Moving your delicate china and dinnerware requires careful planning and the use of the right techniques. Your grandmother's fine china, wedding gift plates, and treasured dishware deserve special attention during a move. This guide walks you through every step of packing your fragile dinnerware safely. From selecting the right materials to wrapping each piece correctly, you'll learn how to protect your valuable dishes. Even a professional moving team will appreciate properly packed china, making the entire relocation smoother.
Choosing the Right Packing Supplies
Getting the right materials makes all the difference when protecting your china. Grab sturdy boxes in different sizes—dish barrels or double-walled boxes work best for heavy plates and bowls. You'll need plenty of bubble wrap for cushioning, as well as packing paper or foam pouches to wrap individual pieces and prevent scratches. Don't skimp on quality packing tape to keep everything sealed tight. Mark each box clearly with what's inside and write "FRAGILE" in bold letters so everyone knows to handle it with care.
Wrapping Each Piece Properly
Lay a clean sheet of packing paper on a flat surface. Put your first piece of china in the center. Pull one corner of the paper over the item and tuck it in snugly; then repeat the same process with the opposite corner to create a diamond shape. Tape it down, then fold the sides over until the piece is completely covered. Delicate or larger items need extra layers of paper. For your most fragile pieces, wrap them in bubble wrap first, then add the paper layer on top. Write a quick note on each wrapped piece so you know what it is when unpacking.
Utilizing Divider Kits for Protection
Divider kits are lifesavers when packing delicate items, such as china. These kits come with cardboard dividers that create separate compartments inside your boxes. Each plate, bowl, or serving dish gets its own little space, preventing them from banging into each other during the drive. Simply slide your wrapped pieces into these sections, and you'll have an extra layer of protection against chips, cracks, and breaks. They're inexpensive and make a huge difference in keeping your dinnerware in good condition.
Packing Plates and Bowls Safely
Put a layer of foam padding or bubble wrap at the bottom of your box for cushioning. Wrap each plate and bowl separately, covering all surfaces completely. Here's the trick: stand them up vertically in the box rather than stacking them flat. This position reduces pressure and the chance of breakage. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting around. Tape up the box, then label it as 'Fragile' and mark which side should be facing up.
Securing Glassware and Cups
Glasses require extra care since they are prone to breaking easily. Stuff crumpled paper or bubble wrap inside each glass for internal support. Wrap each one individually with packing paper or bubble wrap and secure with tape. Put cardboard dividers between glasses for added protection. For cups, you can nest them inside each other, but place packing material between each one to prevent them from touching. Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. Seal everything up, label it fragile, and mark the top of the box.
Labeling Boxes for Easy Identification
Clear labels save you tons of time and frustration when unpacking. Here's how to label like a pro:
- Detailed Inventory: Write exactly what's in each box so you know where everything is.
- Use Clear Labels: Write legibly or use a label maker—sloppy handwriting can be confusing.
- Color Coding: Use different colored labels for each room to easily identify boxes at a glance.
- Fragile Items: Clearly mark boxes with breakables so movers know to be extra careful.
- Priority Boxes: Label boxes with must-have items as "Priority" so you can locate them quickly.
Related Topics:
