Published On:
December 1, 2023

How to Pack Plates for Moving: Safe Methods

How to pack plates for moving? Packing plates and other delicate dishes for a move requires careful attention to ensure they are protected from potential damage during transportation. Plates can be fragile and prone to breaking if not packed properly. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to pack dishes for moving, ensuring they arrive at your new location intact.

Common Tips on Packing Dishes:

1. Packing Supplies:

Moving Boxes: Choose sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes in various sizes. Consider using dish boxes with dividers for extra protection.

Packing Materials

Packing Paper: Use packing newsprint or packing paper to wrap and cushion your objects. It is designed to provide protection and prevent damage to fragile or delicate items, providing cushioning and preventing items from shifting during transportation.

Packing Sheets or Peanuts: Foam sheets or peanuts can be used to fill empty spaces inside boxes, providing extra cushioning and preventing items from shifting. Foam sheets can also be used to separate individual items.

Bubble Wrap: Use bubble wrap for added protection, especially for fragile items like glassware or delicate kitchen appliances.

Packing Tape: Use strong packing tape to secure boxes and reinforce the bottoms.

Packing Peanuts or Air-Filled Plastic Cushions: These can be used to fill empty spaces in boxes and provide additional cushioning. Packing peanuts are small foam pieces, while air-filled plastic cushions are inflated plastic pockets.

Markers and Labels: Use markers to label fragile boxes with their contents and indicate if they contain fragile items. This will help you and your movers handle the boxes with care.

2. Sorting and Decluttering:

Before packing, go through your kitchen items and decide what you truly need and use regularly. Consider donating or discarding items you no longer need or want.

Keep in mind the available space in your new kitchen. If there are items you rarely use or duplicates, it might be a good idea to leave them behind.

3. Specialty Boxes and Dividers:

If you have delicate or valuable dishware, consider using speciality boxes or dividers specifically designed for those items. These boxes often come with cells or compartments to keep each piece separate and well-protected.

Dish-pack boxes with built-in dividers are ideal for packing plates, bowls, and saucers. These dividers help prevent them from shifting and bumping into each other.

4. Wrapping Fragile Items:

Begin by placing a stack of packing paper or a sheet of bubble wrap on a flat surface.

Place the dish or item in the centre and wrap it by folding the corners of the paper or bubble wrap over it. Secure with tape if necessary.

For larger items, you may need to use more packing paper or bubble wrap to ensure complete coverage.

Pay extra attention to fragile items such as fine china, porcelain, or crystal. Wrap them individually and consider double-layering or adding additional padding.

5. Packing Dishes:

Begin by filling the bottom of the box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to create a cushioning layer.

Pack dishes vertically, with their edges facing up. This distributes the weight evenly and reduces the risk of breakage.

Place heavier items like plates on the bottom, followed by lighter items like bowls and saucers. Nest them together when possible.

Fill any gaps between dishes with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent movement during transit.

If using a dish-pack box with dividers, slide each wrapped dish into its designated compartment.

6. Packing Glassware and Fragile Stemware:

Wrap each glass individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, starting from the base and working your way up to the rim.

Stuff the insides of glasses with more crumpled packing paper or wrap them in additional layers for extra protection.

Place glasses upright in the box to minimize the risk of breakage. Use dividers or packing paper to separate each glass and prevent them from touching.

Avoid stacking glasses on top of each other without any padding in between.

7. Packing Cookware and Appliances:

Wrap each pot, pan, or kitchen appliance individually with packing paper or bubble wrap.

If you have fragile or non-stick cookware, place a layer of packing paper or cloth between each piece to avoid scratches.

Utilize dish towels, oven mitts, or even clothing items for extra padding.

Place larger items at the bottom of the box and nest smaller items inside them, if possible.

8. Securing and Labeling:

Once you have packed a box, seal it securely with packing tape. Reinforce the bottom with extra tape to ensure it can withstand the weight.

Label each box with a marker. Indicate "Kitchen" and label boxes containing fragile items as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care."

Consider labelling boxes by category, such as "Utensils," "Glassware," or "Pots and Pans," to make unpacking and organizing easier.

9. Properly Packing Knives:

Wrap each knife individually with packing paper, ensuring the blade is covered and secure.

For added safety, consider using blade covers or sheaths. Alternatively, pack knives in a separate box to avoid accidents.

10. Packing Pots and Pans:

When packing pots and pans, stack them together with the largest one at the bottom and gradually decrease in size.

Place a layer of packing paper or cloth between each pot or pan to prevent scratches and damage.

Utilize the space inside pots and pans by filling them with smaller kitchen items like measuring cups or spices.

Bonus Tips for Packing:

1. Packing Fragile Items:

When wrapping fragile items such as wine glasses, plates and bowls, use multiple layers of packing paper or bubble wrap. Make sure all sides and corners are completely covered.

For extra protection, you can place cardboard or foam sheets between each wrapped item.

Consider using dish dividers or foam pouches designed specifically for dishes and glassware. These provide additional cushioning and help keep items separate.

2. Stackability and Weight Distribution:

When packing dishes, stack them in a way that distributes the weight evenly throughout the box. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.

Avoid overpacking the boxes to the point where they become too heavy to lift comfortably. It's better to distribute items across multiple boxes to maintain a manageable weight.

3. Secure Lids and Covers:

If you have pots, pans, or containers with lids, secure the lids tightly to prevent them from moving or coming off during transit.

If the lids are not secure, consider wrapping them separately and securing them with tape before placing them inside the respective pots or containers.

4. Wrap Sharp Objects Securely:

For knives and other sharp objects, wrap them individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, and then secure the wrapping with tape.

Consider using blade guards or sheaths to cover the sharp edges of knives. Alternatively, you can secure the wrapped knives with rubber bands or place them in a utensil organizer.

5. Disassembling Large Appliances:

For large appliances like refrigerators, ovens, or dishwashers, consult the manufacturer's instructions or user manual for proper disassembly guidelines.

Take photos before disassembling any parts or connections to help with reassembly in your new home.

If you're unsure about disassembling large appliances, it's recommended to hire professionals to handle the task.

6. Packing Utensils and Cutlery:

Bundle utensils together using rubber bands or twist ties. Consider grouping them by type (forks, wooden spoons, knives) for easier unpacking.

You can also place utensils in a utensil organizer or wrap them in cloth or paper before packing them.

7. Loading the Moving Truck:

When loading the moving truck, place the boxes containing dishes and kitchen items upright and stack them carefully to avoid crushing or shifting.

Keep fragile boxes separate from heavier items and secure them in place using ropes, straps, or moving blankets.

8. Miscellaneous Items:

Pack smaller kitchen utensils, gadgets, and cutlery in secure containers or ziplock bags to keep them organized.

Fill any hollow spaces in the boxes with more crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting.

Final Words

If you're short on time or prefer professional assistance, you can hire moving and packing services offered by moving companies, such as Nimbus Homes moving company which provides quality and efficient home moving service in Singapore. We have experience in packing breakable items and can ensure they are packed securely for the move. Professional packers can also provide specialized packing materials and handle the entire packing process, saving you time and effort.