Quick Summary: Packing dishes for moving starts with wrapping each piece individually in packing paper and placing them vertically in a reinforced box, never flat. Standing dishes on their edge prevents the weight of the stack from pressing down on each piece, which is the main reason dishes crack during a move.

From there, it comes down to padding the box base properly, filling every gap so nothing shifts in transit, and sealing the box with enough tape to handle the weight. The guide below describes each of those steps in detail, along with material-specific tips and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Introduction

Dishes are among the most commonly broken items during a move. They are flat, they stack, and they seem sturdy until they are not wrapped properly and end up shifting inside a box on a bumpy road.

We recently published a guide on how to pack bowls for moving, which covers the wrapping process, materials, and special tips by bowl material. If you have bowls to pack as well, that guide is worth reading alongside this one.

This guide focuses specifically on dishes. We will cover the materials you need, walk you through each step of the packing process, and flag the mistakes that tend to cause the most damage.

Materials Needed for Safely Packing Dishes for a Move

Let’s get started with what you need to properly pack your dishes. Here is a list of the materials that you should have at hand.

• Packing paper (100 to 150 sheets): used for wrapping each dish individually and filling empty spaces inside the box
• Bubble wrap (1 to 2 medium rolls): used for adding an extra layer of protection around delicate or valuable pieces
• Sturdy dish pack box (1 to 2 boxes): these are thicker than standard moving boxes and designed to handle the weight of stacked dishes
• Cardboard dividers (1 set): used for keeping dishes separated inside the box so they cannot knock against each other
• Packing tape (1 to 2 rolls): used for sealing the box and reinforcing the bottom before loading
• Foam sheets or plate separators (1 pack): used for placing between dishes when stacking to prevent surface contact
• Permanent marker (1): used for labeling the box with fragile warnings and contents
• Soft towels or cloth liners (2 to 4): used for padding the bottom and top of the box

Quick Overview of Steps to Pack Dishes for a Move

We’re going to provide a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the process. But, before we do that, here is a quick overview that you can check to get an idea of what that process consists of.

1. Wrap each dish individually in packing paper
2. Add bubble wrap to delicate or valuable pieces
3. Reinforce and pad the bottom of the box
4. Place the first layer of dishes vertically in the box
5. Add dividers and foam sheets between layers
6. Fill all gaps and empty spaces
7. Add a top padding layer before closing
8. Seal, reinforce, and label the box

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Pack Dishes for Moving

Now, let’s delve deep into each step.

Step 1: Wrap Each Dish Individually

Start with a clean, flat surface. Lay two to three sheets of packing paper flat, place a dish in the center, and fold the edges over until the dish is fully covered. Run your hand over the wrapped dish to make sure there are no exposed areas.

For thinner or older dishes, add a second wrap. The goal is a firm, even layer around the entire surface with no gaps.

A useful tip here is to wrap several dishes before you start placing them in the box. This keeps the process moving and lets you plan the layering better.

Step 2: Add Bubble Wrap to Delicate or Valuable Pieces

Not every dish needs bubble wrap. Reserve it for pieces that are thin, old, or particularly valuable.

Wrap the bubble wrap over the paper layer, not directly on the dish. Press it gently so it sits flush against the surface, then secure the edges with a small strip of tape. This keeps the wrap in place and prevents it from bunching inside the box.

Step 3: Reinforce and Pad the Bottom of the Box

Before anything goes in, flip the box over and run two strips of tape along the bottom seam in opposite directions. Then flip it back and add a base layer of padding.

Place a folded towel or several sheets of crumpled packing paper at the bottom. Press down on it. It should feel cushioned and even across the entire base. If any area feels thin, add more padding before moving on.

Step 4: Place the First Layer of Dishes Vertically

This is the most important step in the entire guide. Dishes should be packed on their edge, standing vertically, not lying flat. Flat stacking puts direct pressure on the surface of each dish and increases the chance of cracking significantly.

Place the wrapped dishes side by side, standing upright, with the edges facing down. Start with your larger, heavier dishes and work toward the smaller ones.

