Many homeowners dread moving their kitchenware, and especially their dishes. This is because packing dishes requires careful planning and preparation to ensure they arrive safely at your new home, and can easily break if not done correctly.
To help you move all your items safely and securely, we have written this article where we will discuss how to pack dishes for moving. This includes a mention of the supplies needed, the steps for packing, and tips for moving and storing dishes at your new location. So good luck moving!
Preparing to pack the dishes
The first step in packing dishes is to gather the necessary supplies. This includes dish pack boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
Additionally you might want to sort and clean your dishes before packing them. This will allow you to decide which dishes to take with you, and which ones to leave behind or donate.
Cleaning your dishes before putting them into boxes and containers is self explanatory, but oftentimes this can be forgotten during the stress of packing everything else, so consider keeping only a small portion of your dishes unpacked until the final days. That way you will not have a mountain of dishes that need washing up the night before.
Packing your dishes
Once your dishes are sorted and cleaned, it is time to start packing them. Start by wrapping each dish individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, paying special attention to fragile items such as plates, bowls, and glassware.
Once wrapped, place the dishes in a dish pack box, making sure to fill any empty spaces with packing material to prevent the dishes from shifting during the move. Be sure to label each box with the contents and the room it belongs to.
- For fragile dishes such as glassware, it is important to wrap them individually and place them in a dish pack box with plenty of packing material to keep them from shifting during the move.
- Pots and pans can be packed by placing a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap on the bottom of the box and then nesting the pots and pans together.
- Glassware such as wine glasses and stemware can be wrapped individually and packed on their sides in a dish pack box to prevent them from breaking.
- Oversized dishes such as platters and baking dishes can be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a dish pack box on their side, with packing material placed
Tips for moving your dishes
- When loading the dishes onto the moving truck, be sure to place them on top of heavier items to protect them from getting crushed.
- When unloading the dishes at your new home, handle them carefully and place them in appropriate wrapping or other protection materials.
- Use smaller boxes to pack dishes, this will help to keep the size and weight of the boxes manageable and make it easier to stack them.
- Pack heavier dishes on the bottom of the box to help distribute the weight and prevent damage to the lighter dishes on top.
- Pack the more fragile dishes separately in a box, and label it as fragile. This will help to avoid damage during transit.
- Pack a few essential dishes in a separate bag or box, this will make it easier for you to access them when you arrive at your new home
Storing your dishes at your new home
When you have arrived in your new home, it is a good idea to check every item to see if everything handled the move safely. This can be necessary for insurance purposes, and also for your own peace of mind.
It is also a good idea to unpack the dishes first so that they can be put away and used as soon as possible. It will also make your new place feel more like home, and you can easily invite guests over or prepare your favorite meals without having to sort through box after box.
Once your dishes are unpacked, it is important to store them properly. This means keeping them in a dry, cool place, and storing them in a way that prevents them from being damaged. We recommend cleaning the cabinets before placing your dishes in them, even if the cabinets look clean.
Packing dishes for moving to another country
When moving to another country, it is important to take extra care. The longer the distance your dishes will need to travel, the higher the risk of damage. Consider sturdy moving boxes to ensure no damage will be done.
If moving by airplane, consider the shipping and handling of multiple luggage crews. This can mean wrapping your dishes in an extra layer of protection.
You might also want to consider purchasing an insurance policy if you have a large number of sentimental dishes, or expensive items in your collection. This will not only help you out monetarily in case things go wrong, but also help you relax and not stress out too much.
Also keep in mind the replacement cost of the dishes you are moving. Some items can be bought cheaper in the new location or country, while others might be too risky to move unattended. Perhaps your inherited silverware can find a fitting space in your own personal luggage, where you can keep track of it all the time.
