Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but the process of packing and moving can also be daunting, especially when it comes to delicate items like dishes and glassware. Ensuring your dishes arrive at your new home intact requires careful packing and preparation. In this article, we’ll share three essential tips on how to pack dishes for moving and explain why a professional packing service can be a worthwhile decision in the long run.
Tip 1 – Gather the Right Supplies
Before you start packing your dishes, it’s important to gather all the necessary packing supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sturdy boxes – Choose strong, corrugated cardboard boxes that are specifically designed for moving. Avoid using used or damaged boxes as they may not provide sufficient protection for your dishes.
- Packing paper or bubble wrap – Wrap each dish individually using packing paper or bubble wrap. Crumple the paper and place it between dishes to provide extra cushioning.
- Dividers and cell kits – Consider using dividers or cell kits that fit inside the boxes and provide separate compartments for each dish. These dividers prevent direct contact and minimize the risk of breakage.
- Packing tape – Use high-quality packing tape to seal the boxes securely once they’re packed.
- Markers – Keep markers handy to label the boxes as “FRAGILE”, “DISHES”, or “HANDLE WITH CARE” to ensure that extra care is taken during the moving process.
Tip 2 – Pack Dishes with Care
Packing dishes correctly is vital to protect them from damage during transit. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the boxes – Reinforce the bottom of each box with extra packing tape to provide additional support. This prevents boxes from breaking open under the weight of the dishes.
- Layering – Start by placing crumpled packing paper at the bottom of the box to create a cushioning layer. This helps absorb any impact during transportation.
- Wrap individually – Wrap each dish or glass individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For added protection, you can stack dishes with packing paper in between, making sure to fill any gaps.
- Arrange carefully – When placing dishes in the box, position them vertically, not flat. This reduces the risk of dishes pressing against each other and lowers the risk of breakage.
- Secure and fill gaps – After placing a layer of dishes in the box, fill any gaps with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting during transit. Repeat the process for each layer until the box is almost full, finishing with another layer of cushioning.
Tip 3 – Consider Professional Packing Services
While packing dishes yourself can save money, investing in a professional packing service can provide substantial benefits, especially for fragile items such as dishes and glassware:
- Expertise and experience – Professional packers are trained and experienced in packing delicate items efficiently and securely. They know the best techniques to minimize any damage.
- Time and effort – Packing dishes can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large collection. Hiring professionals frees up your time and allows you to focus on other aspects of the move.
- Insurance coverage – Reputable packing services often provide insurance coverage for the items they pack. In case of any mishaps, you can have peace of mind knowing your dishes are protected.
Learning the best way to pack dishes for moving can save you from the heartache of arriving at your new home with broken or damaged items. By gathering the right supplies, packing with care, and considering professional packers, you can ensure that your dishes will make the trip to your new home unscathed, making your move a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
For over 20 years, Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage has been providing quality moving and storage services in the Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, and Houston areas. Our highly trained moving crews offer the utmost in customer service and will handle your belongings as if they were their own, with care and expertise. We treat each and every move with the high quality attention to detail and service that our customers have come to expect. We have a reputation for excellence and have received numerous awards within the moving industry.
