Plates and glasses are some of the most fragile items to pack and transport when you’re moving. They can easily break or crack even if you think you’ve packed them correctly. Luckily, we’ve compiled a few steps to take when transferring your breakables to your new property or into storage. In this helpful guide, we show you the best way to pack glasses and plates, how to move plates and glasses without causing damage, and the most effective way to place them into storage.
How to Pack Glasses and Plates for Moving
Use these following steps when packing glasses and plates for moving.
Gather Your Packing Materials
The first thing you need when packing fragile items is some very sturdy, medium-sized boxes. It’s important that these packing boxes are pristine with no water stains or damage to them. Your packing boxes are going to hold your dishes and plates, so they need to be extremely secure. Any water damage could cause the box to disintegrate, resulting in your breakables getting damaged. See here for tips to get hold of free packing boxes.
Next, you’ll require some packing paper, packing tape, bubble wrap or packing peanuts, labels and ‘fragile’ tape. Shop all the packing materials you need for a move.
Ensure Your Glasses and Plates Are Clean
Make sure your glasses and plates are cleaned before you pack them, especially if they’re going to be placed into storage. You don’t want your items to become mouldy so give them a thorough clean before you pack them. Eliminate any dirt, grime or dust before packing by cleaning with soap, water and a dry cloth.
Prepare Your Boxes
The best way to pack glasses and plates is to completely cover the bottom of your cardboard box with a few layers of bubble wrap. This acts as a cushion lining, protecting your breakable items.
Wrap Your Plates
Start by wrapping each plate in a layer of packing paper. Ideally, place a plate in the middle of the paper and wrap it over the plate. Secure with a piece of packing tape. Follow by repeating this process. This gives each plate some extra protection and prevents it from getting scratched in the box.
Place Your Plates in The Box
Once you’ve wrapped a couple of plates with packing paper, it’s time to place them in the cardboard box. Avoid stacking them one on top of another. Instead, place each plate on its side, one by one until the box is full.
Fill in Any Gaps
Once you’ve filled a box, you need to fill in any gaps. This prevents your plates from moving, keeping them aligned so that they don’t break easily. You can use packing peanuts or bubble wrap within the gaps. On the top, place a stack of packing paper for added protection.
Seal and Label
When the box is full, seal it thoroughly with packing tape. Place some ‘fragile’ tape over it and label it correctly. You could label the box ‘kitchen items’ to categorise them. Alternatively, you may want to label them by item with the word ‘plates’. This helps you to know which box goes in which room when you arrive at your new location. It’s also a good idea to mark the box with an arrow so you know which way up the box should be opened and carried.
Pack Glasses
Packing glasses is slightly different to packing plates due to their shape. You should generally avoid packing dishes and glasses together, instead packing them in different boxes. To pack cups, mugs or wine glasses, the best bet is to use a divided cardboard box. If you can’t find a cardboard box with a divider insert, you can always make your own divider with some extra cardboard. A cardboard divider helps to protect your glasses from scratches or breaks. Just wrap each glass with packing paper, add some tape, and place it into one of the spaces. Once your box is filled, add packaging peanuts into the gaps and a layer of bubble wrap on top and seal the box thoroughly. Remember to add your ‘fragile’ tape and label.
‘Nest’ Glasses
One of the best packing tips for glasses is to use the ‘nesting’ technique. This works well if you only have stackable glasses or cups. To do this, wrap each glass in packing paper and stack them so that you have three or four cups nested together. Next, wrap the stack in a layer or two of bubble wrap for extra protection. Place them in your box in a diagonal position, laying down. You can fill in the gaps with other items, just avoid placing too much weight in it. For the top half of the box, add a stack of wrapping paper, bubble wrap or packing peanuts until there is no more space left to fill. Seal thoroughly and label it.
