How to Pack Dishes for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oklahoma moving experts recommend following a simple process to pack dishes safely for your move. This guide walks you through each step to protect your dishes during transport. You'll learn how to get the right supplies, organize your dishes, wrap them properly, and pack boxes correctly. These proven methods help prevent breaks and chips during your move. Follow these steps to keep your dishes safe from start to finish.

Gather Packing Supplies

Start by collecting the right packing supplies for your dishes. You need sturdy boxes in various sizes to accommodate different dish types. Get bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion your dishes during the move. Packing tape keeps boxes closed tightly, preventing them from opening by accident. Use markers to label boxes with what's inside and add fragile stickers for delicate items. Dish dividers or cardboard pieces help separate dishes in boxes, preventing them from clashing and getting damaged. Having all these supplies ready makes packing dishes much easier and safer.

Sort and Organize Dishes

Begin by sorting your dishes by size, fragility, and shape. Group similar-sized dishes together to simplify the packing process. Handle delicate items, such as fine china or crystal, with extra care and keep them separate. Group plates, bowls, and cups together to prevent them from getting damaged. Use dividers or padding between items to keep them secure. Label each box with its contents and indicate which way is up. This helps movers know how to handle your boxes properly. Smart organizing keeps your dishes safe and makes unpacking easier.

Wrap Individual Items

Wrap each dish separately to protect it during the move. Put packing paper on a flat surface and place one dish in the center. Fold one corner of the paper over the dish until it's completely covered, then fold the other corner over. Use another piece of paper for extra protection if needed. Tape the paper in place to prevent it from shifting during transport. For breakable items like glasses, add a layer of bubble wrap around the paper. The goal is to provide each dish with sufficient padding to prevent damage when the box moves around.

Layer and Pack Boxes

Pack dishes carefully in layers to keep them safe during transport. Put a thick layer of packing material at the bottom of each box for cushioning. Wrap each dish as described above, then stand them up vertically in the box. Standing dishes spread the weight evenly and reduce breaks. After finishing the bottom layer, add padding before starting the next row. Don't leave empty spaces in the box because dishes will shift and break. Add a final layer of padding on top before securing the box shut with tape.

Fill Empty Spaces

Use packing material to fill any empty spaces in your boxes so dishes can't move around. Empty spots cause dishes to shift and break during transport. Fill gaps between dishes and around box sides with packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam pieces. Crumpled paper works well for filling spaces without making boxes too heavy. Pack items snugly, but avoid forcing them in too tightly, as this may cause them to break. Filling spaces creates a protective cushion that stops movement inside the box and keeps your dishes safe during the move.

Label Boxes Clearly

Mark your boxes clearly to make unpacking and organizing much easier. Use a permanent marker to write detailed information on each box. Write what's inside, which room it goes to, and special instructions like 'fragile' or 'this way up.' Clear labels help movers know exactly where to put each box in your new home. Try using different colored labels for each room to make sorting even faster. Ensure labels can be seen from multiple sides of the box to prevent confusion. Taking time to label boxes well saves you time and effort when you unpack.

Related Topics:

• Where to Get Moving Boxes

• What to Pack First When Moving