When it comes to packing up your home, the kitchen is likely the room you’re least looking forward to tackling. Shelves upon shelves of fragile plates and awkwardly shaped cups have to somehow get stored into boxes and moved, without any breakages.

If you’re mid-move and finding yourself in a panic about transporting your dishes and glasses, help is at hand. Keep reading for a complete guide on how best to pack up your kitchen. 

How to Pack Plates

What is the Best Way to Pack Dishes for Moving?

If you’re wondering how to pack dishes so they don’t break, the best way to approach your packing process is with a systematic approach.

Firstly, get your hands on some double walled boxes as they provide an extra level of security during transit. Wrap each dish individually using some sort of protective barrier, for example bubble wrap or newspaper, and pay extra attention to your more fragile items.

When it comes to placing your dishes in their box, make sure to start with the heavier items at the bottom, building up to the lighter ones at the top. After you’re done assembling your boxes, you can then fill in any visible gaps with more paper or bubble wrap to give an extra layer of cushioning. You could also consider placing foam or cardboard dividers between the dishes, especially if you’ve got a box without any dividers included. You could also get creative and fill the extra space with soft things like cushions or towels. 

Make sure to label each box, and add an indication of ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ if you’re enlisting the help of movers so that they know which boxes to take extra caution with.

Should You Pack Dishes Vertically or Horizontally?

When it comes to packing vertically or horizontally, both ways can work really well – it all depends on how much you’re wanting to pack and the space you’re working with.

However, with bowls and items with lids, horizontal packing might be preferable in terms of maximising the amount of box space you have. Just make sure to use ample cushioning and sturdy boxes in order to safeguard against any potential breakage. 

What Materials to Use to Pack Plates

Packing materials are key when it comes to transporting your plates. Here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need prior to packing:

• Boxes. Double-walled boxes – heavy duty packing boxes created from two layers of corrugated cardboard with a liner board in between – are preferable in terms of maximising your protection, but anything sturdy will do the job.
• Wrapping material. You will need something to wrap each dish in in order to provide extra protection during transit. This will prevent your items from moving around their box and clashing into each other. Make sure to individually wrap each item, rather than stacking them together first and then wrapping.
• Brown removal grade tape. This is crucial for securing your protective wrapping material in place to prevent it from loosening while you transport your goods. It peels off without causing damage to boxes, or anything else that it’s used on.

How to Pack Dishes for Moving Without Paper

If you find yourself in a paperless panic mid-move, or perhaps you prefer a more eco-friendly approach to packing your dishes, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional paper.

Fortunately, if you’re in the process of moving house you will likely have lots of items at your disposal that you can utilise to protect your dishes. Kill two birds with one stone and use your tea towels, clothing, or bed linen to wrap up your plates, securing with rubber bands or hair ties for extra security. These softer items are incredibly effective for shielding your dishes from damage, and also mean you’re packing up double the items in half the time for your move.

How to Pack China Dishes for Moving

China dishes will require a bit of extra TLC. As these items are so fragile, it’s recommended to get your hands on double-walled boxes for optimal protection.

When it comes to wrapping your china dishes, you’ll want to ensure you begin with a layer of protective packaging at the bottom of your box before stacking your individually wrapped items vertically. It’s best to use an acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap, ensuring each and every part of the item is concealed by the protective layering so that no china comes into contact with other pieces, which can cause chipping.

How to Pack Glasses

How to Pack Wine Glasses

Always a tricky item, wine glasses are notorious for breaking during transit due to their awkward shape and fragile stems. However, with some extra care, you can ensure your items turn up safe and sound in time for a celebratory glass on moving day.

When you’re wrapping your wine glasses, make sure to add some sort of protective barrier to the inside as well as the outside. Crumple up a ball of tissue paper, newspaper, or bubble wrap and stuff this into the open part of the glass before wrapping up the rest. This will provide an extra layer of protection, and prevent any glass from smashing during the move.

How to Pack Beer Glasses and Mugs

Just like your wine glasses, you’ll want to add an extra layer of protection to your beer glasses and mugs by inserting crumpled up paper inside each item. 

When it’s time to box them up, make sure to place your beer glasses and mugs upright in rows. You might even want to store smaller items inside your cups in order to save on space – just make sure each has been individually wrapped beforehand.

How to Pack Pots, Pans & Tupperware

These bulkier items will require a more systematic approach. Some might be less prone to breakage as they’re made with plastic or metal, meaning you have more opportunity for maximising on space with careful stacking.

Tupperware is great for providing additional protection, as you can place smaller items in these and you’re good to go. Make sure to secure each lid to its container in order to avoid separation.

As with your other items, you’ll still want to place heavier items at the bottom of the box with lighter ones on top. You can also fill in any holes or empty space with kitchen towels or bubble wrap in order to prevent movement during transit. 

How to Pack Silverware, Cooking Utensils & Knives

With these items, start by organising them into their separate sections. Bundle silverware together in sets using rubber bands, and if you’re placing them into a box with other items, wrap them up in something soft or protective in order to prevent them scratching or damaging anything else.

For cooking utensils, use secure containers or wrap them individually with packing paper. Sharper objects will require an extra layer of caution. Ensure each knife blade is covered with cardboard or blade protectors, and secure them with tape to prevent shifting during the move.

Are you in need of some help with packing up your kitchen? Our team of professional movers is here to help, with a complete, quality service guaranteed every time. Whether you need office removals, packing services, storage removal services, or cleaning services, we’ve got the solution for you. Get in touch today to take the first step towards your new abode.