How to Pack Dishes for Moving: Protect Your Fragile Items

When moving fragile items such as dishes, it’s important to know how to pack them properly to prevent breakage and make sure they arrive safely at your new home.

This step-by-step guide will cover the best methods for packing dishes and fragile kitchenware for moving. With expert advice on packing techniques, must-have materials, and common mistakes to avoid, you can reduce the risk of damage and ensure that everything arrives intact.

Short on time? Need assistance with moving your kitchen supplies and more? Let the professionals at Midway Moving handle your move. Our full-service moving options include packing all your boxes, transporting them to your desired location, and even unpacking. Get started by contacting our movers today!

Gather Essential Packing Supplies

Let’s discuss your must-have packing supplies and essentials to begin your move. This includes choosing the best moving boxes for your items, packing paper, bubble wrap, alternative materials, and the necessary things to gather, like tape, labels, dividers, and more.

Choosing the Right Moving Boxes

Dish or double-walled boxes are best for packing fragile kitchen items like plates, bowls, and glasses. Their sturdy design offers the most protection during moves, thanks to an extra layer of cardboard that makes it less likely to puncture or crush when moving. Plus, many feature built-in or optional dividers for added security to keep your dishes in place. These boxes are specifically necessary for moving glassware, crystalware, etc.

While standard moving boxes can work with proper reinforcement, double-walled boxes should be used for precious dishware and other breakable items.

Packing Paper, Bubble Wrap, and Alternative Materials

Choosing between different wrapping materials such as packing paper, newspaper, bubble wrap, and eco-friendly honeycomb paper is also good to consider based on the pros and cons of each material. For instance, packing paper is a sustainable choice. Bubble wrap protects fragile items well, but it is not eco-friendly. Honeycomb paper is a great sustainable alternative to bubble wrap. Newspaper can cushion items, but it is less effective than the others.

Other Packing Essentials (Tape, Labels, and Dividers)

The best way to pack for moving dishes is to use strong packing tape and clearly labeled boxes. Be sure to label all sides of the boxes with bold markers, prominently displaying the words “FRAGILE” to indicate the delicate nature of the contents and “THIS SIDE UP” to guide handlers on the correct orientation.

Investing in specially designed dish pack dividers for added protection helps cushion each dish, minimizing the risk of impact and breakage during transit.

Preparing Boxes for Packing

To prepare boxes for packing, take the necessary steps to protect dishes by reinforcing the box bottoms and adding a cushion layer.

Reinforce Box Bottoms

To securely seal the bottom seams of your box during transport, begin by folding the bottom flaps down neatly. Then, apply a strip of tape along the center seam and add two more strips parallel to it, forming an “H” shape. This extra reinforcement will keep your dishes safe and sound.

Layer the Bottom with Cushioning

Another recommendation is to use crumpled packing paper, foam sheets, or towels to absorb shock and create a protective base when packing glassware and other fragile dish items.

How to Wrap and Pack Different Types of Dishes

After selecting the best moving packing and supplies, it’s time to wrap and pack your various dishes. Use these helpful packing guidelines to pack away each specific dish type properly.

Plates and Bowls

Stack them vertically to protect your plates and minimize breakage rather than laying them flat. A vertical arrangement gives better weight distribution and reduces pressure, decreasing the likelihood of chips or cracks. Use padding materials like bubble wrap or cloths to securely wrap each plate upright during storage or transport.

Glasses and Stemware

To safely pack glasses, pack each with packing paper for added cushioning. Wrap the stems individually for extra protection and use dividers to minimize movement and prevent them from colliding with one another. By following these steps, you can transport your glassware without worrying.

Cups and Mugs

When packing cups and mugs, securely wrap the handles with bubble wrap or foam sleeves to prevent breakage. Position the mugs upright in a sturdy box and add extra padding around each mug, such as packing peanuts or crumpled paper to protect against chipping.

Securing and Labeling Boxes for Transport

Carefully labeling boxes from your kitchen will make transporting and unpacking much more manageable and smoother. From effectively filling boxes correctly to sealing and labeling, check out these helpful tips for moving dishes.

Fill Empty Spaces to Prevent Shifting

Fill any empty spaces in the box to secure your dishes during transport. Use crumpled packing paper or soft towels to prevent shifting and protect fragile items.

Seal and Label Boxes Properly

Seal boxes tightly and label them with “Fragile – Handle with Care” to ensure careful handling. Boxes should also be marked with “This Side Up” for additional security.

Extra Protection Tips for a Safe Move

Additional moving tips for dishes and other kitchenware, such as avoiding overpacking and knowing when to add extra padding, can be the difference between a few broken glasses and everything arriving safely and intact.

Avoid Overpacking Boxes

Maintaining boxes at a manageable weight is a good idea to minimize the risk of accidents, such as dropping or mishandling them. Making sure boxes are appropriately weighted can enhance safety and make the handling processes much more manageable.

Use Towels and Linens for Extra Padding

A practical and economical way to protect your dishes is to use household linens as a soft cushioning layer. This simple solution can help keep your dishes safe and clean in storage and transport.

Consider Hiring Professional Packers for Fragile Items

Preparing for a move can feel overwhelming, especially with valuable or fragile items. That’s where the professionals at Midway Movers come in. We offer full-service, friendly, and reliable packing and moving services.

We prioritize the safety of your special belongings, making sure that everything—from glassware to plates, bowls, ceramic pieces, and more—is carefully wrapped using the best materials for protection. Let us handle the packing for you so you can relax and focus on the exciting parts of your move!