When preparing for a move, packing fragile items like dishes and glasses can be a daunting task. Ensuring that your cherished crockery arrives at your new home intact requires careful planning and execution. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to pack dishes and glasses effectively, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
1. Gather Quality Packing Materials Our dedicated guide on packing glasses for moving covers stemware, tumblers, and delicate glassware in full detail.
Before you start packing, it’s essential to have the right materials. Invest in high-quality packing boxes, preferably double-walled for extra strength. Once the move is done, you can recycle your cardboard boxes — check Recycle Now to find out how. You will also need plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and permanent markers. Consider specialised dish pack boxes which are designed to protect fragile items. For a broader look at protecting fragile items in transit, our guide to packing breakables safely is worth reading alongside this one. For a broader overview, our guide to packing fragile items for a move covers everything from wrapping techniques to box selection. If you also have a collection of mugs to protect, our advice on packing mugs for moving follows the same logic and is worth reading alongside this guide.
2. Start with a Clean and Clear Workspace If you want step-by-step instructions on wrapping a single glass safely, we cover the technique in a separate guide. If you are unsure about box construction and weight limits, our guide on how to pack boxes for moving walks through the key steps. We also have a dedicated guide to packing kitchen glasses safely if you want step-by-step advice focused purely on glassware.
Ensure your packing area is clean and spacious. Lay out all your packing materials and have a clear table or flat surface to work on. This organised approach not only makes the packing process more efficient but also prevents accidental damage. If you are also moving crockery, our plates packing guide explains the best stacking and wrapping methods for plates of all sizes. Our detailed plates and glasses packing guide covers both materials in one place, with advice on cell boxes and cushioning layers. If you have run out of bubble wrap, you can still protect your crockery safely by following our tips on packing fragile items without bubble wrap.
3. Packing Plates Once your kitchenware is wrapped, our advice on organising your moving boxes will help you load and label everything efficiently before moving day. Once your kitchen is sorted, our guide to packing household items for moving helps you work through the rest of your home room by room.
Begin by lining the bottom of your box with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap for cushioning. Plates should be packed vertically, as if in a dish rack, which makes them less likely to break under pressure. Wrap each plate individually in bubble wrap, securing it with tape. Then, place them in the box, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight. Fill any gaps with additional crumpled paper to prevent movement. If your timeline has shifted, our last-minute moving service can step in to handle packing and transport at short notice.
4. Packing Glasses
Glasses require careful handling due to their varying shapes and vulnerabilities. Wrap each glass individually with packing paper, tucking the edges into the hollow part of the glass to provide internal support. For extra protection, follow up with a layer of bubble wrap. Place the glasses upright in the box, using dividers if available. Like plates, ensure there is no movement within the box once packed, filling gaps with crumpled paper.
5. Packing Bowls and Odd-Shaped Items
Bowls can be nested within each other with paper in between and wrapped as a bundle. Odd-shaped items like pitchers or vases should be wrapped individually, paying extra attention to handles and spouts. Use additional bubble wrap and ensure they are securely positioned within the box.
6. Seal and Label Boxes
Once a box is packed, give it a gentle shake to check for movement. If you hear items shifting, open it back up and add more cushioning. Once secure, seal the box with heavy-duty tape and label it clearly with the contents and “FRAGILE” to ensure careful handling.
7. Professional Handling
While DIY packing is cost-effective, consider hiring professional movers for high-value or particularly fragile items. Professionals are equipped with the right materials and expertise to handle your belongings with care.
8. Prepare for Unpacking
Remember, the way you pack not only affects the safety of your items but also the ease of unpacking. Keep an inventory of what’s in each box, and group items by room for efficient unpacking. Don’t forget that once you’ve settled in, you’ll also need to update your address with official bodies — you can tell HMRC about your new address directly on GOV.UK.
By following these detailed steps, you can significantly minimise the risk of damage to your dishes and glasses during a move. Packing might seem like a tedious task, but with the right approach, your belongings will be secure and ready to grace your new home.
