It helps to know the basic materials and techniques for packing fragile items like expensive dishware or irreplaceable family heirlooms if you’re moving. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your household relocation.

Gather Appropriate Packaging Materials

One common glassware packing faux pas involves gathering stacks of old newspaper and wrapping the exteriors. It’s not uncommon for people to be attracted to this idea because it requires easy to acquire materials. By contrast, full-service moving companies routinely keep a stock of essential packing materials that include the following.  

• Professional-grade packing paper
• Sheets of bubble wrap
• Specialized stemware glass boxes (glass packs)
• Specialized dish packing boxes (dish packs)
• Heavy-duty storage containers

The dish pack and glass pack boxes are explicitly designed for fragile items. They are thicker than standard cartons to absorb shocks and carry the weight. The glass packs even have individual compartments for each glass.

Sometimes it’s possible to purchase these specialty items through your professional mover, so check with them for availability. 

Expert Dishware Packing Techniques

Here are some tips on wrapping and packing your fragile dishes.

• Dishes: Place each dish in the middle of a thick piece of packing paper. Then, bring the corners of the material over the plate’s edges to the center. Expert packers often use three sheets of packing paper. If you default to standard newspaper, 4-5 layers might be required. Ideally, wrapped dishes can be stacked in sets of four with bubble wrap above, below, and on each side of the box’s interior if possible. Make sure you place plenty of cushioning between each plate. Wrap and pack bowls using the same technique as flat plates.
• Glasses and Stemware: Sometimes overlooked aspects of securing glassware involve stuffing. Inexperienced packers sometimes forget to put enough paper inside the cup, glass, or stemware to balance any pressure it may experience. Instead, crumple up a wad of packing paper and place it inside each item before wrapping the exterior. Be sure to wrap the stems of all fragile glasses as well. Corrugated boxes are considered a must for delicate glassware, especially stemware. 

Boxing Up

Set up your boxes. Tape the corners, edges, and bottoms for added security if you are reusing boxes. Be sure to line the bottom of your boxes with crushed paper for extra padding when packing your fragile items.

If you are not using a glass pack, place all glasses upright. Don’t lay them on their sides or put them upside down, as this can cause damage. Then make sure you cushion them with plenty of crumpled packing paper.

Remember to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Never overfill a box with breakable items.

Write “this side up” and “fragile” on the top and each side of your delicate items.

Moving Soon?

These tips will come in handy. However, if you decide you need additional help with your relocation, contact us for a free quote. As a full-service moving company, we have the people, materials, and experience to securely pack and safely transport fragile items in addition to all your homes’ contents.