Packing dishes for a move can feel intimidating especially when you’re trying to keep everything safe and organized. With the right approach you can ensure your dishes make it to your new home in one piece.
Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide on how to pack dishes effectively and safely. We’ll cover what materials you need, how to pack various types of dishes and some tips to keep everything intact throughout the move.
Gather Your Packing Supplies
Before you begin packing, gather all the materials you’ll need. Using the right packing supplies makes a big difference in protecting fragile dishes during the move. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sturdy boxes (specifically designed dish boxes are ideal)
- Packing paper or bubble wrap (or both)
- Dish towels and kitchen linens (great for extra padding)
- Tape (heavy-duty packing tape)
- Markers (to label the boxes)
If you’re working with a packing service or a moving company in Phoenix, they may provide these materials for you or have specific recommendations on where to find them.
Prepare Your Boxes
Once you have your materials, start by prepping your boxes. You want each box to be sturdy enough to handle the weight of the dishes, as dishes can quickly make a box heavy.
- Reinforce the Bottom: Use extra tape on the bottom of each box to make it stronger.
- Add Cushioning: Place a layer of crumpled packing paper or a dish towel at the bottom of the box to create a cushion. This initial layer helps absorb any shocks during the move.
Pack Plates
Packing plates correctly is crucial since they’re often the heaviest and most breakable items.
- Wrap Each Plate: Take a sheet of packing paper, place a plate in the middle and fold the paper around it. If you prefer, you can use bubble wrap for even more protection. Make sure each plate is fully covered.
- Stack Plates Vertically: Once each plate is wrapped, stand them up vertically in the box. Plates are less likely to break this way compared to stacking them flat.
- Add Padding Between Plates: Use crumpled packing paper or dish towels between each plate to prevent them from hitting each other.
Pack Bowls
Bowls can be tricky because of their shape but with the right technique, they’re easy to pack safely.
- Wrap Each Bowl Individually: Similar to plates, start by wrapping each bowl with packing paper. Place the bowl in the center of a sheet and wrap it up and around.
- Nest Smaller Bowls: If you have a set of bowls that nest, you can save space by packing smaller bowls inside larger ones. Just make sure there’s padding between each bowl.
- Place in Box Carefully: Arrange the bowls in a row or along one side of the box, depending on the box’s size.
Pack Glasses & Stemware
Glassware is one of the most delicate items in your kitchen so take extra care with these.
- Use Bubble Wrap for Extra Protection: While packing paper works well for most dishes, bubble wrap is best for glasses and stemware. Wrap each glass individually focusing on the stems if they have them.
- Add Padding Inside Each Glass: For extra protection, place a small amount of packing paper or tissue inside each glass. This helps prevent pressure from building up inside.
- Pack Upright: Pack each glass standing upright. Never pack glasses on their sides as they’re more likely to break that way.
Pack Pots, Pans, & Larger Items
Though pots and pans aren’t as fragile as glassware or plates, they still need to be packed carefully.
- Wrap Lids Separately: Separate lids from the pots or pans and wrap each lid in packing paper or a dish towel.
- Stack in a Sturdy Box: Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and stack the lighter ones on top.
- Fill Gaps with Paper: Use crumpled paper to fill any empty spaces. This keeps everything in place and prevents items from shifting during the move.
Label Each Box
Once each box is packed make sure it’s properly labeled. Clear labeling will make unpacking easier and lets the movers know which boxes contain fragile items.
- Use Large, Clear Labels: Write “FRAGILE” and “KITCHEN” in large letters on each box with dishes.
- Indicate Contents: Adding specific notes, like “plates” or “glasses” can help you prioritize which boxes to unpack first.
Load Boxes Carefully
Whether you’re handling the move yourself or working with a moving company in Phoenix, make sure boxes containing dishes are loaded properly to prevent damage.
- Place Dish Boxes on Top: Stack the boxes with dishes on top of other boxes, not underneath heavy items. This minimizes the risk of pressure or crushing.
- Secure with Straps if Possible: In a moving truck secure these boxes with straps or place them in a part of the truck where they won’t shift.
Consider Hiring Professional Help
Packing dishes can be time-consuming and if you’re worried about protecting your items, a professional packing service might be worth considering. Moving companies have the expertise and materials to pack your fragile items with the best care possible. They can handle the packing, loading and unloading allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
Unpacking & Inspecting
Once you arrive at your new home unpacking your dishes is the final step. Be mindful while unboxing to ensure you don’t accidentally drop or break anything.
- Check Each Box Carefully: Before lifting make sure each box is stable and that nothing has shifted inside.
- Unpack Dishes in the Kitchen: To save time, unpack your dishes directly in the kitchen, organizing as you go.
Additional Tips for Packing Dishes
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind for added safety:
- Use Dish Packs if Available: Some moving companies offer dish packs—special boxes with dividers designed for dishes and glasses. These can be very useful if you have a large collection of fragile items.
- Don’t Overfill Boxes: Even if there’s a bit of extra space in a box, avoid the temptation to overfill it. Heavier boxes are harder to move and more likely to break under pressure.
- Use Linens as Padding: Kitchen linens like dish towels or tablecloths work great as extra padding and reduce the need for paper or bubble wrap.
Final Thoughts
Packing dishes is a key part of the moving process that requires patience and the right technique. With careful packing, plenty of padding and sturdy boxes, you can help ensure all your dishes make it to your new home intact.
