Protecting China From Breakage When Moving
If you have fine china dinnerware, and you are in the process of moving from one home to another, protecting your pieces from breakage will become a concern. There are a few steps you can take to properly package your china pieces, helping to minimize the risk of damage as they are being transported to their new location. Here are some tips to help keep your china from becoming broken when moving.
Pick The Right Container
When packing breakables like china, you will want a sturdy container to place it inside so it is at less of a risk of becoming crushed by other containers bumping into it if it shifts around in the back of a moving van. Plastic storage containers or thick corrugated cardboard boxes would work best. If using boxes, opt for new boxes that you construct on your own. Pre-used boxes are often flimsy and can have deteriorated corrugation between the cardboard layers, leading to possibly bending if something pushes against them.
Cushion Properly
When wrapping fine china, bubble wrap should be used so there is less chance of an impact breaking your pieces. To wrap, roll out a piece of bubble wrap and place the item on top of the wrap. Cut the wrap so there is enough on each side of the item to fully cover it when the sides are folded to the middle of the piece. Tape the ends together. If there is excess wrap on the edges, fold and tape in place. Repeat with a second piece of bubble wrap for each piece for complete coverage.
Successful Stacking
Place a piece of thick cardboard on the bottom of a plastic storage container or sturdy cardboard box to help give the container extra cushioning. If using a box, make sure the bottom is securely taped so it does not disassemble when being carried. Place a plate on the cardboard and cover it with another piece of thick cardboard. Place another plate on this cardboard piece. Continue alternating between china plate and cardboard piece. Fill any voids in the container with packing peanuts.
If you have smaller china pieces like gravy boats, butter trays, or pitchers, place these around the plates before you fill the container with packing peanuts. Make sure the peanuts are tamped into place and cover the top plate so it is no longer seen. Tape the top securely and label each container with the word "Fragile" to alert your moving service to be a bit more careful when handling. If you would rather have a professional do this, contact a packing service.