Why You Can Trust CNET How to Properly Pack Dishes So They Won't Break During Your Move
Don't break your dishes (or the bank) by improperly packing them during your move.
With the right packing materials and enough preparation, you can pack up your kitchen all by yourself without breaking a thing.
Moving can be such a stressful time that it's easy to gloss over important items that deserve a bit more attention, like your dishes.
You're likely more concerned about what time the movers will get to your place than whether you packed the plates well enough that they won't be shattered when they arrive at your destination.
With the correct packing materials, patience and attention to detail, you can have at least one thing go smoothly when it comes to your move -- and a degree of confidence that you likely didn't have with previous moves. In this guide, we also throw in some advice about what materials you won't need during your move to save you some money.
If you need more tips on preparing for your move, here's where you can find free cardboard moving boxes and information on how much you can save with a DIY move.
What packing materials do I need for my dishes?
The best material for packing dishes is, well, packing paper. While newspaper is commonly used for packing dishes, the former is the way to go, according to Voyo Popovic, founder and CEO of Piece of Cake Moving & Storage. Newspaper is too thin, and it can leave ink marks on your belongings, Popovic told CNET. Packing paper, on the other hand, is much sturdier and can be used to not only wrap individual items but also act as a buffer between packed items.
If you have a large kitchen, consider getting a mix of 15 to 20 large and medium boxes (cardboard or plastic, whichever you prefer). Small kitchens will be just fine with 10 to 15, Popovic said. Packing tape, two or three rolls of packing paper, markers and plastic cling wrap (yes, the stuff you wrap your food in) should be all you need.
What packing materials are unnecessary for packing dishes?
Sometimes, we go to great lengths to add extra protection to things, whether it's to gain some peace of mind or to give ourselves a little wiggle room when we're unsure if things will be safe. But if those things are handled carefully and protected properly to begin with, these extra measures are unnecessary.
When asked which materials you can ditch while you pack up your kitchen, Popovic advised against specialty dish dividers and dish boxes. "If you know how to properly pack dishes, dish boxes aren't necessary. They're a useful guide to a DIY mover, but experienced movers will do just fine with packing paper and a sturdy box or moving bin," he said.
101 guidance for packing dishes
While packing up your kitchen, be sure to wrap each item individually. For more fragile items, consider wrapping them two or three times to prevent breakage. "It may seem easier and less time-consuming to wrap several together, however, that creates an opportunity for them to bump up against each other and get damaged," Popovic said.
It might sound obvious, but as you put your wrapped dishes into boxes, avoid overpacking them, which makes them prone to breaking. "The most common reason dishes break during a move is because they are incorrectly packed and overstuffed into boxes," Popovic said. Keep the weight of non-fragile boxes under 30 pounds and the weight of fragile boxes under 20 pounds, he said. Adding more boxes to your move might not sound appealing, but having lighter boxes probably does.
Packing in a way that prevents dish breakage takes time. Popovic advises starting packing one to two weeks ahead of your move. Begin with the kitchen items you don't frequently use, and pack away your essentials a few days ahead of your move. Pack up one cabinet or cupboard at a time, so as to not overwhelm yourself with the entirety of your kitchen clutter.
How should I pack plates?
Line the inside of your moving box with packing paper and place scrunched-up pieces of packing paper on top. Popovic says this acts as a cushion for your plates and bowls.
Place each plate or bowl on top of packing paper on a flat surface. Fold a couple sheets over the plate or bowl, then put your next plate or bowl on top of it, continuing until you have four wrapped plates or two bowls. To keep the stacks intact, wrap them tightly with cling wrap. Place your plates horizontally in your box.
How should I pack glasses, mugs and cups?
Start the same way you would wrap plates, by lining a box with packing paper and scrunching up extra packing paper on the bottom of your box. Begin by wrapping up the delicate part of the glass with packing paper -- whether that's the stem or a handle. Then place the glass in the middle of your packing paper, wrapping it up and folding a couple of sheets over it.
Stand your glasses up in the box and put some additional scrunched-up paper on top for an extra layer of protection. Don't put any heavy item on top of your glasses that could cause them to break.
Once all your kitchen items are packed away, don't forget to label them appropriately. If a box is fragile, label it clearly, so you or your movers will know to be careful with it in transit. It'd be a shame to go through all of the effort of packing your fragile items only for them to be treated like a box of books.
Pack a special box with essential dishes and kitchenware
As you pack up your kitchen in the days or weeks ahead of your move, consider the items you will use up until the very last day before you make the move, and the ones you'll need on hand right after you move in. You'll be thankful you did. Reserve and label a box for these must-have items so you can easily locate it. This will save you a lot of time scouring through your other boxes to find exactly what you need. Those items include:
- A set of cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls for each member of the house
- Essential cooking utensils, like chef's knives, spatulas or wooden spoons
- A general-use frying pan or skillet and a medium-size pot for boiling water
- Cleaning products including a sponge or a brush
Need more moving tips and tricks? Here's how to get the right size rental truck for your move and how to save time and money with moving apps.