How to Safely Pack Plates and Dishes For Moving So They Don't Break (2024)

Diane E. Schmidt is a moving expert who writes from experience; she has moved over 28 times and has lived in four countries, 10 cities, two towns, and a coastal village.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Packing Supply List

Several sturdy medium-sized boxes, new or used
Packing paper or newsprint (if you use newsprint or newspapers to pack, you'll have to wash the dishes well after you unpack to remove any ink that transferred to the dishes)
Packing tape
Marker for labelling

Prepare the Boxes

Whether you're packing with a used box or a new one, you should also reinforce the bottom with packing tape. Add a couple of layers of tape then test the bottom by pushing on it with your hand.
Take the packing paper or newsprint and ball up several sheets into wads of paper.You'll use this to line the bottom and top of the box.
Choose a medium-size box that you've reinforced and add the wadded up paper making sure they cover the bottom. You could also use bubble wrap, but bubble wrap is expensive and difficult to recycle.

Wrap Each Dish and Box It Up

Place a stack of packing paper or newsprint on your work surface. The sheets should be large enough to accommodate the dishes you need to pack.
Place the first dish in the center of the top sheet and fold one corner of the sheet over the plate until it's completely covered.
Take the next dish and place it on top of the first one. Wrap the remaining three corners of the plain newsprint sheet over the second dish.
Secure the newsprint with packing tape.
Place the two dishes in the box of the box on their sides. Plates should never be packed flat as this can lead to breaking. If the box encounters any force, plates on their edge can sustain a lot more pressure than if they're laid flat on the bottom of the box.
Continue wrapping and placing the dishes in the box until the box is tightly packed as shown in the picture.
If there is room remaining in the box, place linens or towels on top of the dishes or use more balled up wads of paper to fill the gaps before sealing the box. Secure the box closed with strong packing tape.

Mark the box as fragile, list the items on the outside and their location, such as "kitchen" or "dining room."

How to Safely Pack Plates and Dishes For Moving So They Don't Break (2)

Load Boxes in the Truck

If you're renting a moving truck, instead of hiring movers, make sure you know how to load the boxes on the truck to prevent any breakage.

Boxes marked as fragile should be packed on the floor of the truck rather than high on top of other items.
You should pack fragile boxes beneath large pieces of furniture such as desks or tables or secure them in cabinets whose doors you can fasten closed. This way boxes won't shift during the move.

Additional Packing Tips

Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
If you don't have a lot of packing paper or bubble wrap, use linens or towels as cushioning.
The box you use shouldn't be too big. Remember, the maximum weight should be 50 lbs maximum.

Diane Schmidt, the moving expert, certainly knows her way around packing and moving with a track record of 28 relocations across four countries and various cities. The key to successfully packing fragile items like dinnerware lies in a methodical approach and proper supplies.

Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

Cleaning & Organizing:

Packing Supply List: Schmidt emphasizes the necessity of sturdy medium-sized boxes, packing paper or newsprint (with a caution about ink transfer from newspapers), packing tape, and markers for labeling. These are essential tools for securing and categorizing items during a move.
Preparing Boxes: Instructions include reinforcing box bottoms with tape and padding them with balled-up paper or bubble wrap. This ensures the safety of fragile items like dishes during transportation.

Moving & Packing:

Wrapping and Packing Dishes: The step-by-step guide involves using packing paper or newsprint to individually wrap dishes. This method of layering and securing dishes in the box, with specific emphasis on not laying plates flat, minimizes the risk of breakage.
Loading Boxes in the Truck: Schmidt advises on loading fragile-labeled boxes at the truck's floor level to avoid breakage. Additionally, she suggests strategic placement beneath large furniture or within cabinets to prevent shifting.
Additional Packing Tips: Tips such as placing heavier items at the box's bottom, using linens or towels for cushioning, and avoiding excessively heavy boxes (max weight: 50 lbs) ensure safer handling and transport.

Schmidt's comprehensive approach addresses the nuances of packing delicate items and the strategic organization necessary for a smooth move. Her tips span from supply preparation to the actual loading process, aiming to safeguard belongings throughout the relocation.