishes is a “dish pack” or “china box.” These boxes are specifically designed for transporting fragile items and are made of thicker, double-walled cardboard for added protection. They also often come with cardboard dividers to create individual compartments for each dish, preventing them from shifting and colliding during the move. If dish pack boxes are not available, use small to medium-sized boxes made of sturdy cardboard.
Avoid using large boxes for packing dishes, as they can become too heavy and difficult to handle. Overly heavy boxes also increase the risk of breakage during lifting and transportation. Regardless of the box you choose, reinforce the bottom with packing tape to ensure it can withstand the weight of the dishes. Always test the box’s integrity before filling it with dishes.
How should I label the boxes containing dishes?
Clearly label all boxes containing dishes with the word “Fragile” in large, bold letters on all sides. This will alert movers and anyone handling the boxes to exercise extra care. Additionally, write “Handle with Care” prominently on the boxes. Use a permanent marker to ensure the labels are clear and legible, even in varying weather conditions.
In addition to “Fragile” and “Handle with Care,” also indicate the room where the boxes should be placed in your new home. This will help streamline the unpacking process and ensure that the dishes are delivered to the correct location. Consider adding a brief description of the contents, such as “Dishes – Kitchen,” to further assist with organization. If any boxes contain particularly delicate or antique items, add a note indicating “Extremely Fragile” for added precaution.