Packing dishes may seem like a daunting task when you’re preparing to move to a new home. Fragile plates, bowls, and glassware can easily break if not packed properly. But fear not, with the right techniques and a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your dishes make it to your new place in one piece.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the best tips for packing dishes, including how to pack utensils, the importance of dish pack boxes, and an eco-friendly alternative to packing with paper!
How To Pack Dishes
Whether your next move is local or long distance, packing your dishes the right way is essential to prevent any damage during transit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your plates and bowls arrive safely at your new home:
Gather Your Supplies: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary packing materials, including sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling.
Sort and Declutter: Take a look at your dish collection and decide what you want to keep. Donate or sell any dishes you no longer need, as this will reduce the number of items you have to pack.
Cushion the Bottom: Line the bottom of your boxes with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to create a soft cushion.
Wrap Each Dish Individually: Wrap each dish separately using a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap. Start from one corner and fold the paper over the dish, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure it with tape.
Pack Like with Like: Group similar-sized dishes together. For instance, stack plates with plates, and bowls with bowls. This makes it easier to organize and keeps the weight distribution even.
Use Dividers: If you have a lot of fragile items, consider using dish pack dividers to separate each dish within the box. This will add an extra layer of protection and prevent them from knocking against each other.
Fill Gaps: Fill any empty spaces inside the box with additional packing paper or bubble wrap to ensure there’s no room for movement.
Label Boxes: Clearly label each box as “Fragile” and specify its contents, so you know what’s inside without having to open it.
How To Pack Utensils For Moving
Now that you’ve learned how to pack your dishes, let’s move on to your utensils. Here’s how to ensure your forks, knives, and spoons reach your new kitchen intact:
Organize by Type: Sort your utensils by type, such as forks, knives, and spoons. This will make unpacking a breeze.
Wrap in Bundles: Take a few utensils of the same type and wrap them together in a piece of packing paper, securing the paper with tape. This not only prevents them from scratching each other but also keeps them organized. Maximize moving safety by making sure any knives or sharp utensils are wrapped!
Use Plastic Cutlery Trays: If you have a cutlery tray, consider keeping your utensils in there. Wrap the entire tray in plastic wrap to keep everything secure.
Pack in a Small Box: Place the wrapped utensils in a small, sturdy box and fill any gaps with more packing paper. Seal the box with packing tape.
Label Clearly: Label the box as “Kitchen Utensils” so that you can quickly identify it when you’re unpacking.
Dish Pack Boxes
One of the best investments you can make when moving dishes is to use dish pack boxes. These specialized boxes are designed to protect your fragile items during a move.
Dish pack boxes are reinforced with extra layers of cardboard, providing added protection against impacts and bumps. Many dish pack boxes come with built-in cell dividers to keep each dish separated, reducing the risk of breakage. That said, if packing your car or moving truck with dishes, you should still exercise caution and make sure your dish pack boxes are secure.
These boxes are often available in various sizes to accommodate different types of dishes. They are easy to stack and label. Using dish pack boxes gives you the peace of mind that your dishes are well-protected during the move!
How To Pack Dishes For Moving Without Paper
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packing paper, there are a few options to consider:
Cloths and Linens: Use clean dish towels, cloth napkins, or even old T-shirts to wrap your dishes. This not only provides cushioning but also serves as a sustainable choice.
Pots and Pans: Nest your smaller dishes like bowls inside your pots and pans to save on packing material. Fill any gaps with kitchen linens.
Eco Bubble Wrap: If you want to use bubble wrap, opt for the eco-friendly version made from recycled materials.
Reusable Boxes: Consider using reusable plastic bins or storage containers for your dishes, which can be used for storage in your new home and eliminate the need for disposable packing materials.
Packing your dishes for a move doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right supplies and a methodical approach, you can ensure your fragile dishes arrive at your new home unscathed. Whether you choose to use dish pack boxes, opt for an eco-friendly packing alternative, or stick to traditional methods, careful preparation is the key to a successful move. Happy packing!