How to Pack Dishes for Moving
Moving: it’s an exciting endeavor filled with new opportunities on the horizon, but can also be a stressful task that can put your personal belongings at risk of being lost or broken during transit. Here at Kowalski Moves, we understand that transporting your personal items safely is a priority. That's why we’ve compiled our best tips and tricks for packing dishes and other fragile tableware, so that your belongings arrive at their destination exactly as they were when they left.
What kind of materials do you need to pack dishes for moving?
The first step to a successful packing job is ensuring you have the appropriate materials. After all, you can try to be as neat and strategic with your packing as possible, but having subpar packaging materials protecting your belongings in the back of a moving truck will leave you gambling on the safety of your things.
You’re going to need a lot of boxes and packing tape
First up are our two most obvious supplies: moving boxes and packing tape. Starting at the foundation of your move, it is important to remember that getting quality cardboard boxes and heavy-duty packing tape can make all the difference. The last thing you want during your move is to pack everything perfectly, only to have the box collapse or the tape pull apart while being transported.
Wrapping paper and bubble wrap are your best friends!
Outside of boxes and packing tape, we have bubble wrap and wrapping paper. These two items are the key components that ensure your dishes and tableware do not interact with each other, reducing the risk of becoming damaged or even breaking during transit.
Markers for labeling your boxes
Lastly, make sure you have at least one or two markers on hand. Markers allow you to not only label your boxes so that you have an idea of what’s in them and where they need to go, it also allows you to indicate which boxes are fragile if you choose not to invest in tape or stickers that help indicate this.
How to pack your boxes to avoid breakage with fragile items
Now that we have the tools to succeed laid out, let’s go over how to properly use them when packing your dishes. Keep in mind that these tips are not just limited to your plateware and can be utilized when packing any of your fragile items.
Fill the bottom lining of your boxes with a few layers of protection
You know what they say: a sturdy house has a solid foundation. Although we aren't constructing any homes, the foundation of the box you're packing can make quite the difference. Create a sturdy foundation by layering a few pieces of packing paper on the base of the box. If available, feel free to incorporate some packing peanuts between the layers to add a little extra cushion.
Wrap each item individually and gently nestle some more bubble wrap between them
Layers, layers, and more layers! As you begin to pack, ensure that each plate, bowl, cup, and dish is wrapped in both packing paper and bubble wrap. To provide extra protection, place a small piece of bubble wrap between each item for the best results.
Pack your stemware slowly!
Whether it’s been passed down for generations, or just a wine glass you bought recently, you’re going to want to take extra time wrapping and packing your stemware items. Those small, thin pieces of glass are quite susceptible to breaking.
Tips for packing oblong or awkward items
Not every dish is going to be the standard size or shape. For those serving items that are a bit awkward to pack or wrap, here are our best recommendations to help get them transported safely.
Wrap kitchen knives individually and label them
You may not have thought of this one, but we highly recommend wrapping each knife in your collection and indicating on the paper what the item is. Since these are sharp and potentially dangerous, wrapping and labeling will help keep you and whoever is helping you safe and cut free!
Kettles and coffee supplies can be wrapped extra cushiony around delicate parts like the stem or handle
For awkward, yet delicate items, make sure that you add a little extra cushion to the areas that may seem a bit more fragile than the rest of the object. Stems, handles, and other delicate parts of your dishes and kitchenware are where you should focus most of your wrapping expertise.
When you’re ready to ship out, Kowalski Moves is here for all of your needs!
Kowalski Moves is here to make every move a happy and safe one. We’re not just any cross country movers – our family has taken pride in every move we’ve helped complete, and we hope to share that level of care and professionalism with you. Visit us online for a list of our services, or give us a call to discuss how we can make your move as easy as possible. Whether you need someone to move down the street, or a cross country moving service, we’ve got you covered!