How to Pack Plates for Moving

Plates may seem sturdy but, just like moving your washing machine, it can easily chip or break during a move. Don’t let your favourite dinnerware become collateral damage! This guide will walk you through the best practices how to pack plates for moving to ensure they arrive at your new home safe and sound. With a little planning and the right packing materials, your plates will be ready to grace your new kitchen table in no time.

Packing Supply List

Packing supplies can vary, but here are some essentials to have on hand:

• Boxes: Get various sizes to pack dishes and avoid overloading boxes efficiently.
• Packing materials: Packing tape, paper (be mindful of ink transfer from newspaper), bubble wrap, or foam padding will keep your dishes safe.
• Cushioning: Packing peanuts, crumpled paper, dish towels, or air pillows can fill gaps and provide extra protection.
• Labels: Clearly mark boxes for easy unpacking later.

Key points:

• Use a variety of box sizes.
• Consider ink transfer from the newspaper.
• Add extra cushioning to prevent movement.
• Label your boxes!

Prepare the Boxes

Before packing, strengthen any new or used box by taping the bottom. Make a double layer for sturdiness. Test it with a push. Now, crumple up packing paper or newspaper to create padding. Line the bottom and top of your chosen medium box with these wads. Bubble wrap works, too, but remember, it’s pricier and less eco-friendly.

How to Pack Plates for Moving Step 1: Allocate a Lot of Time

Packing your kitchen might take the longest. Delicate dishes, oddly shaped appliances, and cutlery need careful wrapping and padding. So, what is the key ingredient for success? Time.

Give yourself room to breathe by:

• Gathering suitable packing materials 
• Wrapping everything meticulously
• Labelling boxes clearly for easy unpacking

Rushing the job can lead to skimping on materials, sloppy wrapping, and just throwing things in boxes. Prioritise time to ensure your dishes survive the move.

How to Pack Plates for Moving Step 2: Use the Right Kind of Boxes

When it comes to packing, using the right boxes is like building a sturdy house for your belongings. Just like a strong foundation is crucial for a home, the right box protects your items from crushing, stacking pressure, and even moisture during a move.

Here’s why using the right kind of boxes matters:

• Strength: Regular cardboard boxes might seem okay, but they can easily bend or collapse under the weight of your stuff. Opt for heavy-duty boxes, especially for books, dishes, or appliances. Look for double-walled corrugated cardboard for extra strength.
• Size: Cramming too much into a box is a recipe for disaster. Use a variety of sizes to pack similar items together efficiently. This prevents overloading and ensures everything fits snugly, minimising movement inside the box.
• Speciality Boxes: For fragile items like dishes or artwork, consider special “dish packs” with reinforced walls. Wardrobe boxes are lifesavers for hanging clothes, while mirror boxes protect delicate surfaces.

Here are some bonus tips:

• New vs. Used: While reusing boxes seems eco-friendly, old cardboard loses its strength. Invest in new boxes for superior protection.
• Reinforce the Bottom: Seal the box bottoms with packing tape for extra sturdiness.
• Label Clearly: Don’t forget to label your boxes! This makes unpacking a breeze and helps identify fragile contents that require careful handling.

You can level up your packing with dish boxes, also known as “dish packs.” These speciality boxes boast double-walled, super-strong cardboard for superior crush resistance. While pricier than regular boxes, they’re worth it for your most fragile items.

Grab cell dividers – cardboard grids that create secure compartments for cups, especially when moving delicate ones like glassware.

Tip: Reusing old boxes might seem tempting, but cardboard weakens afterwards. Plus, lurking moisture in basements or attics can further compromise their strength. Save money in the long run by investing in new boxes from a moving supply store—it’s the best defence for your kitchen treasures!

How to Pack Plates for Moving Step 3: Use Packing Paper and the Right Packing Technique

Packing paper: the silent guardian of your kitchenware during a move. Time, care, and strong boxes are important, but the real MVP is the paper cradling your treasures.

