# How to Pack Dishes and Glassware for Moving Canonical URL: https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/how-to-pack-dishes/ > Learn how to pack dishes and glassware so nothing breaks. Step-by-step packing techniques with pro tips for plates, bowls, glasses, and fragile items. - [Home](https://movingcompanyhq.com/) - [Blog](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/) - How to Pack Dishes and Glassware for Moving [Packing](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/category/packing/) · 10 min read Learn how to pack dishes and glassware so nothing breaks. Step-by-step packing techniques with pro tips for plates, bowls, glasses, and fragile items. The kitchen is the room that makes people want to give up on packing and throw everything away. Between the plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, wine glasses, serving platters, and that one delicate vase your grandmother gave you, it feels like an obstacle course of things waiting to break. The truth is, packing dishes is not that hard once you know the techniques. Professional movers do this every day without breaking anything, and they are not using magic. They are using the right materials, the right methods, and a few tricks that make all the difference. Here is how to pack your dishes and glassware like a pro so everything arrives intact. ## What You Will Need Gather these supplies before you start packing. Having everything within reach makes the process much faster. ### Essential Supplies Supply What It Is For How Much You Need Packing paper (unprinted) Wrapping individual items 5-10 lb bundle per kitchen Bubble wrap Extra protection for fragile items 1 roll (small bubbles preferred) Small boxes Heavy items like plates and bowls 5-8 boxes Medium boxes Lighter items like glasses and mugs 3-5 boxes Dish barrel boxes Extra-thick, double-walled boxes for fragile items 2-3 boxes Cell dividers Individual compartments for glasses and stemware 2-3 sets Packing tape Sealing and reinforcing boxes 2-3 rolls Markers Labeling boxes 1-2 markers Where to get supplies: Moving supply stores, Home Depot, Lowes, U-Haul, or order online. Dish barrel boxes and cell dividers are specifically designed for kitchen items and are worth the small extra cost. ### What NOT to Use - Newspaper (ink transfers to dishes and is hard to clean) - Paper towels (not enough cushioning) - Plastic bags (no protection against impact) - Large boxes for heavy items (too heavy to lift safely, bottom can break) ## How to Pack Plates and Flat Items Plates, saucers, and flat serving pieces are among the most commonly broken items during a move. The key is wrapping each one individually and packing them on their sides. ### Step-by-Step Plate Packing 1. Prepare the box: - Use a small or dish barrel box - Reinforce the bottom with extra packing tape (tape in an X pattern plus along each seam) - Line the bottom with 3-4 inches of crumpled packing paper 2. Wrap each plate individually: - Lay 2-3 sheets of packing paper on a flat surface - Place the plate in the center - Fold one corner of the paper over the plate and tuck it underneath - Fold the opposite corner and tuck - Fold the remaining corners - For fine china or particularly fragile pieces, add a layer of bubble wrap over the packing paper 3. Pack plates vertically: - Stand wrapped plates on their edges, like records in a crate - This is the single most important technique for preventing breaks - Place a piece of crumpled paper or cardboard between each plate - Fill the box snugly so plates cannot shift, but do not force them in 4. Fill all gaps: - Stuff crumpled packing paper into every empty space - The box should feel firm when closed, with no movement when gently shaken - Add a final layer of crumpled paper on top before sealing 5. Label clearly: - Write “FRAGILE - Plates” on the top and at least two sides - Indicate which direction is up - Note the room destination ## How to Pack Glasses and Cups Glasses are more vulnerable than plates because of their thin walls and open shape. The goal is to cushion the inside and outside of each glass. ### Step-by-Step Glass Packing 1. Use cell dividers if available: - Cell dividers (cardboard inserts that create individual compartments) are the easiest way to pack glasses safely - Place one in a medium or dish barrel box - Each glass gets its own padded compartment 2. Wrap each glass individually: - Stuff a sheet of crumpled packing paper inside the glass to support the walls - Place the glass at the corner of a sheet of packing paper - Roll the glass across the paper, folding the edges in as you go - The glass should be completely enveloped in paper - Secure with a small piece of tape if needed 3. Pack glasses upside down: - Place wrapped glasses rim-side down in the box or cell divider - The rim is the weakest point, and packing upside down distributes weight onto the stronger base 4. Layer carefully: - If stacking a second layer, place a sturdy piece of cardboard between layers - The