Looking forward to that first home-cooked meal in your new home? Then you’ll want to learn how to pack plates for moving so they stay safe and intact for the next chapter of family meals.
With over 25 years of experience as compassionate and efficient movers, we’ve learned that the kitchen can take the longest to pack. It’s full of dozens of fragile items, small utensils and glassware that need extra attention during the packing process.
Thankfully, we have all the tips and tricks to prepare your wedding china, heirloom kitchenware and favorite everyday plates for the big move.
Gathering Moving Supplies
Bekins Van Lines offers excellent packing services, and we also provide supplies for those fragile and difficult-to-pack items. Either way, we suggest these items to get your dishware to its next destination without a hitch:
- Sturdy boxes or containers
- Packing tape
- Packing paper, newspaper or dish towels
- Bubble wrap
- Markers for labeling
The Best Way to Pack Dishes for Moving
The kitchen often gets the most foot traffic, but that doesn’t mean you have to save it for last while packing. The best way to pack dishes for a move is to have a solid packing plan. Here’s where to start.
- Prepare the Boxes: If you choose cardboard moving boxes to transport plates, reinforce the bottom’s free edges with packing tape to prevent the boxes from opening and creating a broken mess on the floor. Large plastic bins are also a viable transportation option.
- Add padding: Line the box or bin with a towel to create some extra cushion for your plates. If the moving truck has a bumpy ride, the plates will have added protection.
- Start wrapping the plates: Make a stack of packing paper, newspaper or clean dish towels or rags, and a stack of plates. Place one sheet of your packing material on the counter, then add a plate on top. Tuck in the corners before adding another layer of packing material.
- Create plate stacks: You don’t want to create a stack too high and heavy, so continue this step for about four plates, then secure your stack with a strip of packing tape. Continue the process until all your plates are wrapped.
- Pack the boxes: Plates are more likely to crack if you pack them horizontally, so line the boxes with plate stacks vertically. Once your boxes are full (but not too overloaded), fill in gaps or line the box with extra towels, paper or bubble wrap.
- Add a label: Write “Fragile” visibly on the box so you and your movers know to handle with care.
How to Pack Dishware, Glassware and Other Fragile Items
Your everyday plates should be sturdy if you use our tips, but for breakable dishes and glassware to survive the move, you’ll need a bit more reinforcement. When Bekins Van Lines handles your moving needs, we also offer valuation and protection plans.
- Line the boxes: Similar to the process for plates, add towels or bubble wrap to the packing container’s interior. Since you’re dealing with fragile items, providing plenty of extra cushioning is one of the best ways to pack dishes for moving.
- Stuff rounded glasses: Press packing paper or newspaper into bowls or glass cups, and wrap the outside with another sheet or even spare socks for added protection.
- Be strategic: When dealing with rounded glasses or dishware, don’t lay the items on their side. Stack them with plenty of packing paper and fill gaps with bubble wrap or towels. Remember, padding is key!
- Label the box: Again, you’ll want to label boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” so those handling the box will know to carry it gently.
More Packing Tips
Still unsure of how to pack plates to move? Here are more tips to think about to pack your kitchen more efficiently—and check out our helpful how-to videos, too.
Consider the Weight of the Boxes
You might be trying to fill boxes with as much as possible to save space in the moving van. But most boxes have a 50-pound weight capacity, which can add up quickly in the kitchen. Consider the weights and sizes of your kitchenware before you start packing it.
Nest What You Can
Pots, mixing bowls, mugs and food storage containers can all be stacked inside each other to save space. Tie kitchen utensils together with rubber bands to prevent loose forks and knives from scratching your dishes.
Distribute the Weight
When possible, place heavier items or small appliances at the bottom of the boxes, which adds stability to the box. Thankfully, if your boxes are labeled, our movers will know the best way to load the moving truck—another perk of trusting Bekins Van Lines with your fragile belongings!
You Have a Partner in Bekins Van Lines
Short on time or want to put the kitchen packing in the hands of professionals? Bekins Van Lines is a full-service moving company with trained movers, quality materials and safe practices to treat your possessions with the respect they deserve.
They say the kitchen is the heart of a home, so trust our movers to take care of it for you with all of the ease and none of the stress. Call one of our agents for a moving estimate today!
