How to Pack Your Dishes for Relocation

Moving day is approaching, and if you've ever heard the sickening sound of breaking glass inside a moving box, you know how devastating it can be. Dishes are among the most fragile (and expensive) household items to move, yet they’re often packed improperly due to time constraints or lack of materials.

“We see it all the time - people think stacking dishes in a box with a towel is ‘good enough,’” says one of our professional movers. “Then, when they arrive at their new place, they find shattered pieces and a box full of regrets.”

Whether you're an urban professional with a sleek dinnerware set or a family transporting generations of china, the right packing techniques can be the difference between a flawless move and an expensive disaster.

Why Proper Dish Packing Matters

Dishes aren’t just kitchenware, they’re investments, heirlooms, and memories. Whether it’s a set of high-end dinnerware or the plates you’ve used for years, breaking them during a move is more than just inconvenient, it’s avoidable.

The number one mistake people make? They either overpack a box, causing it to buckle, or they underpack it, leaving too much empty space. Both lead to breakage.

According to industry insights, fragile items like glassware and dishware are among the most commonly damaged during moves. The cost of replacing a full dinnerware set can range from $200 to $2,000, depending on quality and rarity. However, with the right packing approach, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage.

The Best Moving Boxes for Dishes

Not all moving boxes are created equal, especially when it comes to fragile items like dishes. The right box can mean the difference between arriving with an intact kitchen or a pile of broken ceramics.

We always recommend dish barrels. They’re sturdier and designed specifically for heavy, breakable items. The extra thickness absorbs impact better than regular cardboard boxes.

Best Options for Packing Dishes:

• Dish Barrels - Double-walled for maximum durability (ideal for fine china & heavy plates).
• Small to Medium Moving Boxes - Standard boxes work if reinforced properly.
• Plastic Bins - Great for short-distance moves; provide built-in support.

Box Selection Pro Tip: If using regular moving boxes, reinforce the bottom with extra tape and avoid overpacking.

Wrapping Materials - Your Dishes' First Line of Defense

The biggest packing mistake people make? Using the wrong materials.

A customer once packed an entire box using just towels, by the time they opened it, half the dishes were cracked. Fabric shifts during transport and proper packing materials prevent that.

Best Materials for Packing Dishes:

• Packing Paper - The gold standard for dish wrapping.
• Bubble Wrap - Essential for delicate or valuable pieces.
• Dish Towels & Linens - Great as secondary cushioning (not primary protection).
• Foam Pouches - Ideal for small or ultra-fragile dishes.

Packing Tip: Always wrap each dish individually, never stack them unprotected.

Detailed Packing Techniques

Now that you have the right boxes and materials, it’s time to pack like a pro. Rushing through this step is where most people go wrong, but with the right technique, you can avoid breakage and save yourself from post-move regret.

The Step-by-Step Dish Packing Method

1. Set Up a Wrapping Station

• Lay out packing paper or a clean, soft surface.
• Have your supplies within reach - you don’t want to be scrambling mid-wrap.

2. Wrap Each Dish Individually

• Place a dish in the center of a packing paper sheet.
• Pull one corner over the plate, then tuck in the sides.
• Repeat until fully wrapped and secure.

3. Reinforce & Cushion

• If stacking plates, add a layer of padding between each one (bubble wrap or dish towels).
• Nest small bowls inside larger ones, wrapping each separately.

4. Pack Dishes Vertically, Not Flat

• Plates and bowls should be on their edges - they can handle pressure better this way.
• If stacking cups or mugs, fill the inside with paper to prevent cracking.

5. Fill All Gaps & Test for Movement

• Once the box is full, gently shake it - if you hear movement, add more paper.
• Extra crumpled packing paper or soft materials should eliminate empty spaces.

Why This Works:

• Vertical packing prevents direct weight pressure.
• Tight wrapping keeps dishes stable during transport.
• Padding absorbs shocks from road vibrations.

Final Step: Seal & Label the Box Clearly

• Tape the top securely.
• Mark FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP on multiple sides.
• Consider adding “Kitchen – Dishes” so you can unpack efficiently.

Pro Tip: We always recommend using bright-colored fragile stickers, it’s an easy way to ensure movers and helpers handle the box with extra care. You can read more about labeling boxes in these articles:

• The Importance of Labeling Boxes for Moving
• Best Practices For Labeling Boxes During Your Relocation

Alternative Method: The Bundled Plate Technique

If you’re short on space or need to pack quickly, this method might work for you.

How It Works:

• Stack 4-5 plates with a paper plate or foam sheet in between.
• Wrap the entire stack in packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Tape the bundle securely to keep everything in place.
• Pack vertically in a well-cushioned box.

When This Works Best:

•  If you have thicker, sturdier plates (stoneware, melamine).
• If you're packing in dish barrels with reinforced walls.
• When you need to save space but still want protection.

When NOT to Use This Method:

• If you’re moving delicate, thin china (too much pressure on stacked plates).
• If you can’t secure the bundle tightly - shifting inside the box leads to cracks.