second layer should be lighter or smaller items - Never stack more than two layers of glasses ## How to Pack Wine Glasses and Stemware Stemware is the most fragile thing in your kitchen. The stems are incredibly vulnerable to snapping, so they need extra attention. ### Step-by-Step Stemware Packing 1. Protect the stem first: - Wrap a small piece of bubble wrap or several layers of packing paper around the stem specifically - This is the most vulnerable point 2. Wrap the entire glass: - Stuff packing paper inside the bowl of the glass - Place the glass on a large sheet of packing paper - Roll it up, tucking the edges as you go, creating a cocoon - Add a layer of bubble wrap over the packing paper for extra insurance 3. Use cell dividers: - Stemware cell dividers are the ideal solution - Each glass gets its own compartment, preventing contact between glasses - If you do not have dividers, create individual nests of crumpled paper in the box 4. Pack upside down: - Place each wrapped wine glass rim-down in its compartment - This protects the delicate rim and keeps the center of gravity low 5. Fill every gap: - Any movement is the enemy - Pack paper around and between each glass until nothing can shift ## How to Pack Bowls Bowls are easier than glasses but still need individual attention. ### Step-by-Step Bowl Packing - Wrap each bowl in 2-3 sheets of packing paper - Nest small bowls inside larger ones, with paper between each (limit nesting to 3-4 bowls per stack) - Pack bowl stacks on their sides in the box, similar to plates - Fill gaps with crumpled paper - Keep the box under 50 pounds ## How to Pack Mugs and Coffee Cups Mugs have handles, which are their weak point. Pack them similarly to glasses but with extra handle protection. - Wrap the handle first with a small piece of bubble wrap or extra packing paper - Then wrap the entire mug - Pack mugs with handles facing inward, toward the center of the box - Use cell dividers if available - Do not hang mugs by their handles in the box ## How to Pack Serving Pieces and Odd Shapes Platters, serving bowls, gravy boats, and other irregular items require custom wrapping. ### Large Platters and Cutting Boards - Wrap individually in packing paper and bubble wrap - Pack on edge (vertically) like plates - Use dish barrel boxes for oversized pieces - Place between other flat items for support ### Serving Bowls and Decorative Pieces - Stuff the inside with crumpled paper - Wrap the entire piece in packing paper, then bubble wrap - Place in the center of the box, surrounded by smaller wrapped items - Do not place heavy items on top ### Items With Lids - Wrap the base and lid separately - Place a piece of packing paper between the base and lid if transporting together - Tape lids closed only with painter’s tape (regular tape leaves residue) ## Common Packing Mistakes That Break Dishes ### Mistake 1: Packing Plates Flat Plates stacked flat on top of each other transfer pressure directly to the plate below. One bump can crack multiple plates. Always pack plates on edge. ### Mistake 2: Not Enough Cushioning on the Bottom The bottom of the box takes the most impact. Three to four inches of crumpled paper creates a cushion that absorbs shock. ### Mistake 3: Leaving Empty Space Items that can shift inside the box will hit each other and break. Fill every gap with crumpled paper, towels, or other soft materials. ### Mistake 4: Making Boxes Too Heavy Kitchen items are heavy. A large box filled with dishes can exceed 70 pounds, making it impossible to lift safely and putting enormous pressure on the items at the bottom. Stick to small boxes for dishes. ### Mistake 5: Skipping Individual Wrapping It is tempting to stack plates with just a paper towel between them. Do not do this. Every item needs individual wrapping. The few extra minutes prevent chips and cracks. ### Mistake 6: Using the Wrong Box Standard moving boxes have thinner walls than dish barrel boxes. For your most fragile items, the extra thickness and double-walled construction of dish barrels is worth the investment. ## Pro Tips From Professional Packers These are the techniques professional movers use that save time and prevent damage: - Use t-shirts and towels as padding. You have to move them anyway, so use soft clothing as cushioning inside boxes. This saves on packing paper and gives your clothes a job. - Pack a “first meal” box separately. Include a few plates, cups, utensils, and basic cooking supplies. Label it clearly so you can find it immediately at your new home. - Take photos of your dishes before packing. If you need to file a damage claim with your moving company, having before photos is invaluable. - Color-code your kitchen boxes. Use a specific color marker for kitchen boxes so movers know to handle them carefully and place them in the right room. - Pack the kitchen last. You will need dishes until the very end. Make the kitchen the last room you pack and the first room you unpack. For more packing tips beyond the kitchen, see our [25 