Moving is stressful. There's no getting around it. With so much on your mind, it's easy to overlook little things, like how carefully you packed your dishes. You're probably more focused on what time the movers will arrive than whether your plates are secure enough to survive the trip intact.
But with the right packing materials, a little patience and some attention to detail, you can take at least one major worry off your list. Properly packed dishes mean fewer unpleasant surprises when you start unpacking and a smoother experience than you may have had in past moves.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best way to pack fragile kitchenware and point out which materials you can skip to help save 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.
Which packing materials are not necessary?
Sometimes, we go to great lengths to add extra protection to things, whether it's to gain peace of mind or to give ourselves a little wiggle room when we're unsure if things will be safe. But if items are handled carefully and protected properly to begin with, these extra measures are unnecessary.
When asked which materials to 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.
Packing 101: Guidance for dishes
While packing up your kitchen, 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 may 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 nonfragile boxes under 30 pounds and fragile boxes under 20 pounds. While adding more boxes may sound like a hassle, having lighter loads is well worth it, especially when it comes to protecting your items and making the move easier to manage.
Packing fragile items like dishes takes time and care, so don't leave it to the last minute. Popovic recommends starting your packing process one to two weeks before your move. Start with kitchen items you rarely use, and save the everyday essentials for the final few days. To stay organized and avoid getting overwhelmed, tackle one cabinet or cupboard at a time. This approach keeps the process much more manageable and your breakables better protected.
How to pack plates and platters
Start by lining the bottom of your moving box with packing paper, then add a layer of crumpled paper on top to create a soft cushion for your plates and bowls. On a flat surface, place each plate or bowl on a sheet of packing paper. Fold a few sheets over each item, stacking as you go, up to four plates or two bowls at a time. Once stacked, wrap the entire bundle tightly with cling wrap to keep everything secure. Always pack plates on their sides in the box, not flat, to reduce the risk of breakage during the move.
How to pack glasses, mugs and cups
Start by prepping your box just as you would for packing plates by lining the bottom with a layer of packing paper and adding some scrunched paper for extra cushioning. When wrapping glasses, focus first on the most delicate part like the stem or handle. Wrap that area with packing paper, then center the glass on a fresh sheet and wrap it completely, folding the paper securely around it.
Place each glass upright in the box — never on its side — and fill gaps with more crumpled paper to prevent movement. Add a final layer of scrunched paper on top for added protection. Remember, never place anything heavy on top of a box containing glassware. Once your kitchen items are packed, label each box clearly. If it contains fragile items, mark it prominently so it's handled with care. After all the effort you put into wrapping your breakables, the last thing you want is for them to be treated like a box of books.
An essentials box dishes and kitchenware
As you pack your kitchen in the days or weeks leading up to your move, take a moment to set aside the essentials you'll need right up until moving day and as soon as you arrive at your new place. You'll be glad you did. Designate and label a box for these must-have items so you can easily find them without digging through a dozen others. This "essentials" box should include:
- A set of cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls for each household member
- Key cooking tools, such as a chef's knife, spatula and wooden spoon
- A versatile frying pan or skillet plus a medium-sized pot
- Cleaning supplies like a sponge, scrub brush, and soap
Having these items within reach will make your first meals and your first cleanup in your new home much easier. Need more moving tips and tricks? Check out how to get the right size rental truck for your move and how to save time and money with moving apps.