A key part of successfully moving from one home to another is packing your fragile items properly. That ensures that they’ll survive the transit in one piece, and you can then easily unpack them at your new home. This is particularly true for dishes and fine china, which are especially delicate and prone to breakage when poorly packed. Here’s how to handle these pieces the right way.

What to Do Before Moving Dishware

It’s best to prepare in advance so that you don’t have to stop in the middle of the process and cause a delay in your schedule. Make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies, including corrugated boxes designed specifically for moving delicate items like plates and glasses; bubble wrap or another type of similar material to cushion the dishes; packing paper to protect the surfaces of your dishware; and strong packing tape to tightly seal the boxes shut.

If you’re uncertain how many boxes you need, err on the side of caution and select more than you expect to use. There’s always the chance that there are more plates, bowls, glasses, and other delicate pieces of glassware and dishware than you realize, especially if you entertain frequently or have a few different sets.  

How to Properly Pack Your Dishes

Begin by labeling your moving boxes first. It’s simply easier to do this when they aren’t filled with delicate dishes. Mark them as “fragile” in large lettering to alert the movers, and include a description of what’s inside. Then layer the base of the box with several sheets of packing paper; your goal is to create a thick, supportive bed. Now it’s time to wrap up each item individually in packing paper. You can use tape if you need to hold the paper down. Be mindful when wrapping your wine glasses; stems are thinner and more delicate, so that portion requires more paper to create a sufficient buffer.

Place all plates inside vertically instead of stacked atop each other, and add some extra paper in between each layer for a little extra protection. You can do the same thing with cups and bowls, although it is safe to nest these against each other in stacks of four or five so long as you use plenty of protective paper. Avoid overfilling the boxes, but do place the heaviest items inside first. When you’re done, fill the rest of the box with protective packing material, like bubble wrap or crumpled up packing paper, to prevent jostling while in transit.
 

If you’re seeking reliable moving professionals in Rochester, NY, turn to the experts at Caccamise Moving. The family-owned business is committed to making your move as seamless as possible, which is why they make it easy to transport large pieces. These qualified movers handle your possessions with the utmost care. Visit them online to find out more about what they do, or call the movers at (585) 624-4616 to schedule an appointment.