06 Oct How to Pack Dishes for Moving
It’s estimated that roughly 14% of people in the United States move every year. Even when everything goes perfectly with a move, it’s still an incredibly stressful experience. And sadly, things rarely go perfectly.
One common mistake people often make with a move is not packing their dishes correctly in boxes. This results in unsafe broken glass and the need to buy new dishware once you arrive at your new home.
Not only can dish sets be expensive to replace, but many often hold sentimental value. That’s why we made this guide on how to pack dishes for moving the correct way. In it, we’ll walk you through some tips for protecting your fragile dishes during the moving process.
What Will You Need for Packing Dishes for the Move
Getting the right packing materials is essential for any moving checklist. First, you’ll need cardboard boxes. We recommend investing in dish boxes for this task.
These are specific types of cardboard boxes designed for fragile items like dishes. Compared to regular boxes, they contain an extra layer of cardboard around both the base and the sides.
This durability goes a long way toward keeping your dishes safe. While they are a bit more expensive than regular boxes, the added protection is worth the investment.
Next, you’ll need soft packing materials to prevent your dishes from moving around and bumping into each other. Common household items you can use include packing paper, bubble wrap, newspaper (or crumpled-up paper), napkins, dish towels, and other soft objects like clothes.
Good packing tape will be needed to secure the box once it’s full. Labels/permanent makers can help you stay organized by identifying what’s in each box.
Professional movers offering packing services are convenient since they provide the equipment needed to safely pack your dishes and other fragile items.
How to Pack Dishes for Moving
The first step to packing dishes is to assemble everything you want to pack on a counter or table. Then, get your heavy-duty dish boxes and line them bottom with a layer of packing paper that’s at least six inches.
Next, wrap each dish in a layer of packing paper. Make sure to wrap it tightly to save on space. Or else you won’t be able to fit many dishes in a box. Next, begin placing the items in the box.
You can group similar plates and dishes to save on space. Put heavy items on the bottom so they don’t crush lighter dishes. Once the box is packed, fill the extra space with paper or bubble wrap material.
Before you tape up the box, pick it up to ensure it’s not too heavy. If a box is too heavy, it’s more likely to be dropped, which can mean bad news for even the most well-packed dishes.
Once everything is secure, you can seal the box with packing tape. Make sure to write fragile labels, along with any other classifications you want (like kitchen).
How to Pack Glassware for Moving
Glassware needs to be treated with a little more care than plates and common dishes. Before you get started, you should first see which glass you have that you might want to throw out or donate.
Chipped and stained glasses might not be worth moving, especially if it’s across the country. If you want, you can invest in inserts that keep your glasses secure while you move.
Otherwise, you should line the bottom of the box with clean dish towels. Next, take some packing paper or discarded newspaper and fill each glass or mug with a crumpled ball of paper.
Then, double-wrap each piece of glassware with either bubble wrap or packing paper. This ensures that the breakables won’t crash into each other. If you’re transporting wine glasses, you need to be extra careful.
In addition to a double wrap, you should also put paper securely around the stem to create a barrier. Be careful when packing wine glasses. This glassware, along with Champagne glasses, are the most likely candidates to break.
Once everything is wrapped, begin laying down the glassware in rows. Assuming there is any space left in the box, you should put down another layer of dish towels to secure everything.
Next, seal up the box with packing tape. Then, put down any labels. A clear glassware label can help any movers know that what’s in the box is incredibly fragile.
Why You Should Consider Professional Packing for the Move
There are a lot of benefits that come when you partner with a mover that offers professional packing services. For starters, if you choose the right moving company, they can bring a level of expertise to the packing that better protects fragile things like your dishes.
This takes a lot of the stress out of the equation when it comes to moving. They also know the best way to optimize space when packing, so you won’t need to invest in unnecessary boxes. Many movers also have liability insurance, so you’re covered if anything breaks.
Lastly, professional movers have the manpower to load all of your boxes and furniture once it’s packed. The importance of this shouldn’t be underestimated.
DIY moving can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Heavy boxes and furniture can easily lead to falls if you’re taking things upstairs, and sadly, one out of five falls can lead to a serious injury. A professional packer can protect you from this potential liability.
Need Help With Your Move? Contact Ralph’s Moving and Storage
We hope this guide helped you learn how to pack dishes for moving. Here at Ralph’s Moving and Storage, we know the difference a professional mover can make when packing your belongings.
After all, we’ve been in this business since 1926. During our near century of experience, we’ve mastered the skills needed for a smooth move.
From expert packing skills to friendly customer service, we’re committed to making the moving experience as easy as possible. So contact us today to get the help that you need.
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