Moving house is often cited as one of life’s top stress-inducing experiences. With so many details to consider and coordinate, it’s no wonder stress levels can skyrocket. Amongst the chaos, ensuring your cherished belongings arrive safely at your new home is paramount. Fragile items, like your beloved crockery and delicate china dinner sets, require special attention and care.
These vulnerable possessions deserve the extra effort to ensure they remain intact throughout the move. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to pack your crockery securely, reducing potential damage and easing your transition to your new home. Ready to learn how to protect your precious plates and dishes? Let’s get packing!
How to Pack Crockery Safely for Moving House
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to ensuring your beloved plates, bowls, and mugs arrive at your new home intact.
- Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin, make sure you have packing materials such as sturdy boxes (double-walled are best), packing paper or newspaper, bubble wrap, packing tape, a marker pen and dish dividers (optional).
- Prepare the Boxes: Reinforce the bottom of each box with packing tape to prevent it from giving way under the weight of your crockery. Line the boxes with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to create a cushioning layer.
- Wrap Each Item: Individually wrap each piece of crockery in packing paper or newspaper. For added protection, you can also wrap them in bubble wrap. Make sure the items are fully covered and secure the wrapping with tape if necessary.
- Pack Plates Vertically: Pack plates vertically rather than stacking them flat. This reduces the risk of breakage. Place crumpled paper or bubble wrap between each plate to act as a cushion. Fill any gaps in the box with additional packing material to prevent movement.
- Pack Bowls and Cups: Nest smaller bowls and cups together and wrap them as a group. For larger bowls or delicate cups, wrap them individually. Use the same method of placing crumpled paper or bubble wrap between items and fill any gaps.
- Seal and Label the Boxes: Once the box is full, add a final layer of cushioning on top before sealing it securely with packing tape. Use a marker pen to label the box as “FRAGILE” and indicate the contents, so you or the movers know to handle it with care.
Buy medium heavy-duty packing boxes.
When it comes to moving or storing your crockery, choosing the right packing boxes is crucial. Crockery is not only fragile but can also be quite heavy, making it essential to select boxes that can handle the weight without becoming cumbersome to lift.
Choose Medium-Sized Boxes
Opting for medium-sized boxes is a smart move when packing crockery. Large boxes may seem like a good idea at first, but once filled, they can become too heavy and awkward to lift. Medium boxes strike the perfect balance, allowing you to pack ample crockery without risking injury or breakage from excessive weight.
Opt for Heavy Duty Double Walled Boxes
To ensure your delicate items are safe during transit, it’s best to use heavy-duty double-walled boxes. These boxes provide the necessary strength to support the weight of the crockery and withstand any bumps or jolts that can occur during transportation. The double wall adds an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind that your crockery will arrive intact.
Use bubble wrap to line the inside of your boxes.
When it comes to packing your delicate crockery, bubble wrap is your best friend. It’s not just for wrapping individual pieces but can also be used to line the inside of your packing boxes to provide an additional layer of cushioning.
- Cover the Base: Start by laying a generous sheet of bubble wrap at the bottom of the box. This acts as a shock absorber and helps protect against any impacts from below.
- Line the Walls: Next, measure and cut bubble wrap to fit along the internal walls of the box. Secure this in place, ensuring there are no exposed areas that could lead to damage.
By lining the inside of your boxes with bubble wrap, you create a cushioned environment for your crockery, reducing the risk of chips and breaks during transit. It’s a simple yet effective method to ensure your cherished dishes arrive safely at their destination.
Wrap each plate in tissue paper.
When it comes to packing your cherished china and crockery, ensuring that each piece is adequately protected is paramount. The first step in safeguarding your plates is to wrap each one in tissue paper. For best results, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap each plate individually. This specialised tissue paper is ideal because it prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to tarnishing or discolouration over time.
It’s crucial to avoid using newspapers for this step. While it might seem like a convenient option, the ink from the newspaper can rub off onto your dishes, leaving unsightly stains that are difficult to remove.
Pack the plates into the boxes sideways
When it comes to moving your cherished dinnerware, the key to preventing damage is all in the packing technique. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your plates arrive at your new home in pristine condition.
Pack Plates on Their Side
Begin by packing your plates vertically on their sides rather than stacking them flat. Just like a row of records, this arrangement allows the plates to absorb more shock and stress, reducing the likelihood of breakage during transit.
Use Bubble Wrap for Added Protection
To further safeguard your plates, place a sheet of bubble wrap between each one. This extra layer acts as a cushioning buffer, offering additional protection against bumps and jolts along the way.
Fill gaps in the box.
Once you’ve neatly packed your items, there might still be some empty spaces, particularly around the corners and sides. These can cause the plates to shift and potentially break during movement.
Here’s a quick guide on how to fill those gaps:
- Scrunch Up Tissue Paper: Use any leftover sheets of tissue paper. Scrunch them up into loose balls and gently place them into the box, making sure all spaces are filled. This not only protects your plates but also acts as a cushion, absorbing any shocks during transit.
- Check for Movement: Gently shake the box once you’ve filled the gaps. If you notice any movement inside, add more scrunched-up tissue paper until everything feels snug and secure.
- Top It Off with Bubble Wrap: Before sealing, lay a sheet of bubble wrap over the top layer of plates. This adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring the contents remain stationary and safe.
Seal the box securely.
One of the most crucial steps in ensuring your package arrives safely is sealing the box securely. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Use High-Quality Packing Tape
Choose a strong, high-quality packing tape to secure your package. Avoid using cellophane or masking tape as these are not designed for shipping and may not withstand the rigours of transit.
Reinforce All Seams
Make sure to tape all seams of the box, including the top and bottom edges. A good rule of thumb is to use the “H” method—apply tape along the centre seam and across both edges to form an “H” shape. This provides additional support and helps prevent the box from opening during handling.
Double Check Your Work
Once you’ve applied the tape, give your box a gentle shake to ensure there’s no movement inside and that the box remains securely sealed. If you hear any rattling or feel any shifting, add more tape or padding as needed.
Label the Box Clearly
After sealing, make sure any labels are clearly visible and securely attached. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged, ensuring your package arrives at the correct destination.
Label the boxes clearly.
Clear labelling not only helps keep things organised but also ensures that everyone involved in the move handles items with the appropriate care.
- Use Fragile Packing Tape: For boxes containing delicate or breakable items, wrap fragile packing tape conspicuously around the box. This acts as a visual cue for removal men (or anyone handling the boxes) to exercise caution, thus reducing the risk of damage during transit.
- Mark the Contents and Destination: Use a marker pen to clearly indicate the contents of each box on the outside. Include a brief list of items and the room they belong to in your new home. For example, a box labelled “Kitchen—Cutlery and Crockery” ensures that the right items end up in the right room, preventing any mix-up during unpacking.
- Prevent Mix-Ups: By clearly labelling and organising your boxes, you significantly lessen the chances of confusion at your new location.
Are you looking for removals Yeovil? Contact Now We’re Moving Today on 01225 684 514 or fill out our contact form.
