Moving from one house to another is always a stressful experience, but for long-distance moving, it's even worse. The stress of packing, loading, and transporting everything you own to another state can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can make the experience more accessible. 

This blog post will look at how to pack dishes for long-distance moving. Keep reading to learn more!

Packing materials you need to pack dishes

You are packing dishes when moving house is a tricky situation. First, you want to save as much money as possible and not ruin any of your dishes. Luckily, there are a few packing materials you can pack your dishes with to keep them from getting damaged. 

1. Packing peanuts

Packing peanuts are cheap and can help cushion your dishes during transit. 

2. Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is another cheap packing material to protect any fragile dishes. 

3. Pillowcases

Pillowcases are also cheap and can help cushion your dishes during transit. 

4. Salad containers: Salad containers are also cheap and can help cushion your dishes during transit. 

5. Washcloths

Washcloths can also cushion your dishes during transit, and unlike packing peanuts and bubble wrap, they don't have any sharp edges that could poke your dishes. 

6. Linens or towels

Linens or towels can also help cushion your dishes during transit. 

7. Tissue paper

Tissue paper is another way to cushion your dishes; since it is soft and thin, it can easily be folded into a pillow-like shape. 

 9. Plastic bags

Plastic bags are also cheap and can help cushion your dishes during transit. While plastic bags are not ideal, they can help protect smaller and more delicate items in your move.

10. Bubble wrap

When you're moving your dishes, it's essential to use a method to protect them. Bubble wrap is the perfect solution because it's inexpensive, easy to use, and effective. 

Place your dishes in a layer of bubble wrap, and then wrap the bubble wrap around the plates. You can then tie the bubble wrap securely, and you're ready to move your dishes.

Tips for packing dishes for moving

If you need to move, packing your kitchen, especially your dishes, can be daunting. Fortunately, you can do a few simple things to make packing dishes easier. 

Start with a clean dishwasher. 

Before you pack dishes for moving, you need to clean all of your dishes. Don't just place them in the dishwasher, and don't run an empty cycle. Instead, empty the dishwasher, complete the process, and wash the dishes by hand. 

Leave space between dishes. 

When packing dishes for moving, leaving space between plates is essential. This will help prevent breakage. Packing dishes tightly in boxes can get them broken. 

Wrap the dishes. 

Start by wrapping the dishes individually in bubble wrap. 

Next, wrap each dish in a dish towel, place a layer of towels between the covered container and the bubble wrap, and add another layer of dish towels. 

Finally, put a layer of dish towels in between each layer. 

Use dish-packing peanuts. 

If you have dish-packing peanuts, put them between the wrapped dish and the bubble wrap. This will help cushion the plate and prevent breakage. 

Pack the boxes. 

Place a box in between each wrapped dish. Continue packing the containers in the box until it's complete. 

Pack the boxes tightly

When packing dishes for moving, it's essential to pack the boxes tightly. Fill the boxes 2/3 - 3/4 full. 

Use bubble wrap between the boxes. 

Then, place another layer of bubble wrap on top of the boxes. This will help keep the dishes safe. 

Pack the boxes in layers. 

After you have packed the boxes:

  1. Place a layer of bubble wrap between each box.
  2. Place another layer of bubble wrap on top of the boxes.
  3. Continue this until the boxes are packed tightly. 

Don't over-pack. 

As The Spruce noted, packing fragile dishes in heavy boxes can crush them and even cause them to break. Therefore, you should only pack a few delicate items in the same box.

Pack dishes in boxes that are the right height. 

It's best to pack dishes in boxes that are about the same size as your dishes. Packing dishes in boxes that are too small may cause them to break.

How to avoid breaking dishes while packing for moving

Packing up your home to move can be a lot of work — especially if you've accumulated a lot of dishes over the years. If that's the case, it's worth brushing up on how to move broken dishes safely. 

  • Refrain from packing fragile items at the bottom of your moving boxes. Instead, pack these items near the top of your boxes or in a separate container. 
  • Pack your dishes using sturdy or heavy boxes
  • Stack your plates and dishes them vertically. Stacking your dishes vertically can help prevent them from getting bent or smashed. 
  • Wrap them in paper or bubble wrap before placing them in your moving boxes. 
  • Wrap them in bubble wrap before placing them in your moving boxes. 
  • Wrap them in bubble wrap before placing them in your moving boxes. 
  • If you're packing mugs made of glass, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in boxes separately from the mugs made from other materials. 
  • If you're packing mugs made from other materials, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in boxes separately from the cups made from glass. 

How to Pack Bowls and Plates?

Packing bowls and plates when moving house can be a real pain. 

Here are some tips for packing dishes that will save you space as well as time: 

  • Break your dishes down into separate bowls and plates. If your plates are sturdy enough, you can stack them on top of one another to save space. 

  • Leave bowls in the original packaging. If you keep your bowls in the original packaging, you won't have to pack or unpack them again. 

  • Use packing paper or bubble wrap. It's easy to pack dishes into boxes. However, packing paper or bubble wrap can help protect your plates from scratches and dings during transit. 

  • Store dishes vertically. When packing plates, it's best to store them vertically. Stack dishes on top of each other and wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap. 

  • Use smaller boxes—pack dishes in boxes to minimize the surface area that needs to be protected. Large, rectangular boxes can be cut to fit a plate, bowl, or mug, so try to save space by packing smaller items in boxes. 

  • Pack dishes and bowls upside down. When you pack dishes, it's easiest to store them upside down. First, wrap a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper around the plate or bowl, then flip it over to pack it into the box. 

  • Pack dishes tightly. When packing containers, it's best to pack them tightly. For example, use packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion fragile dishes. 

  • Don't stack dishes. When you stack dishes, you risk damaging them. Instead, it's best to pack dishes individually in boxes. 

  • Use packing tape. Packing tape can help protect dishes from damage during transit. 

  • Use strong boxes. Strong boxes will help prevent damage.

How to pack cups, mugs, and glasses?

Cups and mugs are essential to your daily life and are often needed in your new home. Here are some tips on packing cups, mugs, and glasses when moving house:

  • First, consider where the mugs and cups will be used. Obvious but important: If you are moving a mug or cup outside, pack it accordingly. If you are moving a mug or cup inside, place a waterproof bag or plastic wrap around it to protect it from water and dirt.
  • Most mugs and cups have lids or lids. When packing a cup or mug with a cover, place it upside down inside the cup. When packing a cup or mug without a cap, place it upside down inside the cup.
  • Use as many small boxes as possible. The larger bins will be too heavy to lift, and the smaller containers will help make your packing more efficient.
  • If you have many small boxes, place them inside each other, which will help keep them organized.
  • When packing mugs and cups, think about their shape. For example, do they need to be packed vertically or horizontally?
  • Consider their fragility. For example, do they need to be packed cold or hot?
  • Label each box correctly.
  • Check the box for leaks. If they are leaking, put the item in a waterproof bag or plastic wrap to prevent it from being damaged.
  • Place the mugs and cups inside the boxes, and make sure the lids are on.

So, you've decided to move across the country. Many people assume that moving dishes is just like moving anything else. Unfortunately, moving kitchen items is more challenging than it sounds. So, before you move your dishes across the country, follow these steps. 

If you're looking for a professional packing service, you may call (703) 310-7333.