Dishes are some of the most common fragile items to break during the moving process. The good news is that breakage is usually preventable. If you use proper packing materials, control box weight, and follow the right packing techniques, your dishes can arrive intact even after a long drive.
This guide covers exactly how to pack dishes for moving, including plates, bowls, mugs, glassware, wine glasses, stemware, serving dishes, and high risk items like fine china and porcelain. It also includes options for how to pack dishes for moving without paper, plus when bubble wrap and bubble cushioning roll make sense.
If you only read one section, read the quick steps below, then follow the detailed packing process by dish type.
Quick steps that prevent most broken dishes
- Start packing by decluttering what you do not want to move. Donate unwanted items to a reputable organization or offer them to friends and family. This frees up space and reduces packing supplies.
- Gather essential packing supplies: sturdy boxes, medium moving boxes, dish boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and a marker. Dish boxes are often double walled and built for heavy, breakable kitchen items.
- Build a dedicated packing station on a clear, flat surface like a kitchen island or table.
- Reinforce the bottom of each box with packing tape and add an X pattern across the base for extra strength.
- Create a cushioning base layer of at least six inches using crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Wrap dishes so each piece is dish individually protected and completely covered before it goes into the box.
- Pack plates vertically. Do not pack plates flat. Think of loading a dishwasher.
- Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper, crumpled packing paper, foam, or towels so nothing shifts.
- Seal the box securely, then label boxes clearly with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” arrows.
- Keep each heavy box under about 40 to 45 pounds so it is safer to carry and less likely to drop.
Packing supplies and box choice
Before you pack dishes, decide what boxes you will use. A regular box can work, but it needs to be sturdy and reinforced. Dish boxes are a safer option because they are made for fragile dishes and often use thicker, double wall cardboard.
Essential packing supplies checklist
- Dish boxes or dish pack boxes for dishes and glassware
- Small boxes and medium sized boxes for heavier kitchen items
- Packing paper and wrapping paper that is clean and ink free
- Bubble wrap or a bubble cushioning roll for extra protection
- Honeycomb wrapping paper if you want an eco friendly alternative
- Packing tape
- Labels or a marker to label boxes
- Optional: packing peanuts for limited use, foam pouches, and cardboard dividers
Dish pack boxes with cardboard partitions are especially helpful for delicate dishes like china and porcelain because partitions reduce contact and movement in the same box.
Step 1: Declutter and take a quick inventory
Before you touch a roll of packing material, do a fast kitchen sort.
- Set aside chipped plates, worn mugs, mismatched cups, and unused platters.
- Decide what is worth moving and what is worth donating.
- Write a simple inventory list of what you are packing, especially if you have fine china, antique china, or a large glassware set.
Inventory helps during the moving process because you can track boxes and unpack with confidence. It also helps if a box goes missing during a larger move.
Step 2: Build boxes the right way
A box fails most often at the bottom seam. If the bottom gives out, even perfect wrapping will not save your fragile boxes.
- Fold the bottom flaps into place.
- Tape the center seam.
- Tape across both side seams.
- Add extra packing tape in an X pattern from corner to corner.
This takes less than a minute and makes a big difference, especially with cardboard boxes carrying ceramic plates and dinner plates.
Step 3: Create a cushioning base layer
Every dish box needs a shock absorbing base.
Add at least six inches of crumpled packing paper at the bottom of the box. You can also use paper or bubble wrap for this base layer. The goal is a thick layer that compresses slightly but springs back.
This base helps protect dishes from vibration and bumps while the moving truck is in motion.
How to pack plates for moving
Plates are strong on edge and weak when stacked flat. The best way to pack plates for moving is to pack vertically.
Step by step for plates
- Lay out one to two sheets of packing paper on your packing station.
- Place one plate in the center.
- Pull one corner of paper over the plate and tuck it.
- Repeat with the remaining corners until the plate is completely covered.