packing hacks](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/packing-hacks-for-moving/) that professional movers use. ## Should You Hire Professionals to Pack Your Kitchen? The kitchen is the hardest room to pack, and professional packers can do it in a fraction of the time. Here is the trade-off: Factor DIY Packing Professional Packing Cost $30-$60 in supplies $150-$400 for kitchen only Time 4-8 hours 1-2 hours Skill level Moderate Expert Breakage risk Higher Lower Insurance coverage Limited Often included If your budget allows, having movers pack the kitchen while you handle the rest of the house is a smart compromise. You can [get quotes from movers](https://movingcompanyhq.com/get-quotes/) that include packing services to see what it would cost. ## Moving Day Kitchen Checklist Before the movers arrive or you start loading, do a final sweep of the kitchen: - Empty and clean the refrigerator (defrost if needed) - Empty the dishwasher - Pack any remaining loose items - Dispose of open food items, spices past their prime, and expired condiments - Remove items from the top of cabinets - Check the oven, microwave, and under the sink - Clean surfaces for the next occupant ## The Bottom Line Packing dishes does not have to be a nerve-wracking experience. The core principles are simple: wrap every item individually, pack plates vertically, cushion the bottom and top of every box, fill all empty space, and keep boxes under 50 pounds. Follow these techniques and your dishes will arrive at your new home in the same condition they left. If you are handling a big move and want professional help with the fragile stuff, [get free quotes](https://movingcompanyhq.com/get-quotes/) from movers who offer packing services. Many people find that having pros handle the kitchen alone saves hours of stress and prevents breakage. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Should I use newspaper to wrap dishes? Newspaper works in a pinch, but packing paper is better. Newspaper ink can transfer to your dishes, especially white or light-colored ones, and the smudges can be stubborn to clean. Unprinted packing paper provides the same protection without the mess. ### How should I pack plates, flat or on their side? Pack plates vertically, standing on their edges like records in a crate. Plates are stronger on edge than lying flat. When stacked flat, the weight of the plates on top puts pressure on the ones below, increasing the chance of cracking. Wrap each plate individually and stand them upright with padding between each one. ### Can I pack dishes in the same box as other kitchen items? It is best to pack dishes separately from heavier kitchen items like pots, pans, and appliances. The weight and hard edges of those items can crush or chip your dishes during transit. If space is limited, put the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on top, with plenty of padding between layers. ### How heavy should a box of dishes be? Keep dish boxes under 50 pounds. Dishes are dense and heavy, so it does not take many to reach this limit. Use small or medium boxes rather than large ones. A large box filled with dishes can easily exceed 70 pounds, making it difficult to lift safely and more likely to break or have the bottom give out. ### Is it worth paying movers to pack the kitchen? For many people, yes. The kitchen is the hardest and most time-consuming room to pack, and it contains the most breakable items. Professional packers know exactly how to wrap and box fragile items for maximum protection. If your budget allows, having movers pack the kitchen while you handle the rest is a smart compromise. Moving Company HQ Team Our team of moving experts creates practical, research-backed guides to help make your next move easier. ## Related Articles Packing 11 min ### [Packing Like a Pro: Tips From Professional Movers](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/packing-like-a-pro/) Learn professional packing techniques from experienced movers. Protect your belongings, save time, and make your next move easier with these pro tips. [Read More](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/packing-like-a-pro/) Packing 12 min ### [How to Pack Boxes for Moving: A Step-by-Step Room-by-Room Guide That Protects Every Item](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/how-to-pack-boxes-for-moving/) Learn how to pack boxes for moving with this room-by-room guide. Discover the right box sizes, padding techniques, and labeling tips to keep your belongings safe. [Read More](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/how-to-pack-boxes-for-moving/) Packing 11 min ### [How to Pack an Apartment in 2 Days: A Stress-Free Plan](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/how-to-pack-an-apartment-in-2-days/) Need to pack an apartment fast? Follow this step-by-step 2-day packing plan with supply lists, room-by-room tips, and time-saving strategies. [Read More](https://movingcompanyhq.com/blog/how-to-pack-an-apartment-in-2-days/)