March 22, 2023 Posted in Moving Tips

Disaster Avoided – How to Pack Dishes for Moving Across the Country

Planning a cross-country relocation can be a stressful experience, and the last thing you want is to find your favorite dishes in pieces upon arrival. However, with the right guide on how to pack dishes for moving, you can avoid unwanted surprises and enjoy your meals in your new home with ease – and we have just that. If you plan to relocate soon, let’s explore the best way to pack dishes.

Dishes prepared for packaging before long-distance moving
Packing dishes for moving requires careful planning - but we got you covered

Start by cleaning these kitchen items and gathering the necessary supplies. Organize dishes by size and shape, and box 3-5 dishes of the same size and shape in each box. Wrap each dish individually, fill any gaps between items to prevent them from shifting, and mark the boxes as fragile. If you’re not certain you’re able to perform this task as needed to preserve your dish collection, you can always opt for getting professional help from a long-distance moving company.

Clean Each Dish Before You Start With the Packaging

You need to ensure your dishes are free of any food residue or debris, which can attract pests or cause unpleasant odors during the relocation. Therefore, all of these items need to be cleaned as part of relocation day preparations.

To clean your kitchen items, start by rinsing them in warm water to remove any loose debris. Then, use dish soap and a scrub brush or sponge to wash each dish thoroughly. Rinse the dishes again in warm water and dry them with a clean towel. Be sure they are completely dry before you start with the packaging process, and check for any remaining debris or grease. Once all of these kitchen items are clean, you can start packaging them using the appropriate materials and techniques we’ll describe in the following text.

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What Are the Materials You Need for Packing Dishes

Packaging plates, bowels, and other ceramic pieces can be a daunting task, but it’s also often a necessary part of relocating to a new city. It’s important to ensure that they are properly secured and protected from any potential damage during transport. To do that, you’ll need to gather the right materials to make sure they arrive at your new home unscathed.

Get Different-Sized Boxes

When choosing the boxes, the first thing to consider is the size of your dishes. Plates and bowls are flat and stackable, while mugs and cups require more vertical space. Getting boxes in varying sizes will allow you to box up each type of dish correctly. It’s best to use small boxes for heavier items, such as your ceramic plates and bowls, while larger boxes are perfect for lighter items. Additionally, try to gather specially designed boxes, such as dish barrels, to reduce the chances of damage.

Grab Various Packing Materials

When it’s time to relocate, note that bubble wrap or packing paper is the best option for preventing delicate items from breaking – they will basically become your relocation essentials. You’ll want to make sure there are enough layers of wrapping to form a cushion for your breakables, so it’s always better to gather more than you need than less. After you’re done with packaging, you can simply list the rest of your material on websites such as Freecycle or gift them to your friends who may need them.

On your relocation-to-new-house checklist, you should also have tape to secure your wrapping and prevent any unwanted movement during transit – as well as seal the boxes. Additionally, for less valuable pieces, note that you can also use household items such as towels, blankets, or clothes for wrapping and padding.

Make Labels for Boxes

As you’re packaging your plates, cups, and bowls, make sure to use relocation labels for each box with the type of dish and the room it belongs in. This will make your relocation much easier and save you time once the unpacking comes. It’s a smart idea to number each box and make a relocation inventory list of what’s in each one.

The right materials are a necessary precondition for a successful relocation

How to Pack Dishes for Moving Across the Country – A Step-by-Step Guide

Boxing up your kitchen can be one of the most challenging aspects of the move when you’re relocating to a new city alone or with family – especially when it comes to dishes. Delicate and fragile, these items require careful handling to make sure they arrive in one piece. Luckily, to learn how to pack dishes for shipping and master the process, all you need are the following relocation tips.

Organize the Dishes Before Boxing Them Up

The first step is to organize your belongings. Start by sorting them into categories and groups of similar size and shape, which will help you determine the best way to protect them. Also, it’s a good idea to go through all of them before boxing up and decide what to keep and which ones you can leave behind (especially if you plan on relocating to a smaller home). Remember – the fewer items you have to box up, the easier the process will be.

Studies show that clutter removal would eliminate 40% of housework in the average household

Wrap Each Piece Individually

The key to boxing up breakables safely is to wrap them individually. Use packaging paper or bubble wrap to protect each piece from scratches, chips, or breaks. At the same time, keep in mind that different types of items may require different wrapping techniques to ensure they are protected. Here are some tips on how to wrap different dish categories when moving:

  • Plates and bowls – place a layer of paper or bubble wrap on a flat surface, then put a plate or a bowl in the center. Wrap it in several layers of packaging paper or bubble wrap, then secure it with tape. Place the plates vertically in the box,
  • Cups and glasses -wrap each cup or glass individually with paper or bubble wrap, paying special attention to handles, then place them upright in the box,
  • Pots and pans – stack pots and pans together, with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top. Wrap each pot and pan individually in the chosen packaging material, then place them in the box.

Fill the Boxes With Extra Cushioning

Before you place a wrapped object into a box, put a layer of crumpled paper or foam peanuts at the bottom of the box. This will create a cushion to protect the breakables during transportation. Once the bottom is covered, start placing the wrapped dishes inside. Fill any spaces with more packing paper to keep the items immobilized in the box – the less they shift, the lower the chance of them getting damaged.

