Packing dishes made easy: A step-by-step guide

Are you moving to a new home soon? It can be an exciting experience, especially if you’re entering another life phase or starting anew. But before settling into your new nest, there’s much packing and wrapping to do. From personal to household items, perhaps one of the things that will cross your mind is how you’ll safely pack fragile pieces, such as dishes. 

You might conclude that using newspapers is the only way to go. But did you know that there are other options? Some are even up your sleeve. If you want to know how to pack dishes for moving like a pro, this article can help you.

What you’ll need:

This list is short and simple. Learning how to pack dishes should be as easy as 1, 2, or 3.

• Wrapping materials (choose any from the following)

  • Newspapers or magazines

  • Towels or T-shirts

  • Sheets or pillowcases

  • Kraft paper or old paper bags

  • Bubble wrap

  • Packing paper

  • Styrofoam

• Small or medium-sized boxes

• Packaging tape

• Markers

A guide to packing dishes for moving

Step 1: Choose your wrapping material

There are many choices for wrapping dishes. Besides newspapers, you can use towels, T-shirts, sheets, and pillowcases. The great thing about them is that you already have them at home. Ensure your chosen packaging materials are big enough to wrap around your dishes.

Bubble wrap, packing paper, and styrofoam are also great alternatives if you want to buy packaging materials for your dishes. Besides these wrappers, you’ll also need medium-sized boxes. Don’t forget packing tape and markers to seal and label.

Step 2: Fold your boxes the right way

If you have an open or unfolded box, flip it over and expose the bottom. Fold the two smaller flaps inside the box, followed by the larger ones. This order will give your package better form and support, ideal for long-distance travel and your breakable belongings.

Step 3: Stabilize your boxes

Dishes can be heavy. That’s why it’s important to prepare your boxes well. After setting them up, adding tape will hold them better together. Tape along the horizontal and vertical lines where the box’s edges meet.

When you’re done taping the bottom of the box, it should look like a letter H. You can add at least two layers of tape for a stronger hold.

Step 4: Wrap up your dishes

Whatever wrapping material you’re using, knowing how to pack dishes for a move always starts with the same step. You’ll need to wrap them individually. Begin by putting a plate in the center of a sheet or material. Then fold each corner into the middle of the plate.

If you’re working with newspapers, packing paper, or bubble wrap, you may secure them with tape. Just follow the same steps above if you’re looking into how to pack bowls for moving. The same goes for glasses, pots, pans, etc.

Step 5: Load the dishes into the box

Line up the bottom of the box with towels or newspapers before loading it with dishes. But don’t lay them flat, as this would make them prone to breaking. Instead, place them vertically or on their sides as if you’re putting them on a dish rack. After the dishes are set in the box, cover them with a towel for protection.

Close the box and tape it securely. There shouldn’t be space in the box for the dishes to shake. Add a “Fragile” and “This side up” label to ensure apartment movers handle the box with extra care. You can also write “plates” or “bowls” on the box to help organize and sort it out.

Pack your dishes and get moving

Moving homes doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when dealing with fragile items. With boxes, packing materials, and the tips from this article, you should be ready to pack your dishes safely. If you need further help with your house-moving preparations, hire a professional house-mover from Airtasker today.