Relocating your kitchen isn’t as easy as one would think. Learning how to pack dishes for moving is a particularly challenging task since most of them are fragile. And nobody wants to open containers in their brand new kitchen only to realize they have nothing left to put on shelves. With our guide, there’s no way this happens to you. Learn the secret tips and tricks of professionals so your every dish stays intact.
Where Should One Start With Boxing up Their Home?
When it comes to boxing up your place for a move, there are many things to do before you should wonder how to pack dishes when moving. Actually, this is the room you want to pack up last, as it is a space you’ll have to utilize until the very last moment. So what are the things you should do before? Well, if you ask any mover in Chicago, IL, they’ll tell you that every move is different, but there are a few universal rules when it comes to things you should do before you move.
The first of their relocation tips will always be the following: you should organize your move thoroughly. That means that before you get to boxing up your books and clothes, you have to create a relocation to-do list, which will encompass each and every task of your move. Next in line is the essential expenses checklist that will help you plan your budget thoroughly. And finally, we get to the boxing up list.
Don’t Sleep on Creating a Boxing up List
Preparation is a vital part of the packaging phase. Around two weeks before you are to head out of your former place, you should have your boxing up list done. Avoid any relocation stress by promptly picking and choosing items you’ll take with you and which not. Declutter and sort your cabinet items by the extent you utilize them, by their size, shape, and the like. This organizational step will leave you with enough time to box up each room. If you have at least a day for each room, you’ll avoid boxing up in a hurry, making the entire process much more manageable.
Decluttering Is a Crucial Step When Creating a Boxing up List
As your boxing up record should list only the things you are taking with you, it’s the perfect occasion to declutter your inventory. There are multiple reasons for this. First off, you are starting a new chapter in your life, so you should leave space in your home for new items as well. Secondly, the less stuff you have, the easier it will be to transport them. So before you start boxing up pots and pans, be sure you throw away those which are burnt and damaged.
Thirdly, a declutter is a great way to pay off moving services in Chicago. Consider selling a part of the things you no longer want and earning some money this way. If you don’t want to sell, think about donating. Brown Elephant is a place in Chicago where you can donate dishware. They will resell the items and give the proceeds to cover LGBTQ+ health services and fund uninsured patients at Howard Brown Health.
Supplies and Materials You Will Need for Packing Dishes for Moving
If you decide not to hire movers and packers in Chicago, you’ll need to acquire boxing-up materials and supplies. In order to efficiently move your kitchen it’s best you do this as soon as possible. Your kitchenware needs to be protected with extra care so it doesn’t break or damage, and that means protecting it thoroughly.
If you require supplies and you live in one of Chicago’s best suburbs, you might want to take a trip to Kilpatrick Ave. There you can find Citation Box & Paper, a supplies shop that has everything you might want and is available 24/7. While you’re there, here’s what you should get to successfully package your kitchenware:
- Different sizes of containers and boxes to hold your items. Since your kitchenware comes in various sizes, so should your boxes. In case your budget doesn’t allow buying new ones, check at your local liquor store or bookstore to see if they have some extra.
- Packing paper and bubble wrap for protecting china. Cushioning supplies are crucial to keep your things safe while they travel to your new home, but regular newsaper is always a great cheap alternative. Just keep in mind that it might stain your dishware.
- Tape to secure containers. Depending on the type of containers you get, you should secure them appropriately. For cardboard, the tape should work. If you take plastic containers, they should already have lids that have a mechanism to seal them properly.
- Markers to label each box. Trust us, labeling is not a step you want to skip. On the contrary, it will make the unpacking part of the move infinitely easier, and also it will tell your professional movers in Chicago that a certain container belongs in your kitchen and not in the bathroom.
How Do You Pack Dishes for Moving Without Paper? The Ultimate Packing Alternatives
It’s a known fact that professional equipment is quite pricey. If you want to save some money and be eco-friendly at the same time, there are alternatives you can use, so your things are wrapped up properly. We propose you use towels, newspaper, kitchen towels and cloths. Such soft padding can become perfect cushioning supplies. In case you are on a budget, stop by your local liquor store to check out if they have some free cardboard containers they no longer require and could give you, free of charge.
Some Tips That Will Help You Prepare Everything
It’s time to learn the best way to pack dishes. It will require a few steps, but they will ensure your kitchenware is good to go. Not only will you move to the safest neighborhood in Chicago, but with our tips, your packed plates too will be as safe as possible.
The First Step Is to Sort Everything
You shouldn’t just throw your things into the box and call it a day. They need to go through a few preparatory steps before – just like the move itself. So, what is the best way to pack dishes for moving? Well, it all starts with cleaning up your counter and then setting dishware aside and cleaning it thoroughly. Take this moment to sort your objects, and set aside one set you’ll use until the very last day. It will come in handy once the going gets tough, and you have to quickly eat something on the day of the big move.