The right paper and technique are your weapons against the bumps and jostles of moving day. Opt for white packing paper—unprinted newsprint—for a clean solution. While tempting for budget-conscious movers, newspapers leave ink stains that require a post-move cleaning marathon. Packing paper avoids this hassle altogether.

Like dish boxes, you can find packing paper rolls at moving supply stores. Once you have the perfect paper, mastering the wrapping technique is key!

Packing Paper Rule #1: Be Generous! There’s no such thing as too much paper when protecting your dishes. More equals a softer landing! Start by creating a thick cushion of crumpled paper at the bottom of the box.

Forget picture-perfect packages. Focus on secure bundles. Grab some paper, lay it flat, and place your item in a corner. Wrap diagonally, tucking in the edges as you go for a snug fit.

• Plates: Stack one on your wrapped bundle, then place both on more paper and wrap together. Repeat until you have a secure group of four taped and wrapped in another paper layer.
• Bowls: Similar concept, but keep stacks smaller, 2-3 bowls per bundle.
• Cups: Crumple some paper inside, then wrap diagonally like other items, starting the cup in a corner of flat paper sheets.

Packing Paper Rule #2: When in Doubt, Wrap More! If you’re unsure, return to rule #1 – don’t be shy with the paper. Your goal is the ultimate protection, not a contest.

Once everything is wrapped securely, you’re ready for the final step!

How to Pack Plates for Moving Step 4: Proper Positioning

Here’s the secret weapon for getting your dishes to your new kitchen in one piece: smart packing!

• Plates: Stand your wrapped bundles upright in the box, side by side. Fill any gaps with paper to create a snug fit. No wobbling allowed!

Pro Tip: Do you hear a clinking sound as you pack? You need more paper! Add another layer or use cardboard dividers between bundles for extra padding.

• Bowls: Small bowls follow the upright rule like plates. Once wrapped, large ones can be stacked upside down on their rims for space-saving storage.
• Cups: Ideally, use cell dividers for wrapped glasses and cups. Smaller teacups can go upside down in a top layer, but remember to separate them with crumpled paper or cardboard. For organisation, keep all cup handles facing the same direction.

• Fill ‘er Up (But Not Too Much!): Pack the box until there’s 2-3 inches of space left at the top. Now, create a fluffy pillow of crumpled paper to fill that gap.
• Seal the Deal: Secure your box with plenty of tape and clearly label it with the contents and a big, bold “FRAGILE” on multiple sides. Now, your dishes are ready to conquer the move!

How to Pack Dishes for Moving

• Prep Your Workspace: Spread out a large sheet of packing paper or newsprint big enough to wrap your dishes comfortably.
• Wrap It Up: Place your first dish in the centre and carefully fold one corner of the paper over it, completely covering it. Repeat this step with another dish placed on top, folding the remaining corners of the newsprint sheet around both dishes. Secure the wrapped pair with packing tape.
• Stand Tall, Don’t Fall Flat: Stand your wrapped dish bundles upright inside the box, on their sides. Packing plates flat is a recipe for disaster! Plates on their edges can withstand more pressure than flat ones during bumps and jostles.
• Fill the Gaps, Seal the Deal: Continue wrapping and placing dishes upright until the box is tightly packed. If there’s leftover space, use towels, linens, or crumpled paper to fill the gaps before sealing the box with strong packing tape.
• Label Clearly: Mark the box “Fragile” and list the contents on the outside for easy unpacking. You can also add locations like “Kitchen” or “Dining Room” for better organisation.

How to Pack Cups and Glasses for Moving

To ensure safe transport:

1. Pack your glasses with care.
2. Wrap each item individually, placing the heaviest and bulkiest ones at the bottom of the box.
3. Use thick packing materials or towels to create a protective layer on the bottom.

For extra fragile stemware, use double wrapping and place them on top. Fill any space in the box with more cushioning to prevent items from shifting.

Label the box clearly! Mark it “fragile” and list the contents on the side. This helps movers identify the box and handle it appropriately. They’ll avoid placing heavy items on top that could cause damage.

