How to Pack Dishes for Moving
Packing dishes for a move can feel nerve-wracking. They’re fragile, oddly shaped, and often sentimental, no one wants to open a box to find broken plates or shattered glassware. The good news? With the right materials and a little care, you can pack your dishes securely and avoid any moving day heartbreak.
If you’re ready to skip the hassle of flimsy boxes and messy tape, Briteside Boxes are the perfect solution. But whether you’re using cardboard or Briteside’s sturdy plastic containers, this guide will show you how to keep your dishes safe every step of the way.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start packing, make sure you have the right materials:
Sturdy boxes or Briteside Boxes: For dishes, you need strong, stable containers that can handle weight.
Packing paper or bubble wrap: Essential for wrapping each piece to prevent chips and cracks.
Dish dividers: Optional but helpful for plates and bowls.
Tape: If you’re using cardboard boxes, reinforce the bottom with tape for extra support.
Markers: Label the box clearly as “FRAGILE” and note its contents.
Starting with the right supplies ensures a smoother process—and fewer broken dishes.
Prep and Wrap Each Dish Carefully
To pack dishes properly, you need to wrap each one individually. This may seem time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort to avoid damage:
Start with a layer of padding: Place a layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box to cushion the dishes.
Wrap each dish individually: Lay a piece of packing paper flat, place the dish in the center, and wrap it completely. Secure the paper with tape if needed.
Stack plates and bowls vertically: Never lay dishes flat in the box. Stack them on their edges, like records, as they’re less likely to break under pressure.
Add layers: For multiple layers of dishes, add extra padding (crumpled paper or bubble wrap) between each level.
If you’re using Briteside Boxes, the uniform shape and sturdy design make it easy to pack dishes snugly without worrying about boxes collapsing or shifting during the move.
Pack Glasses and Stemware
Glassware and stemware need extra attention since they’re more delicate:
Stuff the inside: Use crumpled paper to fill the inside of each glass to add support.
Wrap carefully: Wrap the glass in packing paper, rolling it as you go. Tuck any excess paper inside the glass for added protection.
Stand upright: Always pack glasses upright in the box—never on their sides. Place heavier glasses on the bottom and lighter, more fragile pieces on top.
Adding dividers between glasses can also help prevent movement and keep them from bumping into each other.
Use Proper Packing Techniques
Once your dishes are wrapped, it’s time to pack them into the box. Follow these tips for the best results:
Heaviest items first: Plates and larger bowls go on the bottom of the box, with lighter items like glasses and small bowls on top.
Fill gaps: Use crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels to fill any empty spaces. This prevents items from shifting during the move.
Add padding at the top: Just like the bottom, add a final layer of padding at the top of the box for extra protection.
Seal the box securely using the H-tape method and label it clearly with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP.”
Why Briteside Boxes Make Packing Easier
If you’re worried about cardboard boxes failing under the weight of your dishes, Briteside Boxes are the perfect alternative. These sturdy, reusable plastic boxes hold a lot of weight and eliminate the need for tape and reinforcement. With attached lids and uniform sizing, they make packing, stacking, and transporting dishes simple and secure.
Not only are Briteside Boxes eco-friendly, but they’re also delivered to your door and picked up when you’re done—saving you time, money, and stress during your move.
Keep Your Dishes Safe with Briteside Boxes
Packing dishes doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right techniques and materials, you can ensure your plates, bowls, and glasses arrive safely at your new home. And if you’re looking for a smarter, more reliable option, Briteside Boxes take the guesswork out of packing fragile items.
Contact Briteside Boxes today to reserve your moving package and make packing dishes (and everything else) simple and stress-free!
