When packing the box, be sure to put heavier dishes like cast iron pans, serving platters, and stoneware on the bottom.
Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to save money by using budget moving boxes.
Packing and transporting delicate dishes over long distances presents a real challenge. With some planning and prep, you can keep your dishes safe and cut costs at the same time.
Use Newspaper or Packing Paper
One of the best and cheapest ways to pack dishes is to wrap them in newspaper or plain packing paper. Make sure to wrap each piece individually and use plenty of crumbled paper as cushioning inside the box.
The individual wrapping prevents scratches and rubbing during transport. The paper also absorbs shocks and bumps better than packing peanuts or bubble wrap. For a long-distance move, double-wrap delicate pieces for extra protection.
Layer Heavy Items on the Bottom
When packing the box, be sure to put heavier dishes like cast iron pans, serving platters, and stoneware on the bottom.
Then work your way up to lighter items. Plates, saucers, and bowls can go in the middle. Lightweight glassware and stemware should go on top. Packing “heavy to light” helps prevent damage from weight shifting during the move.
Use Clean, Sturdy Boxes
While free boxes from grocery and liquor stores work for local moves, they may not be sturdy enough for a long trek.
For long-distance moves, invest in new, corrugated cardboard moving boxes. Look for ones rated for dishes and glassware.
If budgets are tight, check for used moving boxes through Craigslist or Freecycle. Avoid overloading any single box, and reinforce the bottoms with extra tape.
Pad and Fill Empty Spaces
As you place dishes inside the box, fill any gaps with more balled-up packing paper or paper towel rolls. You can also use clean foam from packaging materials.
Filling all empty spaces keeps dishes from banging into each other. Tape down flaps in between dish layers too so nothing shifts around. Don’t be afraid to use an extra box rather than cramming too many dishes in one load.
Use the Right Moving Truck
Once boxes are packed, you need to protect them during actual transport. If renting a truck, choose one with air-ride suspension to absorb shocks from bumps and uneven roads. Also, request pads or moving blankets to cushion and stabilize stacked boxes.
Avoid non-climate-controlled trucks for cross-country moves to prevent damage from extreme cold or heat. Moving dishes and glassware long distance takes work, but smart packing pays off.
With these budget-friendly tips, you can make the move smoothly while keeping your wallet happy. Let me know if you have any other cheap moving tricks for transporting dishes safely!
