How to Pack Dishes for Moving: Protect Your Fragile Items
Packing dishes for a move requires careful planning and the right techniques to prevent costly breakage. Dishes are among the most fragile items in your home and need special attention during the moving process. Most people choose to handle dish packing themselves rather than leave it to a leading moving company because they want to control how their valuable items are handled. This guide covers everything from selecting proper packing supplies to safely unpacking your dishes at your new home.
Choosing the Right Packing Supplies
Begin by gathering all the necessary materials to pack your dishes safely. Get sturdy boxes in different sizes – small boxes for heavy dishes and medium boxes for lighter items. You’ll need plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, strong packing tape, and markers for labeling. Don’t try to save money on packing materials, as replacing broken dishes costs significantly more than buying quality supplies. Strongboxes prevent crushing during transport, while packing paper and bubble wrap provide the cushioning needed to protect fragile items. Use good packing tape to keep boxes securely closed. Clear labels help movers identify which boxes contain fragile items that require special care and handling. Having the right supplies makes the difference between dishes arriving safely or in pieces.
Properly Wrapping Each Dish
Take time to wrap each dish individually to give it the protection it needs. Place several sheets of packing paper on a flat surface and put one dish in the center. Pull one corner of the paper over the dish, covering it completely, then take the opposite corner and do the same. Make sure all edges and surfaces are covered with paper. Secure the paper with a small piece of tape to keep it in place. For extra protection on valuable dishes, wrap them in a second layer of paper or use bubble wrap instead. Pay special attention to delicate areas, such as handles, spouts, and decorative edges, which are more likely to break. Proper wrapping creates a protective barrier that absorbs impacts and prevents scratches during the move.
Packing Dishes in Boxes
Pack wrapped dishes carefully to prevent movement and breakage inside boxes. Start by putting a thick layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of each box for cushioning. Place dishes vertically in the box, like records, rather than stacking them flat. This distributes the weight better and reduces pressure on individual pieces. Keep similar-sized dishes together and fill any gaps between dishes with packing paper to prevent them from bumping into each other. Don’t pack boxes too full or too heavy – you should be able to lift them comfortably. Add a final layer of cushioning material on top before closing the box. This method keeps dishes secure and minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
Securing Boxes for Transport
Make sure your packed boxes stay intact during the move by sealing them properly. Use high-quality packing tape to seal the bottom of each box with multiple strips for extra strength. When the box is full, close the top and seal it with tape in a crisscross pattern for added security. This prevents the box from opening accidentally during handling. Write “FRAGILE” and “DISHES” clearly on multiple sides of each box so movers know to handle them carefully. Include arrows to indicate which way is up, preventing boxes from being turned upside down. Also, write the name of the room the box belongs in to make unpacking easier. Good labeling helps prevent rough handling and ensures your dishes are treated with the care they need.
Unpacking and Setting Up Safely
Take your time when unpacking dishes to avoid accidents and damage after a successful move:
- Unpack strategically: Start with items you need immediately and work room by room to avoid creating chaos and confusion in your new home.
- Handle with care: Remove fragile items slowly and carefully, using proper lifting techniques to avoid dropping anything or injuring yourself.
- Secure furniture: Attach tall furniture, such as china cabinets, to walls to prevent tipping, which is especially if you have children or pets in your home.
Following these unpacking tips helps ensure your dishes arrive safely at their new home.
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