Chances are your fragile glassware and plates will be among the last things you are going to pack before moving. However, waiting until the last minute to pack these fragile items will only add to your stress. As one of the most nerve-wracking moments, it requires a lot of caution — nobody wants to arrive at their new home with boxes full of broken belongings, especially when it comes to something so fragile and irreplaceable as fine china.
In many households, these heirlooms have been passed down by families for generations We know that transporting these items safely is important, whether you're moving across town or across the country. That’s where 3 Men Movers comes in handy — over 54% of people who moved themselves instead of hiring professional movers reported they regret their decision. While we can take this challenge off your shoulders, knowledge is still power. Take a moment to check out our tips for the best way to pack china for moving to minimize the stress and hassle of your move. Onwards!
Tip #1: The Right Placement
When it comes to packing, people commonly focus on reducing the number of boxes to transport and overstuff them up with lots of items — the more, the better. This trick won’t work with fine china and other kinds of glassware. The rule of thumb is to avoid stacking them flat. Instead, ensure your serving platters, bowls, dishes, and so on are placed on their edges. As for the plates, they should be packed vertically. Discover the best and worst ways to pack ahead for a move so you can avoid common mistakes that could lead to damage.
You will need a lot of packing material. For extra protection, Wrap each item individually in paper and add a layer of bubble wrap. Gather three to four wrapped pieces into a bundle and place them on their sides within the box to maximize safety during transport.
Here is what you can use to preserve the original state of your heirloom after moving.
|
Material |
Use Case |
Alternative |
|
Bubble wrap |
For individual dishes |
Towels (as a temporary solution) |
|
Packing paper |
Padding and filling gaps |
Packing peanuts |
|
Specialty dish boxes |
For safe transportation and secure holding of your fine china |
Plastic bins for storage purposes |
Tip #2: Take Care of Stemware
To avoid any cracks and other damage in your stemware, turn them upside down — otherwise, the risk of breakage increases during transport. Don’t forget to check the area around the stem itself. It should be filled with extra padding for more protection. Paper or foam will work. For bowls, soft cloth or bubble wrap will be the perfect solution.
Tip #3: Search for Specialty Boxes
The key to a hassle-free move is to analyze your belongings and what kind of packing material they might require. You will thank yourself later for preparing in advance. You don’t necessarily have to invest in brand-new specialty boxes for china, stemware, and other fragile items — you can often repurpose sturdy boxes you already have, supplemented with materials like bubble wrap, and packing paper for added cushioning.
Specialty boxes are definitely more sturdy compared to standard boxes. As an added bonus, you can use them for long-term storage later. These boxes greatly reduce the risk of any damage happening to your fragile belongings during the move.
Tip #4: Box Labeling Strategies for Every Relocation
To simplify the unpacking process, make the most out of the box labeling technique. Knowing which boxes your items are in will help reduce stress and minimize chaos during the unpacking process at your new place To streamline the unpacking process, make it well-organized and efficient by following these tips:
- Opt for side labeling — labels should be clear and visible from different angles.
- Use permanent markers or sturdy labels to preserve their original state throughout the relocation.
- In addition to box labels, keep a numbered inventory list for simple tracking purposes.
- Be specific. The labels should simplify the unpacking process, not complicate it. Instead of abbreviations, use more descriptive phrasing — Kitchen, Pots & Pans.
Tip #5: Don't Start Packing Fine China Right Away
The best way to pack china starts with your care of the box itself. Add a layer of cushioning to increase its ability to protect your fragile items for a gentle and safe move. Packing peanuts, wadded newspaper, and similar material will come in handy.
Tip #6: Say “No” to In-Box Gaps
Any unfilled space in the box is a potential threat to its contents. Using special packing paper or packing peanuts to fill any extra space inside the box will help you avoid the headache of your fine china shifting and braking during transport.
Do not use newspaper paper if your fine china isn’t wrapped protectively in additional material first. Otherwise, you may open the box and find your china with ink stains.
For multi-item boxes, place heavier objects at the bottom. This way, the risk of the accumulated weight of your items breaking the lowest piece will be minimal. Additionally, using the right tape is crucial for keeping your boxes secure — learn more with these packing hacks: paper tape vs. clear tape for optimal results.
Another best practice for how to pack fine china for moving is the use of cardboard pieces. This is a clever way to keep items separated and hold them in place inside of the box. However, it's important to note that they should not be used as your only packing material but rather as an additional means of protection to cushion your breakable items.
Tip #7: Check Pieces with Hollow Centers
Gaps and holes left in your box can mean bad news for your breakables! When left unprotected, pieces of chinaware or vases show why they are called fragile — hollow centers create additional pressure on the item, increasing the likelihood of cracking. To avoid this, use extra padding to fill all open holes inside your box. Add paper or other filler material inside of all hollow bowls and glasses to pack china for moving like a pro. You will thank yourself later for adding padding paper inside bowls and cups to move.
Tip #8: Quick-Fix Packaging
If you run out of the right materials or need an urgent solution for another piece of chinaware, use towels. It's a great way to use for bath or dish towels you need to pack and move anyway. It is cost-effective and saves you from the hassle of making an extra last-minute trip to buy more supplies.
Tip #9: Don't Hesitate to Use Plastic Bins
Looking for a more long-term storage solution for your fine china? Plastic bins are an excellent choice! The best part is that you won't even have to spend time unpacking them after moving—simply place them in their storage space. Plastic containers and totes are a great investment as they are durable, dustproof, and waterproof— they provide excellent long-term protection for your fragile items.
Wrapping It Up
You don't have to find out the hard way when it comes to moving your fragile items. Hopefully, you've learned a thing or two about the best way to pack china for moving. Following these time-tested strategies will help you preserve the life of your fine china as you move into your new home and enjoy your treasured heirlooms for years to come.
Looking for a personalized consultation? Get in touch with our professional team of packers and movers.