Our Professional Opinion:

This technique is great for time efficiency, but individual wrapping is still the safest approach for valuable dinnerware. If using the bundle method, always place extra cushioning at the bottom and sides of the box.

Packing Different Types of Kitchenware Like a Pro

Some dishes need special treatment beyond standard wrapping. Here’s how we ensure zero breakage for even the most fragile items:

Porcelain & China

• Wrap each piece individually in soft packing paper.
• Use bubble wrap around the entire set before placing in the box.
• Avoid stacking more than 3 high - porcelain is brittle.

Stemware & Crystal Glasses

• Use boxes with built-in dividers (or make your own with cardboard inserts).
• Pack glasses upright, not sideways - the base is stronger than the rim.
• Fill any empty space inside each glass with paper to prevent crushing.

Ceramic & Stoneware

• Heavier but still fragile- wrap carefully and never overpack one box.
• Place heavier bowls at the bottom, lighter pieces on top.

Professional Insight: A Real Packing Save
“We once had a client with an entire collection of antique crystal goblets, each worth over $300. They originally planned to wrap them in towels, but we stepped in and used a custom foam insert box. The result? Every single piece arrived in perfect condition.”

Pro Tip: If you don’t have special dish dividers, cut up pieces of cardboard to create your own sections inside a regular box.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many people unknowingly pack their dishes in ways that guarantee breakage. Over the years, we’ve seen it all, from entire boxes crumbling on moving day to delicate glassware packed with zero cushioning. Here’s what NOT to do:

Mistake #1: Overpacking Boxes Until They're Too Heavy

• Why it’s a problem: A box that’s too heavy will either collapse from the bottom or be impossible to carry safely.
• Fix: Keep dish boxes under 40 lbs. If a box feels too heavy, split it into two.

Mistake #2: Skimping on Cushioning

• Why it’s a problem: If dishes shift during transport, they’ll collide and crack.
• Fix: Fill every gap with packing paper, bubble wrap, or dish towels.

Mistake #3: Placing Heavy Items on Top of Fragile Dishes

• Why it’s a problem: The pressure from stacked pots, pans, or other kitchenware can shatter delicate dishes.
• Fix: Pack heavy items separately, keeping fragile dishes at the top of a moving stack.

Mistake #4: Failing to Label Fragile Boxes Properly

• Why it’s a problem: Movers (or even you) might unknowingly toss the box onto a pile, leading to disaster.
• Fix: Use large “FRAGILE” labels and arrows indicating THIS SIDE UP.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Temperature & Humidity Risks

• Why it’s a problem: If moving in extreme heat or cold, thin glass and porcelain can crack due to sudden temperature changes.
• Fix: If you’re moving during winter or summer extremes, let dishes gradually adjust to room temperature before unpacking.

Should You Pack Dishes Yourself or Let Professionals Handle It?

Packing dishes isn’t rocket science, but it does require time, patience, and the right materials. If any of these situations apply to you, it might be worth handing the job to experts:

You Own Expensive or Antique China & Crystal

• Fine porcelain, rare collectibles, and stemware require specialized packing techniques that go beyond DIY methods.

And if you need more antique packing insights, our How to Transport Antique Furniture article is for you.

You’re Pressed for Time

• If your moving day is fast approaching, professional packers can wrap and box your entire kitchen in a few hours - saving you stress.

You’re Unsure About Proper Packing Methods

• If you’re not confident in how to wrap or stack fragile items, leaving it to the pros can save you from expensive mistakes.

You Need Insurance for High-Value Dishes

• Most moving companies offer additional insurance coverage when they pack fragile items themselves.

Real-World Example: When Hiring Professionals Saved the Day
We once worked with a client who owned a $5,000 collection of vintage glassware. They originally planned to pack it themselves but, after a quick consultation, we convinced them to let us handle it. Using custom crating and foam inserts, everything arrived intact, something that likely wouldn’t have happened with a standard packing job.

Pro Tip: Many professional movers offer partial packing services. You can pack the easier items yourself and have experts handle the fragile ones.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Kitchen, Protect Your Peace of Mind

Packing dishes isn't just about avoiding breakage, it's about preserving the things that make a house feel like home. From morning coffee mugs to holiday dinner plates, these items carry memories that deserve proper care.

By following the right packing techniques, choosing sturdy materials, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your dishes arrive safely and ready for the next chapter in your home.

Key Takeaways for a Stress-Free Dish Packing Experience:

• Always use dish barrels or reinforced boxes for extra protection.
• Wrap each dish individually and pack vertically to minimize impact.
• Fill every gap in the box to prevent movement.
• Label boxes clearly and keep fragile items separate from heavy kitchenware.
• If in doubt, let professionals handle delicate or high-value items.

Ready to Move Without the Stress?
Don’t leave your fragile items to chance. Our expert team has packed and moved thousands of kitchens safely and efficiently. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Get a free consultation today!Click here to schedule your expert packing session.