Treat your glassware like VIPs! They deserve a safe journey to their new home.

How to Pack Additional Kitchen Items for Moving

Medium boxes are your go-to for hefty kitchen essentials. Pack them with small appliances, pantry staples, pots and pans, utensils, silverware, drawer contents, and cookbooks.

Before packing:

1. Give your pantry a clean sweep.
2. Toss out expired spices, old cans, or dry goods that have seen better days.
3. For the remaining open packages you plan to bring, make sure they’re sealed tight with tape to avoid spills during the move.

How to Pack Plates for Moving: Load Boxes in the Truck

Taking on the DIY move? Here’s how to keep your fragile treasures safe! Since you’re skipping the movers, it’s important to know how to load the truck to prevent breakage.

“Fragile” means “floor level” on the truck. Do not stack these boxes high on top of others; instead, look for spots for them on the truck floor.

Furniture can be your friend! Tuck fragile boxes securely beneath large, sturdy pieces like desks or tables. Cabinets with doors can also be a good option, as long as they can be secured to prevent them from swinging open during transport. This will keep your fragile items from shifting and getting jostled around.

How to Pack Plates for Moving: Additional Packing Tips

When packing your boxes, remember the golden rule: heavy items go on the bottom, lighter items on top. This distributes weight evenly and prevents your box from collapsing under pressure.

Packing on a Budget? If you’re short on packing paper or bubble wrap, don’t fret! Use linens, towels, or even soft clothes to cushion your belongings. These softer materials can add an extra layer of protection and prevent fragile items from bumping against each other.

Choose the right size box for the job. Don’t be tempted to overstuff a box just to save space. This ensures the box remains manageable to lift and minimises the risk of the bottom giving way during transport. A snugly packed box with a good weight distribution will travel much better than a bulging one. Remember, even strong cardboard can only take so much stress!

Last-Minute Moving Day Packing Tips

Even if you’re facing a tight deadline, there are clever ways to safely get your dishes to their new home. Here are some genius last-minute packing tricks:

• Socks are surprisingly versatile for packing glasses. From tiny teacups to wine glasses, simply place a glass inside a sock and roll the open end over the rim for a snug fit.
• No bubble wrap? No problem! Styrofoam plates or bowls make excellent substitutes. Layer them between your plates and bowls for extra cushioning.
• Already packed your linens? Plastic cling wrap can be your saving grace. Use it to tightly wrap cutlery or utensils tightly, creating a protective barrier.
• Heavy-duty shrink wrap is a multi-talented hero. Wrap entire boxes if you’re running low on tape, or use it to combine two small boxes for easier moving. With ingenuity, even last-minute packing can ensure your dishes survive the journey!

How to Pack Plates for Moving FAQs

Bubble Wrap vs. Packing Paper

Bubble wrap reigns supreme for the ultimate protection of fragile dishes, glassware, ceramics, and china. Its air pockets provide cushioning against bumps and vibrations during your move. While packing paper is eco-friendly and can work in a pinch, bubble wrap offers superior protection.

Box Selection

Medium to large boxes are ideal for plates. Consider investing in dish boxes. These specialised boxes boast thicker cardboard with an extra layer of groove for enhanced protection.

Vertical or Horizontal? Vertical Wins!

To minimise breakage, pack plates vertically (standing on their sides). Stacking them horizontally creates a domino effect during transport, where one bump can topple the entire stack. Use towels, socks, or other soft materials as separators between plates for added security.

Call Eastern Sydney Movers If You Need A Helping Hand

Voila! Your dish box is packed to perfection!

Packing your most delicate kitchenware can seem daunting. But with these four handy resources as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth kitchen transition.

Need a helping hand? No worries! If packing feels overwhelming, consider calling in the experts at Eastern Sydney Movers. Our professional movers is fully equipped and trained to handle your entire kitchen carefully. We’ll arrive armed with the right supplies and techniques to ensure even your most fragile items make it to your new home safe and sound. 

So relax, focus on the excitement of your new place, and contact us now and let Eastern Sydney Movers take care of the packing!