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How to Pack China for Moving – The Best Way to Avoid Damage

Posted in How-to on July 21, 2021

Getting ready for a move implies boxing up the whole household, including all the delicate and breakable things. Glassware, tea sets, porcelain vases, and other decorations, as well as chinaware, will definitely take their place on the list. This time, we’re explaining in detail how to pack china for moving, revealing all the tips and tricks on how to properly do it and avoid any unpleasant surprises once your belongings get delivered to your new home.

What Is the Best Way to Pack Fine China for Moving?

Packaging fragile items is one of the most stressful tasks when boxing up your household since there is always a risk of damage due to their delicate nature.

However, with the right techniques, a stress-free move without any fear that something will be delivered broken is possible. Here are all the essential steps you need to take to box up your fragile belongings properly.

Divide Your Breakables into Categories and Decide Whether You Need All of Them

Like with any other belongings, the very first step to boxing up breakables is related to deciding what to keep when relocating and what to get rid of.

For that reason, taking all your fragile belongings off the kitchen cupboards and dividing them into categories is the best way to start boxing up dishes for a move.

Set aside and separate different types of glasses, cups, mugs, plates, and chinaware and decide what will take place on the household inventory list.

When it comes to porcelain pieces, we are sure you won’t need too much time to decide what to bring with you since, in most cases, those are antique pieces of art and parts of a family heirloom, so they have sentimental value to you.

Once you separate plates, bowls, cups, and vases, the next step is to group them by size and get organized for the move. If you want to learn more packing tips for relocating, check out the video below and find out everything you need to know.

Get All the Necessary Boxes and Packing Materials for China Dishes

Acquiring all protective materials for boxing up your chinaware is of utmost importance if you want to get your breakables whole once they are delivered to your doorstep. Ensure to have these protective materials before you start:

  • Boxes, plastic or cardboard,
  • Packing paper,
  • Bubble wrap,
  • Foam peanuts,
  • Cellular dividers,
  • Foam pouch inserts,
  • Tape.

Of course, we would definitely recommend getting some alternative materials you already have in the kitchen, like clothes, towels, or anything else that will cushion the inside of the cardboard and fill in the gaps between. You can also use some old newspapers instead of packaging paper. However, keep in mind that this kind of material could leave stains from the print. Whatever you decide, just ensure you’ve wrapped all the pieces correctly.

Using the Right Stuff: Don’t Use Second-Hand Moving Boxes for Fine China

If you want to ensure the full protection of your delicate items, avoid using already-used cardboard boxes since those can get damaged easily. The best way to pack china is to use dish and glass kits – specially designed packages for fine chinaware pieces.

They will keep breakables completely protected, and you can be sure that once they are packed in the relocation truck or storage unit, they’ll make it in one piece to your new home.

Don’t Skimp on Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap

Using paper and bubble wrap generously for delicate items is one of the best ways to protect them from any potential damage. When it comes to this part, be generous and make sure everything is wrapped up properly.

This will provide additional cushioning inside the boxes, prevent movement during transport, and add a level of protection once you store them in the storage unit.

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How to Pack China for Moving and Find the Right China Packing Boxes

Packing glasses for relocating entails a few preparatory steps. The first step is to establish a clear packaging station with enough space. Getting the right china packing boxes and placing a thick layer of crumpled papers at the bottom of the cardboard is the second step.

Finally, taking each piece of chinaware and making sure to wrap it up with bubble wrap and packaging paper before you put it in the box is the most important step. Once you put all the pieces into boxes, ensure to fill in the gaps using foam peanuts, crumpled papers, or kitchen cloths and towels.

Last but not least, don’t forget to label the containers because we at Cross Country Movers should know the contents of each, so we can put it in the right place in your new home.

wrapped coffee mug in a bubble wrap for long-distance moving
Ensure every cup, mug, or glass is properly packed and labeled before it is loaded on the truck

What’s the Best Way to Pack China Plates for Moving?

Packing china plates when moving cross country is pretty similar to all other chinaware. Just ensure to wrap each piece separately and place them vertically this time. Also, make sure to arrange them according to their weight, and put the heavier items in the box first.

Again, lining up the box with cushioning materials is a must, so don’t forget this step. Although there will not be so many gaps between the items since plates are pretty flat, ensure to divide them with a piece of cardboard or cloth to prevent any movement and buffer vibrations during the transportation.

a woman wrapping up plates into bubble wrap, preparing for long-distance moving
Fold each plate separately and don't skimp on protective materials

Leave Packing China to Cross-Country Movers, the Professional Long-Distance Moving Company of Your Dreams

Moving across the country with the help of professional long-distance movers will not only facilitate your move but will also provide you with peace of mind knowing that none of your breakables will get damaged during the transportation process.

That’s why you should opt for specially designed packing services from Cross Country Movers’ special array of moving services if you want to leave all the long-distance moving tasks to the pros. Our services aren’t only the best, but they’ll make you the happiest mover around.

We offer more than just packing and relocation – our cross-country movers can also provide a stellar auto transport service, and our policies for safe and effective relocation also include free storage service for a month and mandatory relocation insurance. We are the right choice for packing china, and anything else fragile and valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Pack China for Moving

What Is the Best Way to Pack Delicate China for a Move?

The best way to pack delicate china for a move is to wrap each piece individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, and then place them in a sturdy box with appropriate cushioning. It’s important to label the box as fragile and handle it with care to ensure that it’s handled appropriately during the move.

Should I Pack My China in Boxes or Suitcases?

It is generally recommended to pack china in boxes rather than suitcases because boxes provide better protection and are easier to stack and transport during a move.

How Can I Protect Fragile Handles, Spouts, and Other Delicate Surfaces During the Move?

To protect delicate surfaces such as handles and spouts during a move, it is important to wrap them carefully with packing paper or bubble wrap and ensure that they are well-cushioned inside the box. You should also label the box as fragile and handle it with care to ensure that it is treated appropriately during the move.

What Materials Should I Use to Wrap My China for Added Protection?

You can use packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam sheets to wrap your china for added protection while you’re moving across the country.

Can I Stack China Plates and Bowls on Top of Each Other During the Move?

It is generally not recommended to stack china plates and bowls on top of each other during a move as it can increase the risk of damage or breakage. Instead, wrap each piece individually and pack them in a sturdy box with appropriate cushioning to provide adequate protection.

Should I Disassemble My Teapot, Cups, and Saucers Before Packing Them?

It is generally not necessary to disassemble teapots, cups, and saucers before packing them for a move, as they are designed to be used as a single piece. However, if any parts are removable, it’s a good idea to wrap them separately and label them appropriately.

How Can I Prevent Items From Shifting and Breaking During Transport?

To prevent items from shifting and breaking while moving cross-country, pack them tightly and securely in a sturdy box with appropriate cushioning, such as packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam. Fill any empty spaces with packing material to prevent movement inside the box.

Is It Safe to Pack China With Other Kitchen Items, or Should I Pack It Separately?

It is generally safe to pack china with other kitchen items, but it’s important to use appropriate packing materials and to arrange them carefully to prevent damage. Wrapping pieces individually and adding extra cushioning is recommended.

Should I Label the Boxes Containing My China for Easy Identification During the Move?

Yes, it’s important to label the boxes containing your china for easy identification during the move. Labeling them as “fragile” or “china” can help the movers know where to place them, and handling them with care to prevent damage while cross-country moving is essential.

Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

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