Best Practices for Packing Dishes for a Move: A Guide from Belfor Moving

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing delicate items like dishes. Whether you're relocating to a new home in Marin, Sonoma, or Napa, California, it's crucial to protect your dishes to ensure they arrive at your new place in perfect condition. In this blog, we’ll go over the best practices for packing dishes, so you can avoid breakage and keep your glassware, plates, and fine china safe.

Why Proper Dish Packing Is Essential

Dishes are one of the most fragile items in your kitchen, and they are often made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, or other breakable materials. Improper packing can lead to cracks, chips, or even shattering during transit. To make sure your dishes arrive safe and sound, take the time to follow these packing tips.

1. Gather the Right Packing Materials

The first step to packing dishes is to make sure you have all the necessary packing materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy moving boxes: Choose medium-sized boxes to avoid overpacking and ensure your dishes don't get crushed. You can find dish-specific boxes, which are designed to protect fragile items during the move.

• Packing paper or bubble wrap: You’ll need plenty of soft material to wrap your dishes securely. Packing paper is a great option, but bubble wrap offers extra cushioning.

• Dish pack dividers: If you're using a dish-specific box, dividers will help keep your dishes separated and reduce the risk of breakage.

• Tape: Use heavy-duty packing tape to seal the boxes tightly.

2. Wrap Each Dish Individually

Start by wrapping each dish individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. For plates, use several layers of paper, folding it over the front and back of the dish. Be sure to wrap the edges as well, as they’re the most vulnerable to damage.

For delicate items like wine glasses or bowls, place a layer of packing paper inside the dish or glass to add extra protection. You can also use bubble wrap for even more cushioning.

3. Pack Plates Vertically

When packing plates, it’s best to stand them on edge (like records in a box) rather than stacking them flat. This helps to distribute the weight evenly and reduces the chance of cracking or chipping. If you're using dish pack dividers, place each wrapped plate into a slot in the divider. Make sure the dividers fit snugly inside the box to prevent the plates from shifting.

4. Cushion the Bottom and Top of the Box

Before placing your wrapped dishes into the box, line the bottom with several inches of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This provides a cushion and helps prevent the dishes from hitting the bottom of the box. Once the dishes are inside, add another layer of cushioning on top before sealing the box shut.

5. Don’t Overpack Boxes

While it's tempting to fill every inch of space, avoid overpacking your boxes. Dishes need to be packed snugly but not so tightly that they’re at risk of being crushed. Leave some room for extra padding around the dishes and seal the box securely.

6. Label the Boxes

Label each box as "Fragile" and clearly mark "This Side Up" to ensure movers handle the boxes with care. It's also a good idea to label the contents of the box (e.g., “Plates,” “Bowls,” or “Glasses”) so that you can easily find your dishes when unpacking.

7. Consider Using Professional Movers

Packing dishes can be time-consuming and tricky, and if you're handling delicate china or expensive glassware, you may want to consider hiring professional movers. At Belfor Moving, we have years of experience helping residents in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa with their moves. Our team knows how to handle fragile items like dishes with the utmost care, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Bonus Tip: Use Tupperware for Smaller Dishes

If you're packing smaller dishes or items like saucers and teacups, Tupperware or small plastic containers are a great option. They provide a sturdy outer layer and help keep the contents safe during the move. Just be sure to pack them the same way you would with a box, with plenty of cushioning inside.

Conclusion

By following these best practices for packing dishes, you can ensure your fragile kitchen items stay safe during your move. Whether you're moving locally in Marin, Sonoma, Napa, or further away, taking the time to pack your dishes properly can save you from costly replacements and the stress of broken items.

Need help with your move? Contact Belfor Moving today, and let our expert team handle the packing, transportation, and unpacking of your precious dishes and other fragile items. We're here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.