If you need a visual presentation on how to box up different types of fragile items, make sure to check the video below:

Is Packing Dishes for Moving on Your Own Worth the Trouble

Packaging plates and other similar items on your own allows you to have greater control over how they are packed and transported. However, keep in mind that it can be a time-consuming and stressful process, and if not done properly, it can result in broken or damaged goods.

If you are not confident in your packaging abilities or are having a last-minute move, it may be worth considering getting professional packing services to ensure that your breakables arrive at your new home in good condition. Remember – reliable cross-country movers know how to pack dishes for a move and are capable of doing it problem-free.

Ultimately, the decision to box up dishes on your own or hire professional movers from California to Seattle (or movers from Seattle to California) depends on your budget, time constraints, skills, and personal preferences.

A mover packing boxes before long-distance moving
You can be the one packaging these breakables - but only if you're certain you have what it takes to do it securely

How Is Hiring Long Distance Movers a Great Option When Relocating Across the Country

Long-distance movers have the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently transport your belongings across the country, including all of your plates, bowls, mugs, and items alike. They have the necessary equipment and packaging materials to ensure that your items are protected during transportation – so you won’t have to worry about a thing when relocating out of state.

Getting long-distance moving services and allowing professional packers to deal with all of your fragile items is bound to free up your time to focus on other important tasks associated with your relocation, such as deciding where to live or, for example, organizing important documents. In the end, note that hiring professional movers can help alleviate some of the relocation stress. With a reliable team of professionals handling the packaging and logistics, you can relax and focus on settling into your new home.

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Should You Get Various Long Distance Moving Services?

Whether or not you should get various services from a cross-country moving company depends on your specific needs and budget. Reliable companies, such as California-Seattle Express, typically offer a range of services that can be customized to meet your requirements. Besides professional packing, you can also book additional services, such as car shipping or, for example, storage services, that will facilitate your relocation even further.

While these services can add to the overall cost of your relocation, they can also make the process smoother and less stressful. If you decide you want to get a full-service experience, be sure to get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services offered.

Professional movers
The more professional help you get, the easier your relocation will become

Transporting Dishes Across the Country Will Be Easy With the Right Help

Those planning to relocate to another city across the country have much to take into consideration when transporting dishes from one place to another. Hiring experienced movers can make all the difference, especially when it comes to keeping valuable items, such as dishes, in pristine condition while also saving your time and energy. With the right help, relocating kitchen breakables across the country will be a breeze! So do yourself a favor and invest in reputable movers who know how to pack dishes when moving – you won’t regret it! Contact us as soon as possible and book your move on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Materials for Packing Dishes?

The best packing materials for plates, bowls, and items alike are sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, and tape. Sturdy boxes will provide a strong foundation, while using bubble wrap or paper will provide a protective layer around each dish. Foam peanuts can be used as an additional cushioning material.

How Do I Pack My Dishes to Keep Them From Breaking?

To avoid damaging breakables during the relocation, use the following steps:

  • Place a layer of foam peanuts or crumpled paper at the bottom of the box to create a cushion,
  • Wrap each dish individually with bubble wrap or packing paper,
  • Use foam peanuts or crumpled paper to fill in any gaps between items to prevent movement,
  • Place peanuts or paper on top of the kitchen items,
  • Seal the box.

What Is the Best Way to Organize Dishes Before Packing Them?

Organize your dish collection by size and shape before packaging them. Place similar items together in groups, such as plates, bowls, cups, and saucers. This will make packing and unpacking after relocating to a new state easier.

Can I Use Regular Newspaper for Wrapping My Dishes?

Using regular newspaper for wrapping is not recommended as the ink can transfer onto the dishes, leaving stains that are difficult to remove. For better results, use packing paper instead.

How Many Dishes Should I Pack in Each Box?

Avoid placing too many items in one box, as this can lead to one of the most severe relocation mistakes – it can make the box too heavy and increase the risk of breakage. It is best to box up 3-5 dishes of the same size and shape in each box.

Is It Necessary to Label Boxes With Fragile Items Such as Dishes?

Yes, it is necessary to label boxes with fragile items such as plates or bowls. Use a red marker to label the boxes with “fragile” or “handle with care” to alert the long-distance movers to be extra cautious when handling them.

Can I Stack Dishes on Top of Each Other in the Box?

Yes, you can stack one dish on top of another, but make sure to use a layer of foam peanuts or paper between each dish to prevent them from rubbing against each other.

Should I Use Dish Towels or Paper Towels to Wrap Dishes?

Either dish towels or paper towels can be used to wrap dishes. However, for most valuable items, it’s best to use high-quality materials.

How Do I Pack Irregularly Shaped Dishes or Dishes With Handles?

Irregularly shaped items or dishes with handles require extra care when packaging. You need to wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper but also use additional material to support the handles and other irregularly shaped parts.

What Should I Do if My Dishes Break During the Move?

If your items break during transportation, take pictures of the damage and contact the long-distance moving company immediately to file a claim. Keep any broken pieces or fragments as proof of damage. Keep in mind that it’s only a suitable solution if you’ve decided to hire movers – if not, you’ll need to replace them at your own expense.

Milly Andrews

Milly is a Portland prodigy of packing and relocating! She has been on the move her whole life, and she's got the moving boxes and stories to prove it. With her vast experience in the art of relocation, she's like a human GPS, always finding the most efficient way to navigate the moving process.

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