Packing Dishes 101

We’ve all been there. You spend all day packing the easy stuff – things like clothes, toys, and pillows. Suddenly you’re faced with the daunting task of carefully wrapping your breakable dishes and that ridiculously fragile family heirloom china set. If you aren't keen on having your movers do it for you, or just feel like getting some of it packed yourself, we’ve got your back. With these solid tips, we'll get your valuables unloaded at your new home safely and in one piece. Here’s what you need to know: 

Materials

• Packing paper
• Dish towels/Bathroom towels
• Foam
• Dish boxes
• Medium sized boxes
• Packing tape
• Labels and markers

Methods

Follow these steps for safely moved dish ware: 

1. Don’t skimp out on the quality of the box you use. If you have to use old boxes from another move, ensure that they are taped thoroughly and have good full coverage to avoid any unexpected collapsing. 
2. Line the inside of your boxes with foam, newspaper, or bubble wrap if the items aren’t too heavy. Setting them down carefully is still important, but you won’t have to be as cautious. 
3. Although this might seem counterintuitive, the more you can fit into one box the better. Having floating plates will only increase the possibility of breakage.
4. Stack all your cups, bowls, plates, etc in the same direction so that if they slide around they will fall into place with the other dishes. Think about it like stacking them the same way you would stack them in a cabinet!
5. Always start with heaviest on bottom and lightest on top! Mugs can’t go on top of teacups. 
6. Wrap your items in cloth, newspaper, or between layers of foam if you want to get fancy. Bubble wrap isn’t always the best idea especially if they’re traveling far distances where there will be a lot of jostling. 
7. Be sure to label loud and clear! Use a bright-colored Sharpie to warn movers who will be able to give them special care. 
8. Be sure to plug each space in the box; another awesome way to save on supplies is to use kitchen and bath towels to wrap them. 
9. Don’t roll, stuff, or cram your dishes into paper or will paper. Place each dish in the center of the newspaper, fold the corners to the centers, and secure with tape. Repeat as many times as needed!
10. Once you have all the dishes packed, shift your box gently to see if anything slides around. If not, you’re all good to load up! 

Packing dishes takes a little more time and patience than most household items, but it’s imperative that they are packed with care. Now that you’re all set with the materials and the methods, don’t stress about it! Get packing. 

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