Best Way to Pack Dishes For A Move - NO Breakage
Packing dishes and glassware for a move can be stressful; no one wants to arrive at their new home with a box full of broken plates.
The good news? With the right approach and supplies, you can keep your dishes safe during transportation. Here’s how:
1) Gather the Right Supplies
The key to protecting your dishes starts with using the proper materials. We recommend going with dish barrel boxes. These boxes are thicker and sturdier than standard moving boxes, designed to absorb shocks and bumps during transit.
For wrapping, packing paper is your best bet. Avoid newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto your dishes, especially if they’re packed for an extended period.
Don’t forget packing tape to secure the boxes, and a tape gun will make the job faster and easier (and save your fingers!).
2) Master the Art of Packing Paper
Begin by lining the bottom of each box with crumpled packing paper to create a soft cushion. This helps absorb the impact of bumps in the road.
Next, wrap each dish individually. Place the dish in the center of a sheet of packing paper, fold in the corners, and roll it gently. Always use one sheet per item.
As you place dishes into the box, start with the heaviest and sturdiest ones first. Add a layer of paper between each item to keep them from rubbing or clinking together.
3) Use Soft Items for Extra Padding
For delicate or oddly shaped items like serving trays or vases, basic paper might not cut it. That’s where you can get creative. Use soft household items like towels, T-shirts, or pillowcases as makeshift padding. Not only does this give fragile pieces more protection, but it also helps you pack more efficiently.
4) Fill Every Gap and Seal It Tight
Once your box is full, make sure to pack it right to the top. Space gives dishes room to shift and break. Fill in any remaining gaps with more crumpled paper or soft materials.
When the box is full, you should be able to close the lid without feeling much give when you press down.
Seal the box securely with packing tape, and don’t forget to clearly label each box (trust us, this makes unpacking way easier).
5) Use Box Dividers for Glassware
If you’re packing up a lot of glassware like wine glasses, tumblers, or pint glasses, consider using box dividers. These handy inserts keep each item separate, helping prevent them from clinking together and cracking during the move.
Make sure to wrap each glass individually with packing paper before carefully sliding it it’s own compartment.
Want to Skip the Packing Altogether?
Packing dishes takes time, care, and patience. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, Two Amigos offers expert packing services to ensure your belongings arrive safe and sound. Try out our new Moving Calculator Form for a free, accurate moving quote within one business day!