How to Pack Plates for a Move
August 27, 2018
Preparing for a move? McKendree Moving & Storage offers tips for safety and effectively packing your plates and flatware. Here's what you'll need:
- A medium size box
- Sheets of plain newsprint
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- A permanent marker
Here's what you do: Choose a sturdy, medium sized box and line the bottom and four sides with bubble wrap. Place a stack of newsprint nearby, making sure that sheets are large enough to accommodate your plates. Place a plate in the center of the top sheet and fold one corner of the newsprint over the plate, assuring that the plate is completely covered. Place a second plate atop the first, and cover it with each of the remaining three corners of the newsprint, then secure the newsprint with packing tape. Place the two plates in the box on their side, rather than flat on the bottom. Why? Because if the box encounters any kind of force, plates standing on their edge will sustain far more pressure without breaking than will plates stacked flat. Repeat with the remaining plates until your box is tightly packed. Keep in mind that plates of different sizes and designs will vary in weight. Make sure to choose box sizes accordingly, so that a packed box won't be too heavy to safely and easily carry. The maximum weight should not surpass about 50 pounds. Once the box is fully packed, cover the top of the plates with another sheet of bubble wrap, folding and tucking the edges snugly around the plates. If extra room remains, fill it with linens or towels so that the top of the box won't collapse if something heavy is placed atop it. Close and seal the box tightly, then label it with a brief note identifying the box's contents and the room where it will go in your new home (kitchen or dining room, for instance). It's also a good idea to write the word 'fragile' or 'breakable' on the box, so that anyone who handles it knows to take extra caution. Don't leave your dishware or other breakables to chance. Order high-quality packing supplies online or leave the packing to the pros. McKendree Moving & Storage in the metro Washington, DC area offers a full range of packing supplies and services. Call 800-530-2626 to learn more.