Clean Your Kitchenware Before You Get to Boxing Them up
We know it’s boring, however it is important to wash your kitchenware before you move – it’s the ultimate relocation hack. Even if you consider your kitchenware clean, wipe them with a clean cloth. Packaging up furniture in your dining space and relocating large items like the fridge, oven, and the like will bring up a lot of dust and dirt in the air. This is why your tableware requires one last clean before boxing up.
Especially if you are to use newspaper for wrapping, once you get to boxing up glasses, keep in mind that ink can transfer to your glassware if they are not properly dried. And we have an unfortunate unpacking spoiler for you: cleaning your tableware will probably also be one of the things you’ll do after relocating. What can we say – safety comes first. Since you eat and drink out of these things, it’s important that they are crispy clean.
Wrapping Each Item Individually Is the Way to Go
So let’s get to actually answering the following question: how to pack dishes for a move? As you probably already figured out from the list of supplies, the first step will be to thoroughly wrap your stuff before you get to boxing up fragile things. You are probably full of questions now. How do you pack glasses for moving? How do you pack serving bowls for moving? Don’t worry, you’ll soon pick up on the logic of it, and it will become evident that it is all much less the same.
Get your cushioning materials and start working with them. It’s easy – paper has two functions: the first is wrapping, the second filling up. Either you will put it around and below your tableware, or you’ll get to crumpling it up and putting it inside of stuff such as serving bowls. The same goes for bubble wrap – mostly, you’ll be placing it around your things, but when it comes to delicate china, you’ll want to stack it inside too. For a visual representation of the process, check out the following video:
Wonder How to Pack Dishes for Moving? It’s Crucial to Follow This Order
Once your stuff is wrapped up, it’s time to figure out how to box them up properly. The most crucial tip is to follow the following boxing-up order. Keep in mind that these are easily breakable things, so it is vital to put enough cushioning material everywhere.
Just like you wrapped up the plates and glasses, in the same way you want to ensure their containers are safe. Consider packaging your objects into smaller containers rather than larger ones. While smaller containers require you to box up more of them, they’ll be much easier for carrying than the bigger ones. Before you start placing your wrapped tableware in the containers, first, you’ll want to insert a layer of cushioning materials at the bottom of the container.
Put Larger And Sturdier Things at the Bottom of the Box
Take the wide plates, pots, pans, and other heavier pieces, and put them at the bottom of the boxes. You’ll want to insert a layer of packing paper before you stack each new piece on top of another one. Putting such heavy wide plates and items first will make a solid ground, so the container doesn’t shift and move around once in the relocation truck. Your boxes will be safe and sound this way.
Smaller Things Are the Second to Go in the Container
In case you are putting everything in one large container, you’ll want to create a second layer of smaller things. If you are planning on using multiple containers, don’t sweat, it’s still smart to get the bulkier things out of the way, so no smaller stuff breaks.
Depending on whether you are dealing with china or plastic things, the way you stack these will vary. If plastic bowls are at hand, you don’t need to put cushioning material between each one, and can stack multiple pieces without worry. On the contrary, you want a few layers of paper between each china dish. Each dish must have a layer of protective material above and below it.
Put Fragile Items in a Separate Box
Now, it’s time for stem glassware, special china, and other pretty but breakable things. You probably want to leave these out until your going-away party, so either way, they are going to be the last ones to go. These you will want in a separate place, no matter how professional you are at boxing up.
For these things, especially fine glassware, consider getting special boxes. You can use the ones they came in if you saved them, and if not, buy additional ones. They don’t cost much and can protect the glassware from breaking. Roll them up in multiple layers of paper, tucking the remains of it inside the dish. Fill the insides of each dish with cushioning material, so they don’t suffer during the move.
The Best Way to Secure Your Dishware Is by Employing One of Moving Companies in Chicago IL
Whether you’re struggling to box up electronics or wondering how to pack dishes for a move, by hiring local movers in Chicago, you’ll ensure all these safely reach their destination. And you’re in good luck because we know the best movers in Chicago who’ll do any relocation job perfectly. We are the experts in relocating breakables.
When it comes to relocating anything in your home, our packers and movers provide the ultimate residential relocation services for when you have to relocate your apartment or house. And if you are relocating your office, be sure to call us up, as we provide top-notch commercial relocation service too. If you already packed and rented a truck, you’ll surely make the right move by investing in our labor relocation service to get the most experienced movers to carry your load. For any questions or a free quote, be sure to contact us via phone or email. We’ll be waiting for your call!