Unbreakable: The Best Way To Pack Your Dishes
Packing the kitchen is always the toughest part of moving. You can't just throw everything into boxes. Items must be carefully wrapped to prevent them from being broken. Here are a few tips to help you pack up your kitchen:
Materials
The first thing you will need to do is find packing materials. Everything you need can be found at a local moving supplies store, but that can be expensive and unnecessary. Go to the grocery store and ask if they have any extra boxes. Often times they keep boxes in the back and will give them to you for free. You also might want to consider asking the liquor store. All the bottles they receive come in compartmentalized boxes that are very handy for moving. You will also need materials to wrap your dishes. Packing paper always works, but t-shirts, newspapers, and towels also work just as well.
Prep the Boxes
Make sure the boxes being used to pack your dishes are relatively small. Big boxes get over-packed and become too heavy. This increases the chances of the box being dropped. Smaller boxes, preferable with the cut-out handles are best. When you build the boxes, make sure that you use plenty of packing tape. The bottom of the box needs to be reinforced so that it won't break open when lifted. Line the box with either packing paper or a towel. Two or three layers of padding is a good idea.
Packing Bowls, Cups, and Plates
Each of these items needs to be individually wrapped. Bowls and cups need to be placed in the box with the rim down. Make sure all of the items are packed tightly together to prevent them from moving around. To individually wrap cups, stick each one into a sock. It's an easy, cost-effective way to multitask. Pack your socks and your cups at the same time. Plates can each be stuck inside a different t-shirt or wrapped with several layers of newspaper. When putting the plates inside the box, make sure that they are placed on their side so that the majority of the surface area is leaning against the side of the box. If the box is dropped or jostled, the plates will be less likely to break than if they are placed face-down.
Miscellaneous Items
The silverware holder can be wrapped in plastic wrap several times with the silverware still inside. Awkwardly shaped, breakable dishes should also be wrapped in several layers. Pillowcases are great for these types of items. Items that are not breakable such as pots and pans should be wrapped anyway to keep them from getting scratched. These items can be placed in a larger box.
For more information, contact a local moving company.