Hassle-Free Guide: Packing Your Kitchen Dishes for Moving Day

The kitchen is typically the most dreaded room in your home when it comes to packing. This is because packing dishes for moving can be extremely intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Your kitchen likely has the most breakable things in your home, and now you are responsible for making sure it all arrives at your new home in one piece. The good news is that packing dishes for a move does not have to be a scary task. All you need is a hefty amount of packing paper, some tape, and a few dish pack boxes to get started. Follow the tips below to ensure that all of your dishes survive the move to your new home. 

How to Pack Plates for a Move

• Place plates on the center of a sheet of packing paper and pull corners in toward the center, wrapping the plate completely. Tape paper down to fully wrap the plate.
• Once you’ve wrapped a few plates, stack them and fully wrap the entire stack of plates.
• Look for dish pack boxes to use for your plates. If you are unable to find them, use a small box.
• Boxes should not exceed 45 pounds, as the weight can cause the bottom of the box to give out and plates to shatter.
• Pack plates vertically instead of horizontally – this will make them less lightly to break.
• Place at least 2 layers of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the box.
• Put a layer of bubble wrap, cardboard, or a foam plate in between each plate.
• If your plates are extremely fragile, you may want to wrap them with a dishtowel.
• Once plates are packed, stuff the sides, top, and empty spaces with extra packing paper.
• Never use newspaper when packing dishes, as the ink may come off and stain the plate itself.
• Once completely packed, tape down the top of the box and label “this side up” and “fragile” to help keep the plates safe during moving day.

How to Pack Cups and Glasses for a Move

• Just like with packing dishes, place at least 2 layers of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the box.
• Wrap stems and handles with crumpled paper to add extra protection.
• Stuff cups and glasses with wads of packing paper or rags.
• Wrap cup or glass entirely and tape to secure.
• When packing the box, place the heaviest items first and the lightest last to avoid breakage.
• Fill any empty space in the box with more packing paper.
• Once completely packed, tape down the top of the box and label “this side up” and “fragile” to help keep the cups and glasses safe during moving day.

How to Pack Pots and Pans for a Move

• Same as packing dishes, place a layer of packing paper on the bottom of the box.
• Start with the largest pot and place smaller pots inside.
• Between each pot, place a layer of packing paper or fabric to avoid scratching.
• Remove all lids and wrap them individually.

How to Pack Bowls for a Move

• Place bowl on the center of a sheet of packing paper and pull corners in toward the center to fully wrap.
• Secure the packing paper with pieces of tape and repeat until completely wrapped.
• If bowls are the same shape, stack a few and wrap the bundle fully with a piece of packing paper.
• Put down at least two layers of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the box.
• Fill in any empty space in the box with packing paper.
• Once completely packed, tape down the top of the box and label “this side up” and “fragile” to help keep the bowls safe during moving day.

Hopefully, these tips for packing dishes will help you keep all dishes safe when packing and moving. Looking for more help? Check out our blog on packing up your entire kitchen or sign up for our monthly blog emails for even more tips for moving and storage.