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.
Get Our Expert Storage and Removals Help in Hertfordshire
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! St Albans Removals are the leading storage and removals option. 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.