Packing Ceramics
Ceramic mugs or plates are fragile yet firm. They have a toughness which means that you may not notice damage on them. Ceramic items are also not easy to repair so you need to take extra care of them, particularly when packing. If you have ceramic items, pack them individually in bubble wrap. The air in the bubble wrap is a good source of protection from added pressure outside of it. Seal with tape once you’ve wrapped the bubble wrap around it. Next, place heavier items at the bottom of the box. Lighter pieces should be placed closer to the top to prevent them from getting damaged by heavier plates or mugs. Remember, don’t place too much weight inside the box or it could burst open when you move it. Seal with packing tape and secure. Label it and add some ‘fragile’ tape.
Packing Dishes
Dishes can be packed differently to glasses and plates. Begin by wrapping each dish in packing paper. Place heavier dishes at the bottom of the box and start to ‘layer’ them. You can also place other kitchen items, such as utensils and plastic bowls in the same box. Only place around three layers in the box so that it doesn’t become too heavy to carry. Fill in any gaps with packing peanuts or scrunched up packing paper. Place a layer of bubble wrap at the top of the box and then close. Secure thoroughly with tape and label it. Add fragile tape to the box and an arrow so that you know the correct way up. Learn all the best packing tips here.
How to Move Plates and Glasses
Knowing how to move plates and glasses correctly will prevent any unwanted breakages from occurring. Follow the next steps to move your valuables with the utmost care and attention.
Carry One Box at A Time
It can be tempting to carry several boxes, especially if you don’t find them too heavy. However, they can easily topple over. Instead, only carry one box at a time so that you can focus your attention on getting the box safely to your moving van.
Clear Your Path
Before you move your boxes, clear the path to your moving van. You could easily trip over items left in the way, or have to open doors, making transportation more difficult. Clear your path of any hazards and keep doors wide open with a doorstop.
Navigate Stairs
If you have to move up and downstairs, you’re going to need to take extra care. You can easily trip and fall, causing harm to you and your items. Before you go up and down any stairs, make sure you’re holding the box tightly with a hand on either side of the box. When you come to the stairs, pause and begin to move slowly. If your box isn’t too heavy you can easily proceed at a gradual pace until you reach the end of the stairs. If the box feels heavy, it’s best to use a portable stair climbing cart. To use this equipment, place the box onto the cart, secure it and transport it via the handle.
Load Your Truck
If you’re using a professional moving company, they’ll be able to assist you with your glasses and plates. If not, you’ll need to know how to load your boxes onto your van so that nothing topples over and breaks. All the boxes that are labelled as fragile should be placed on the floor of the van. Your boxes should go underneath large pieces of furniture and be secured so that they cannot move around. By doing this, your boxes will stay put once the van is in transit.
The Best Way to Store Plates and Glasses
How do you store plates and glasses correctly? Here is the best way to store your breakable items.
Store in A Safe and Secure Unit
It’s best to store your glasses and plates in a safe and secure unit so they are protected from theft and damage. Your items can be stored in the same boxes as they were transported in, saving you time and effort. Ideally, the storage unit you choose should be ‘climate controlled’ so that your boxes don’t become damp and mouldy. Climate controlled technology maintains the indoor temperature of a storage unit at an optimal level, keeping your belongings well-protected. Additionally, you should also choose a highly secure storage unit to prevent theft or damage. Having on-site staff is important as they will ensure all goods are safe.
Secure Corners of Each Box
Box corners can easily become damaged or degrade. To prevent this, secure each corner with some strong tape. This provides some extra protection. You could also ask for your boxes to be stored inside a wooden crate. Wood gives extra protection rather than just placing your boxes on shelving. If you can’t get a wooden crate, see if you can place your boxes into plastic storage instead. Place your boxes strategically so that they’re easier to remove when you need them again. For more information, see our guide to packing boxes like a pro.
Follow Our Tips for How to Pack Glasses and Plates
Our top tips show you how to pack plates and glasses for moving, as well as the best storage advice for breakable items. Packing glasses and plates can seem like a complex task, but you’ll be able to do so with confidence by using these tips.
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If you need professional assistance when carrying out a home move or a business move, or if you need help putting your belongings into storage, we can help! Removals & Storage Experts are the leading storage and removals option in London. Our highly secure storage facilities keep your belongings safe and secure, providing peace of mind. We can even move your items for you and deliver them back, so you don’t need to lift a finger. Get in touch for a free quote now.