Step 5: Add Dividers and Foam Sheets Between Layers

Once the first vertical row is in place, slide a cardboard divider in to separate it from the next row. If you do not have dividers, a firm layer of crumpled packing paper works as a substitute.

Place a foam sheet between each dish as well. This prevents the surfaces from pressing against each other during movement and eliminates the friction that causes chips and cracks.

One layer can have 5 to 10 dishes, depending on their size and the size of the box.

Step 6: Fill All Gaps and Empty Spaces

Shake the box gently after each row. If you hear or feel any movement, the gaps need to be filled before you continue.

Crumple packing paper and press it into any spaces along the sides and corners. The dishes should feel snug but not compressed. Movement inside the box is the primary reason dishes break during a move, so this step deserves your full attention.

Step 7: Add a Top Padding Layer Before Closing

Once all the dishes are in, place a folded towel or a thick layer of packing paper on top of the stack before closing the box. This top layer absorbs impact if anything is placed on top of the box during loading.

Press down gently on the padding. The flaps should close without forcing them. If you have to push down hard to close the box, it is overpacked and needs to be adjusted.

Step 8: Seal, Reinforce, and Label the Box

Close the flaps and tape all seams, including the top center seam and both side seams. Flip the box and reinforce the bottom once more.

Label the top and at least two sides clearly. Write "Fragile," "This Side Up," and a short description of the contents. Give the sealed box a final lift and a gentle shake. Nothing should move. If something shifts, open it back up and add more filler before sealing again.

Special Tips by Dish Material

Here are some special tips that you should follow depending on specific dish materials.

Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Dishes

Here are some common mistakes that people can make when packing dishes, causing the latter to possibly break during transit. You should avoid making these mistakes, which we’ve listed below for your edification.

• Packing dishes flat instead of vertically: Flat packing puts the full weight of the stack on each dish below it. Standing dishes on their edge distributes the load and significantly reduces the chance of cracking.
• Skipping the box-bottom reinforcement: The bottom of the box takes the most stress during loading and transport. A single layer of tape is not enough for a box full of dishes. Reinforce it before anything goes in.
• Using newspaper instead of packing paper: Newspaper ink transfers onto dishes, especially onto lighter-colored or porous surfaces. Plain packing paper is a safer choice.
• Overpacking the box: A box that requires force to close is a box waiting to break. If the flaps do not close naturally, remove a dish or two and pack them separately.
• Mixing dishes with heavy non-dish items: Placing cookware or appliances in the same box creates uneven pressure. Keep dishes grouped together.
• Not labeling orientation: A dish box placed on its side loses the benefit of vertical packing entirely. Marking "This Side Up" on every side of the box takes ten seconds and can prevent a lot of breakage.

Final Thoughts

The process of packing dishes is very easy and simple. It’s all about knowing what not to do. Some people stack dishes horizontally, one atop the other. This is a mistake. The same goes for things like adding bubble wrap and padding.

If you follow the guide above, you’ll be able to do everything the correct way and make sure that the dishes arrive at their destination safe and sound. If you need a reliable moving partner that handle all your packing, dont forget to contact Dumbo Moving and Storage.

FAQs

How many dishes can I fit in one box?

It depends on the size of the dishes and the box. A standard dish pack box fits around 10 to 15 dinner plates when packed vertically with dividers. Do not try to maximize the count. A box that is too heavy is harder to handle safely and puts more strain on the bottom seam.

Can I use regular moving boxes instead of dishpack boxes?

You can, but dish pack boxes are noticeably thicker and more rigid. If you use a regular box, double it by placing one inside another and reinforcing the bottom heavily. It is not the ideal solution, but it works for shorter moves.

What do I do with odd-shaped dishes that do not stack well vertically?

Wrap them individually and pack them in their own section of the box with plenty of padding around each piece. Do not try to force them into a vertical row with standard dishes. Giving them their own space is safer than trying to fit everything neatly.

Should I wash my dishes before packing them?

Yes, but make sure they are completely dry before wrapping. Even a small amount of moisture weakens packing paper and can affect certain dish materials over a long move.