The best way to pack dishes for moving is to gather all the moving supplies you will need upfront. One of the most important items for packing dishware is a dish box. A dish box is a type of moving box for fragile items. The box is designed with a double layer of cardboard in the walls and base, as opposed to the single layer from which most regular moving boxes are made. In addition to dish boxes, several medium-sized packing boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels and markers will also be needed to complete packing the kitchen, along with a large supply of packing paper for dishes or newspaper for wrapping items.
2. How to Pack Dishes For Moving
Fill the bottom of the box with a six-inch layer of crumpled packing paper.
Wrap each item individually. Lay out a sheet of packing paper, place the item near one corner and roll it diagonally in the paper, tucking in the ends as you roll.
Place items in rows, grouping like items together to save space.
Place heavier items at the bottom of the box, lighter items on the top.
Do not make the box too heavy; if it is difficult to lift and carry, it is more prone to being dropped or mishandled.
Fill all the empty space in the box. Use additional crumpled paper, bubble wrap or rolled kitchen textiles such as dish towels or napkins.
Seal the box, then label it and mark “FRAGILE” on the top and side of the box.
3. How to Pack Glasses
Before you consider how to pack glasses, consider first the glasses themselves. This is a good time to asses your collection and sort out any pieces you might want to donate, recycle or discard, including plastic cups or any glassware that is chipped or pitted. If you are using dish boxes with cell pack inserts, assemble them before you begin wrapping your drinkware. Otherwise, line the base of the box with clean dish towels and crumpled packing paper. Group drinkware of similar sizes and shapes together.
Stemware is usually more delicate than everyday glasses. In addition to following the same techniques as with regular glassware, wrap paper around the stems of fine wine glasses to create additional padding.
Consider double-boxing any stemware that is especially fragile or expensive. Once the box of stemware is packed, place that box into a larger box and surround it on all sides with lots of additional packing materials.
Stuff interiors of cups and glasses with crumpled packing paper. Lightly crumple paper and wrap it around the handles of the mugs and cups to create light padding.
Wrap each piece individually with double sheets of packing paper or bubble wrap.
Pack the glasses upright in rows, placing like items together to save space.
If the box has sufficient space, you can stack a second layer of items on top of the first, but be sure to place another layer of cushioning and fill any empty space in the box with more paper or soft cloth.
Seal the boxes with tape, then label them all as "Fragile” on the top and sides. Include a large arrow to indicate the right side up on the box.
4. How to Pack Wine Glasses
Ask a wine store or specialty liquor store if they can give you some divided boxes, which will provide extra protection for your glassware.
Stemware is usually more delicate than everyday glasses. In addition to following the same techniques as with regular glassware, wrap paper around the stems of fine wine glasses to create additional padding.
Consider double-boxing any stemware that is especially fragile or expensive. Once the box of stemware is packed, place that box into a larger box and surround it on all sides with lots of additional packing materials.