Moving tips
A step-by-step guide to keeping dishes, glasses, and gadgets safe from your old home to your new one.
Step by step
Follow these dependable tips to protect your everyday dishes and special-occasion glassware.
Start with sturdy small and medium boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and a permanent marker. Heavy items like plates belong in small boxes so the box stays easy to lift. Label each box with the room and a fragile warning when needed.
Moving is the perfect time to donate or recycle items you no longer use. Pack only what you need in the new home. Group like items together: baking supplies, utensils, pantry goods, and glassware. This makes unpacking faster and safer.
Wrap each plate in packing paper and stand it on its edge inside the box, like a record. Plates are much stronger standing upright than stacked flat. Add crumpled paper between layers and fill empty spaces so nothing shifts during the drive.
Stuff the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper, then wrap the outside with at least two sheets of paper. Place glasses upright in the box, not on their sides. Heavier mugs and tumblers go on the bottom; wine glasses and stemware go on top.
Create a soft bed of crumpled paper at the bottom of every box. After loading, add another layer of paper on top before sealing. The box should not rattle when gently shaken. A tight, cushioned box prevents chips and cracks.
Nest pots and pans together to save space. Wrap glass lids separately in bubble wrap. Bundle silverware with rubber bands or use the original organizer tray. Keep sharp knives wrapped securely and labeled so the crew handles them with care.
Fragile items
Glasses, crystal, and delicate dishes need a little more attention. Here is how to keep them intact.
Dish barrel boxes have thicker walls and absorb more impact than standard boxes. They are ideal for china cabinets, crystal, and heirloom glassware.
Keep boxes of glassware on top of heavier kitchen boxes in the truck or storage unit. Label every fragile box clearly so it is loaded last and unloaded first.
For glass cabinet doors, framed art, or mirrored trays, place masking tape in an X pattern across the surface. This helps hold shards together if breakage occurs.
Set aside one box with paper plates, plasticware, a coffee maker, snacks, and cleaning supplies. Label it 'Load last, unload first' so you can settle in without digging through everything.
Print this list or save it on your phone before packing day.
MoveMint provides labor-only moving help across Central Florida. We load, unload, and move items with care so you do not have to lift a finger.