How to Pack China for Moving
Packing china properly can mean the difference between setting your table with your favorite dishes or sweeping up broken pieces. Whether you're moving across town or hiring long distance moving services, taking the time to pack everything securely is key. With the right materials, careful wrapping, and clear labeling, your china will arrive safely, and you won't have to worry about unwrapping a box full of shattered glass.
Choosing the Right Packing Materials
The right packing supplies make all the difference when moving delicate china. Bubble wrap provides the best protection for individual pieces, while packing paper or foam sheets fill empty spaces and prevent shifting. Choose strong moving boxes in various sizes to fit different items securely.
Avoid using newspaper—it can leave ink stains on your dishes. Once everything is packed, seal the boxes with heavy-duty tape and mark them as fragile. The right materials reduce the risk of breakage and keep your china safe during the move.
Wrapping Each Piece Securely
Every piece of china should be wrapped individually to prevent cracks and chips. Lay a sheet of bubble wrap on a clean surface, place the item in the center, and fold the wrap over it. Secure it with tape, but don't wrap it too tightly—pressure can cause breakage.
For extra protection, double-wrap particularly fragile items. Label each piece with a quick description so you know what's inside before unwrapping. Proper wrapping ensures your china makes it to your new home in one piece.
Packing Dishes in Sturdy Boxes
Using sturdy boxes designed for fragile items adds another layer of protection. Start by lining the bottom with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap. Plates should be packed vertically, like records, with padding in between each one to prevent cracks.
Nest bowls together with packing paper between them. Fill any gaps in the box with crumpled packing paper or soft material to keep everything snug. Before sealing, shake the box lightly—if anything moves, add more padding. Once packed, mark the box as fragile and note which side should stay up.
Labeling and Organizing Boxes
An organized labeling system makes moving and unpacking easier.
- Assign a color to each room – Pick a color for every room in your new home. For example, blue for the kitchen and red for the dining room. This makes it easy to know where each box belongs at a glance.
- Label with details – Write a clear description of what's inside each box and any special handling instructions, like "fragile" or "this side up." This ensures careful handling.
- Use color-coded stickers – Stick colored labels on both the boxes and the doors of the corresponding rooms in your new home. Movers (or friends helping) will know exactly where to place everything.
- Keep a master list – Write down each box's contents and where they go. This saves time when unpacking and helps you find what you need right away.
Handling and Transporting With Care
Once packed, your china needs to be handled properly to arrive safely. Boxes should be placed on top of sturdier items in the moving truck—never underneath heavier loads. Sudden stops, sharp turns, or stacking boxes too high increases the risk of damage.
When unloading, fragile boxes should be set in a safe spot and opened carefully. Take your time to unpack, checking each piece as you go. Moving delicate items requires extra attention, but with proper packing and careful handling, your china will make it to your new home without a scratch.
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