Dishes break during moves more often than people expect, and the reason is almost never the truck. It is almost always the packing. Whether you are moving a full set of china or just a cabinet full of everyday plates and mugs, the same basic principles apply: cushion each piece, keep pieces separated, and eliminate movement inside the box. Here is how to do that with materials you likely already have at home.
What materials do you actually need?
There are specialty dish boxes made for this purpose, and they work well. But you do not need them. Any sturdy box combined with the right wrapping and padding materials will do the job. You need four things working together:
- a box that is sturdy enough to carry the weight without flexing
- wrapping material to isolate each individual piece
- layering and stuffing material to absorb shock and fill hollow spaces between items
- packing tape to hold everything closed and secure
How do you pack dishes so they survive the move?
- Start with a box that is not too large. A smaller box is easier to carry and will not get dangerously heavy. Reinforce the bottom with several strips of packing tape before you put anything inside.
- Line the bottom of the box with a cushioning layer. Crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, folded towels, bed sheets, or clothes all work. The goal is a soft base that absorbs impact.
- Wrap each item individually. Newspaper is the most common choice and it is easy to find. Keep in mind that newspaper ink can transfer to dishes, so plan to wash everything before you use it again. Wrap each piece in several layers and tape the wrapping closed if you can. Towels, washcloths, and bubble wrap are good alternatives if ink transfer is a concern.
- Pack the wrapped items into the box and fill every gap. Wadded newspaper, rolled socks, and pieces of bubble wrap all work as filler. Nothing inside the box should be able to shift. If items can move, they will collide, and that is when things break.
- Stand glasses upright in the box. Laying them on their sides puts stress on the rim, which is the weakest point.
- If you are stacking layers, heavier and sturdier items go on the bottom. Lighter, more delicate pieces go on top.
- Add a final cushioning layer on top before you close the box. Tape it shut securely.
- Write clearly on the outside: fragile, glass, china, and which side is up. Do not assume the label is obvious. Write it on multiple sides.
Would you rather let someone else handle the packing?
Brothers Easy Moving of Tampa carries the packing supplies you need to protect your dishes, furniture, and other belongings during transport. If you would rather not deal with any of this yourself, we also do the packing for you. Call us at (813) 505-2560 and we can talk through what your move actually requires.
