Tips For Packing Your Fine China

Whether a wedding gift or a treasured family heirloom, you want to protect your fine china on a long distance move. China is very delicate so it breaks, chips, and cracks very easily. It is essential to pack your fine china correctly so it stays intact while moving cross country. Here are our tips for packing your fine china so it will be safe from damage.

Plates

First, start by lining the bottom of a box with at least a one inch layer of padding. Next place each plate on a square sheet of wrapping paper. Then take each corner and fold to the center overlapping until the entire surface on the plate is covered. Next cut pieces of foam or bubble wrap and place in between each layer. Then pack plates in a box vertically because it reduces the pressure on the delicate center of each plate. Use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper to fill any space left in the box. You want to reduce movement to prevent breakage.

Bowls

You want to start by lining the bottom layer of your box with a one inch layer of padding. Then place each bowl on a square sheet of paper. Take three corners and wrap them into the bowl, tucking the edges into the center of the bowl. Then flip the bowl and take the last corner and fold it underneath. Place the bowls upright in the box, nesting one into another. Fill any loose space with extra packing material.

Glassware

For the best protection, you should get a glassware box with dividers. These dividers will help keep you glassware from rattling and breaking. Start packing your glassware by filling the bottom of your box with a layer of padding. Then make sure you wrap your heaviest glassware first. Your heaviest glassware should go on the bottom, while your more delicate pieces like stemware should go on the top. Take each piece and lie on it’s side on a square sheet of paper. You will do a roll and tuck method, where you will roll the full width of the glass then tuck the paper into the glass and along the outside. Continue until all the paper has been used. Then place each glass in an individual section of your box. When you are ready to add another layer, use a sturdy divider. Finish by placing extra padding at the top of the box.

For all the boxes you want to make sure you securely tape the top and bottom of the box. Also write the word “fragile” and then “this end up” with an arrow. If you follow these simple packing instructions, your china will be sure to be protected during your cross-country move.