- Securely wrap with a small piece of packing tape if needed.
- Place plates on their edge in the box. Pack vertically in tight rows.
Pro tip: Group plates by size so smaller plates do not slip under larger ones.
Avoid this common mistake
Do not set dinner plates down packed flat in the same box. When plates are packed flat, weight from above presses on the center and increases cracking risk.
How many plates per box
Use smaller boxes or medium moving boxes and stop before the box becomes a heavy box. Spread weight evenly across multiple boxes instead of forcing everything into one.
How to pack bowls for moving
Bowls can be nested, but only when each bowl is individually wrapped.
- Wrap each bowl in packing paper.
- Place a layer of crumpled paper between bowls if stacking.
- Put heavier bowls on the bottom and lighter bowls on top.
- Pack bowls vertically when possible, using the same process as plates.
If you notice excess space between nested bowls, add extra cushioning so bowls cannot shift.
How to pack platters and serving dishes for moving
Platters and serving dishes crack easily because they are wide and often thinner.
- Wrap each platter individually using multiple layers of packing paper.
- Add bubble wrap if it is especially delicate.
- Place the platter on edge inside the box whenever possible.
- Use filling gaps material around the sides so it cannot lean and slam into another item.
If a platter must go flat due to size, surround it with ample cushioning and keep heavier items out of that same box.
How to pack casserole dishes for moving
Casserole dishes and bakeware are usually glass or ceramic and need extra protection.
- Separate lids from the main dish.
- Wrap each piece individually.
- Double wrap corners and rims.
- If you have a lid and hardware or small accessories, place them in a separate bag and tape the bag to the inside of the box top so it stays with the item.
For extra protection, consider a double box method for very fragile bakeware or heirloom pieces. Double boxing places a packed smaller box inside a larger one with cushioning in between.
How to pack mugs for moving and how to pack cups for moving
Mugs break at the handle, and cups often chip at the rim.
Packing technique for mugs and cups
- Stuff the inside with crumpled paper to support the walls.
- Carefully wrap the handle with extra paper or bubble wrap.
- Wrap the whole mug until it is individually wrapped and padded.
- Place mugs upright and snug, not loose.
If you are packing kid items like sippy cups or baby items, you can pack them together as everyday dishes. They are usually less fragile, but still prevent movement inside the box.
How to pack glassware for moving
Glassware needs two things: support inside the glass and cushioning between glasses.
- Line the box with cushioning.
- Stuff each glass with crumpled paper. This supports the rim and helps the glass resist pressure.
- Wrap the glass and ensure it is completely covered.
- Place glasses upright, not on their side.
If you have dish boxes with cell dividers or a partition kit, use them. Cardboard partitions isolate each glass, reduce contact, and add structure inside the moving box.
How to pack wine glasses for moving and how to pack stemware for moving
Wine glasses and stemware need extra protection around the stem.
- Stuff the bowl with crumpled paper for support.
- Add extra wrapping around the stem.
- Consider double box packing for high value stemware or sentimental sets.
How to pack fragile dishes for moving, including fine china and porcelain
Delicate dishes like fine china, porcelain dishes, and antique china deserve a more conservative approach.
- Wrap each piece individually with packing paper.
- Add a second layer, either more paper or bubble wrap, for extra cushioning.
- Use dish boxes with partitions when possible.
- Never overfill boxes. If you feel tempted, split into two sturdy boxes.
This is where careful packing matters most. A single crack in porcelain is often permanent.
How to pack dishes for moving without paper
If you are searching for how to pack dishes for moving without paper, you do have options. Just be honest about the risk level.
Good substitutes for packing paper
- Clean dish towels
- Hand towels
- Pillowcases
- T shirts, even t shirts you planned to pack anyway
- Soft kitchen linens
Use fabric as extra cushioning, not as your only protection for delicate dishes. Fabric shifts during transit. If a plate is thin, fragile, or sentimental, choose packing paper or bubble wrap instead.
