How to Pack Plates for Moving

When it comes to moving, packing fragile items like plates requires special attention. Plates, whether every day dinnerware or fine china, are particularly vulnerable to breakage during a move. Without proper packing, your plates can easily chip, crack, or shatter due to shifts, bumps, and pressure in relocation.

Taking the time to pack your plates carefully not only protects your investment in your dinnerware but also reduces the stress of unpacking after move and discovering that items have been damaged.

With the right materials and implementing pro packing hacks, you can ensure that your plates arrive at your new home in perfect condition. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pack plates for a move without worrying about breakage.

Materials You’ll Need

To properly pack your plates for a move, having the right packing supplies is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy Medium-Sized Boxes: These are ideal for holding plates securely without being too large or difficult to manage. Make sure the boxes are strong enough to support the weight of your dinnerware.
• Packing Paper or Newsprint: Used to wrap each plate individually, packing paper provides cushioning and prevents scratches.
• Bubble Wrap: For extra protection, especially for fine china, wine glasses or other delicate plates. Bubble wrap offers a layer of cushioning that helps absorb shocks and impacts.
• Packing Tape: To seal the boxes securely, ensuring that they stay closed during move.
• Markers: Use a permanent marker to label the boxes as “Fragile” and indicate that they contain plates. This will help movers handle them with care.
• Packing Peanuts or Crumpled Paper: These materials are great for filling gaps in the box and preventing movement during the move. They help stabilize the contents and protect against impacts.
• Dish Pack Boxes (Optional): Specially designed for fragile kitchenware, these boxes offer additional protection with built-in dividers to separate plates and prevent them from clashing.

Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the packing process step by step

Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Plates

Step 1: Reinforce and Line Your Boxes for Maximum Protection

Start by preparing your boxes to ensure they can handle the weight of your plates. Begin by reinforcing the bottom of the box with packing tape. Apply multiple layers to ensure the box doesn’t give way under the weight of your dinnerware.

Next, line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper or packing peanuts. This creates an initial layer of cushioning to protect the plates from impacts during the move. A soft base helps absorb any shocks and reduces the risk of damage.

Step 2: Wrap Each Plate Individually

To prevent each plate from getting scratched or chipped, it’s essential to wrap them individually. Lay a sheet of packing paper flat on a surface and place a plate in the center.

Start by folding the corners of the paper over the plate, one at a time, until it’s completely covered. Secure the paper with tape if necessary.

For extra protection, especially for delicate plates like fine china, wrap them in bubble wrap after the packing paper.

Be sure the entire plate is protected, including the edges and sides, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to damage.

Step 3: Arrange Plates in the Box

Once the plates are wrapped, it’s time to pack them into the box. Place each plate vertically in the box, similar to how books are stacked on a shelf.

This vertical stacking method is crucial as it helps distribute the weight evenly and reduces pressure on each plate.

Avoid stacking the plates flat on top of one another, as this can lead to breakage due to pressure. After placing each plate, add a layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap between them to prevent direct contact and provide additional cushioning.

Step 4: Fill Empty Spaces and Secure Plates

Once your plates are stacked in the box, there may be gaps around them. Fill these gaps with extra crumpled packing paper or packing peanuts to ensure the plates don’t shift during the move.

Shifting can cause plates to collide with each other, increasing the risk of breakage. After securing the plates and filling any remaining spaces, close the box and seal it with packing tape.

Double-check the box to make sure everything is tightly packed and that no items can move around inside. You want to ensure the plates stay in place and are cushioned from all angles.

Additional Tips for Extra Protection

• Use Smaller Boxes: Opt for smaller boxes to avoid overpacking and to ensure a snug fit for your plates, preventing movement during relocation.
• Extra Cushioning for Fine China: Wrap delicate plates with bubble wrap after packing paper, or use foam pouches for added protection.
• Dish Pack Boxes with Dividers: For fine china, consider using dish pack boxes with dividers to keep plates separated and protected.
• Label Boxes Clearly: Mark boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to ensure proper handling by movers.
• Ensure Plates Stay Secure: Fill any gaps in the box with extra packing material to keep plates from shifting during the move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over packing Boxes: Avoid cramming too many plates into one box. Over packing can lead to pressure on the plates, increasing the risk of breakage.
• Not Using Enough Padding: Ensure each plate is wrapped securely and that there’s enough padding between them. Insufficient cushioning can cause plates to shift or collide during the move.
• Packing Plates Flat: Never stack plates flat on top of each other. This increases the risk of breakage due to pressure and weight.
• Skipping Labels: Failing to label boxes as “Fragile” or “This Side Up” can result in mishandling by movers, potentially causing damage to your plates.
• Using the Wrong Box Size: Using too large of a box can cause the plates to move around. Stick with medium-sized boxes for better stability.
• Packing Plates Too Tightly: Packing plates too tightly can lead to cracks. They should be snug but not forced into the box.
• Not Filling Gaps: Failing to fill gaps with extra packing material can allow plates to shift, leading to potential damage.

Conclusion

Properly packing your plates ensures they arrive safely at your new home. By using the right materials, carefully wrapping each plate, and following the proper packing steps, you can avoid damage during the move.

Avoid common mistakes like overpacking, insufficient padding, and improper labeling to guarantee that your plates stay safe throughout the moving process.

With the help of STI Chicago Movers, you can have peace of mind knowing your dinnerware is protected and will make it to your new home in one piece.