Plates are among the most fragile items you’ll move, so packing them properly makes a huge difference. The wrong approach can leave you with a box full of broken pieces before you even get to your new place. This guide walks you through the supplies you need, wrapping techniques, and how to load boxes safely. A local moving team will handle your stuff with more care when boxes are packed and labeled correctly. Follow these steps to get your plates from point A to point B without any damage.
Collect Packing Materials
Start by getting all your packing supplies together before you begin. You’ll need sturdy cardboard boxes made for dishes. These usually have cell dividers that keep each plate separate and protected during the move. Grab packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion everything. Make sure you have plenty of tape to seal boxes tightly.
Get a marker ready for labeling boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” so movers know to handle them carefully. For extra protection, foam pouches or foam sheets add another layer of cushioning. Packing peanuts work well for filling gaps in boxes and preventing items from shifting during the drive.
Prepare the Packing Box
Make sure your box is clean and solid before putting any plates inside. A clean box keeps your dishes from getting dirty during the move, and a sturdy one prevents them from being crushed or damaged. Pick a box designed for moving dishes, or go with a heavy-duty option that can handle the weight. Reinforce the bottom with packing tape for extra support.
Check the box for tears, dents, or other damage. Skip any box that looks worn out. If you’re reusing a box, peel off old labels so nothing gets confusing during the move. Throw a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom for extra cushioning. Getting your box ready the right way sets you up for success when packing plates.
Wrap Plates Individually
Each plate needs its own wrap to stay safe during the move. Lay a piece of packing paper flat on a clean surface and place one plate in the center at an angle. Fold one corner of the paper over the plate to completely cover it, then do the same with the opposite corner. Tape the paper down so it stays put. Repeat this for every plate. This keeps them from touching each other and reduces chips and cracks during transport.
Bubble wrap gives you even more protection. After wrapping a plate in packing paper, add a layer of bubble wrap and tape it securely. That extra cushioning helps absorb any bumps or shaking during the trip. The goal is to wrap each plate tightly and snugly so nothing moves around.
Layer Plates in the Box
Once your plates are wrapped, it’s time to load them into the box correctly. Put a thick layer of crumpled packing paper at the bottom as a cushion. Stand a stack of plates vertically along the side of the box, making sure they fit snugly together so they don’t shift.
After the first stack is in place, add another one next to it. Alternate the direction of plates in each stack to create a crisscross pattern for better stability. Keep layering until the box is almost full. Finish with a final layer of crumpled paper on top, then seal the box with tape. Give it a gentle shake to make sure nothing moves inside. The key is packing plates tightly with enough padding to stop any shifting.
Fill Empty Spaces
Filling gaps in the box keeps your plates from moving around during transport. Even with careful packing, you’ll usually have some leftover space that needs attention.
Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts to fill these spots. Crumple up paper and stuff it around the plates, making sure everything is snug but not under too much pressure. Cut bubble wrap into smaller pieces and slide them between plates and along the sides. Foam peanuts fill voids and provide extra cushioning.
Seal and Label the Box
Proper sealing and clear labels protect your plates and help movers handle them correctly. Start by taping the bottom of the box with high-quality packing tape and reinforcing the seams and edges to prevent the box from collapsing under the weight.
Once your plates are arranged and cushioned, seal the top with the same attention to detail. Use a permanent marker to write “Handle with Care – Plates” on the top and sides. Mark, which side should face up to prevent mishandling? If you have multiple plate boxes, number them to track your inventory. Good labeling helps you and your movers treat the boxes right and get them to the correct rooms at your new place.
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