Important note: Avoid newspapers or printed wrapping paper for sensitive items. Ink can transfer to dishes and leave stains.
How to pack dishes for moving with bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is excellent for added impact protection, especially for delicate items and awkward shapes.
A bubble cushioning roll is recommended when you want a consistent wrap that stays in place. Bubble cushion rolls are commonly listed among recommended supplies for packing fragile dishware.
Best use cases for bubble wrap
- Wine glasses and stemware
- Porcelain and fine china
- Casserole dishes and bakeware
- Platters with thin edges
- Coffee pots with delicate spouts
Wrap until the item is securely wrap protected, then tape lightly. Do not crush bubble wrap tight enough to remove the air pockets. Those pockets are the protection.
Honeycomb wrapping paper as an alternative
Honeycomb wrapping paper is an eco friendly alternative that can add cushioning with less plastic. It is often used as a paper based substitute for bubble wrap, especially when you want recyclable packing material.
Fill empty spaces so nothing shifts
This is the step that most people skip, then regret.
Once dishes are inside the box, check for empty spaces and excess space along the sides, between rows, and at the top. Use crumpled packing paper, towels, or bubble wrap for filling gaps.
A simple test: gently shake the box. If you hear movement, add more cushioning.
Seal and label boxes like a pro
Close the box flaps and tape the top seam securely. Add tape across the edges. Then label boxes on multiple sides.
Write:
- FRAGILE
- THIS SIDE UP with arrows
- Kitchen, then a short contents note like “plates” or “glassware”
Clear labeling improves handling and speeds up unpacking.
Loading dish boxes into the moving truck
Even well packed dishes can break if they are crushed during loading.
- Keep dish boxes on top of heavier furniture, never under it.
- Place heavier boxes at the bottom of a stack and lighter boxes on top.
- Do not concentrate weight in one corner of the stack.
- If you stack boxes, keep the stack stable and do not allow sliding.
Also, avoid making any dish box too heavy. Many moving guides recommend keeping dish boxes under about 45 pounds for safer handling.
How to best pack dishes for moving, in one mindset
If you want one rule that ties everything together, here it is:
Carefully pack, pack vertically, and remove motion.
That is the same process movers use again and again because it works.
Where we work
Central Coast Moving provides packing services in San Luis Obispo, including homes near Cal Poly where tight parking and quick load outs make smart box prep even more important. We also help families preparing for longer trips, including moves that start in Paso Robles where the extra driving time makes proper packing materials and void fill even more critical. And we are proud to be serving East Arroyo Grande and nearby areas with careful moving and packing support when you want an extra set of professional hands.
FAQ
Is packing paper enough for dishes?
Packing paper provides support for most everyday dishes and is widely recommended. For items at higher risk of breaking, add bubble wrap, foam, or a second layer for extra cushioning.
Should I pack dishes vertically or flat?
Pack dishes vertically whenever you can. Plates and bowls handle pressure better on edge, and this reduces breakage risk.
Can I use packing peanuts for dishes?
Packing peanuts can fill voids, but they can also shift and allow movement. Use them mainly between a double box layer or as top fill, not as the only protection for delicate dishes.
What should I do with a coffee pot?
Wrap coffee pots carefully, protect spouts and handles with rolled paper, and pack them in a well cushioned box. Keep them separate from heavy dish stacks if possible.
How do I keep dishes from breaking in transit?
Use sturdy boxes, wrap each dish individually, pack plates vertically, fill all empty spaces, and label boxes clearly for careful handling.
When it makes sense to hire professional packing help
If you are overwhelmed, short on time, or worried about delicate dishes, professional packing services can be a smart upgrade.
Many moving companies offer packing services that include the right supplies, proven packing techniques, and safer loading. Professional movers can also provide dish boxes, partitions, and the extra protection materials that prevent damage.
Ready to plan for your next move? Give us a call today!
