If you want to learn how to pack dishes the right way, then this is for you.
There are a lot of self-proclaimed moving experts with all sorts of advice about moving. It’s becoming harder by the day to filter the advice you need. There’s just too much info out there.
Today, this guide filters out the noise and gives you actionable steps on the best way to pack china for moving.
E-logic Moving Company has been in the logistics industry since 2007. Our services include residential moving, commercial moving, professional packing, and commercial storage. So we know a thing or two about packing plates for moving.
We’ll cover everything from:
- What you need when packing dishes for moving
- The Do’s and Don’ts for Packing
- Tips on how to pack dishes, mugs, and vases for moving
Let’s jump right in.
How to pack China for moving: What You’ll Need
Just to make sure we are on the same page, China refers to fine porcelain dinnerware. And yes, they originated from China during the 9th century. Later, Marco Polo, a traveller, brought them into Europe and later the USA.
During the rest of the blog, “china” or “dishes” will be used interchangeably. So, don’t get confused when you see the terms used in place of each other.
Now, to the big question, here’s what you’ll need when packing China:
- Packing tape
- Foam sheets
- Bubble wrap
- Plastic wrap
- Styrofoam plates
- Cardboard boxes – 12” X 12” X 12” and 14” X 14” X 14”
- Scissors
- Tape dispensers
- Markers and labels
These are the only essentials you’ll need. No need to overdo it, especially with all the different “expert” advice on the best way to pack dishes for moving.
Packing China for Moving (DO’s and DONT’s)
Packing dishes is always an overwhelming task. You’ll have all sorts of people pulling in different directions… “Do this, Don’t do this”. So, let’s debunk the common myths and mistakes when packing china once and for all.
DO
- Go for the best boxes for packing fine china in the market. Remember, cheap is always expensive. Prioritize quality.
- Check your packing box’s weight limits and stay within the range.
- Pack well in advance to avoid stress on moving day. Better still, hire a moving company like E-logic Moving Company with dedicated house packing services.
These are the general rules; the exact steps on how to pack dishes are in the coming sections. But before that:
DO NOT
- Wrap dishes with your clothes or crumbled paper.
- Use popcorn fillers in your cardboard boxes. They’ll just flatten and damage your dishes.
- Overload the boxes to conserve space or shipping costs
- Rush the packing process
How to Pack Dishes For Moving (Timeless Tips)
Tip #1: Add cushion layers throughout the box
The best way to pack dishes is to first create a cushioning layer between each dish. Here’s where those styrofoam plates come in handy. Make sure to add at least 2 to 3 styrofoam plates between each plate to keep the edges from touching. That way, no vibrations will occur during transit and your dishes will arrive unscathed.
After, you can now wrap the nested bundle with foam sheets and secure it with tape before placing it inside the boxes.
We also advise padding the inner walls of the cardboard box with enough bubble wrap, not crumbled paper. Since the latter flattens during delivery and causes damage.
Tip #2: Pack Plates Vertically (not horizontally)
Think of it as how you’d place books on a shelf. At the surface level, it’s just neatness. But the idea is to distribute pressure evenly along the plates’ strongest axis —the edges.
If you pack them horizontally, any pressure from the top gets transferred to the bottom plate. This results to chips and cracks on your dishes during transport.
Tip #3: Don’t leave any spaces
Once your dishes are in the box, ensure you fill in any spaces with more bubble wrap. Gently seal the top of your box and gently shake. You shouldn’t hear any rattling or movement inside. Otherwise, add more bubble wraps and repeat the shake test.
Lastly, seal and label them as ‘FRAGILE’ so that movers handle them with extra care.
How to Pack Mugs For Moving (Timeless Tips)
Tip #1: Secure the mugs’ handles before wrapping
Most people don’t know this, but the empty space you use to hold the mug’s handle is its structural weak point. That’s why most mugs break at this point.
Fill the space with small amounts of bubble wrap to increase strength and prevent them from snapping. You’ll also want to do this to the stems of your wine glasses.
Tip #2: Use double wraps to add extra protection to your mugs
Before packing your mugs, wrap the entire mug with packing paper as the first layer of protection and secure it with tape. Next, use bubble wrap to further reinforce the paper layer. Note that this should be done after securing the handles, just like indicated in the previous section.
We recommend a third layer of bubble wrap for extremely precious mugs. Just to be careful and avoid any damage from external forces. Again, you should pack mugs vertically (with handles facing inwards), just like dishes.
How to Pack Vases for Moving (Timeless Tips)
A few of the tips on how to pack China for moving can be adapted when packing vases. Things like using grade A cardboard boxes. Ensuring there are no spaces. Or using bubble wraps to pad the packing box. However, there’s a single one that’s been used by millions.
Tip: Fill vases’ interiors with crumpled paper to improve structural strength
A vase’s structure is overall weak due to its hollow interior. This means any external pressure weakens the walls and makes them crumble. You want to fill it with crumpled paper or popcorn to limit the walls from flexing inwards during impact.
Don’t forget to wrap it with foam sheets and secure it with tape. You’ll also need taller boxes to ensure the vase’s edges don’t come in contact with the box.
Moving Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Do all these seem overwhelming? Don’t want to worry about how to pack dishes? No need to, that’s where E-logic Moving Company comes in.
We are a full-service residential moving company that helps homeowners pack, store, and move their China in a safe, convenient way. E-logic Moving Company primarily operates in Washington, DC, and its surrounding areas.
Again, moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Our professionals with years of experience take all that donkey work away. Yours is just to give directions and wait for your dishes and mugs on the other side. No hidden fees, no delays, nothing. Get your quote here.