Plate Packing - A DELIGHTFUL Guide

A plate is a broad, concave, but mainly flat vessel on which food can be served. Most plates are circular, but they may be any shape or made of any water-resistant material. Generally, plates are raised around the edges, either by curving up or a wider lip or raised portion. Plates are dishware and tableware. Like most other dishware and tableware, plates are also incredibly fragile. It really doesn't take much to break a plate. Hence, when you're in the process of relocating, you need to take extra care of dishware and crockery to ensure safe relocation. Here are some tips:

How to pack plates for moving

This simple technique always works and is the most basic method for wrapping a plate with paper. It's also super easy and comprehensively detailed.

• Use a flat and solid work surface on which you'll do the packing.
• Cover it with packing paper or newspapers.
  Get papers wide enough for the plate you'll be packing. The size is good when there aren't any parts of the plates left exposed.
• Put the plate at the center of the paper sheet and gently fold one of the corners until you cover the whole plate.
• Then, place another plate on top and cover it with one of the remaining edges.
  Do this 4 times until the whole sheet is used to its full potential and all four plates are fully wrapped with the paper.

How to pack plates in moving boxes

The most general rule is not to place plates flat inside cardboard boxes. Always put them on their sides.

• Use as much paper or other soft material at the bottom of the box and on its sides.
• Stack the plates together, putting each on top of the other.
• Lay the stacks on the sides until the whole box is filled.
• Don't leave any free space in the box, the plates should be unable to lean on their side.
• If any gaps appear inside the moving box, fill the free space with some paper.
• Label the top and bottom side of the box after sealing it.
• Leave a "fragile" label and set the box aside - it will later be loaded into the moving van.

How to pack plates in a Dish Barrel (a.k.a a Dish-Pack)

A dish barrel is one of the most efficient and easy ways to pack plates when relocating. Usually, a dish barrel has a capacity of approximately 5.6 cubic feet, which is perfectly enough to accommodate all of your kitchenware inside of it.

You can prepare your dish pack quickly by following these simple steps:

• Put heavier, solid items on the bottom of the dish box.
  Things like bakeware and frying pans are perfect for the job. Anything with higher density made of metal will serve as a good foundation of the box, ensuring the preservation of the items on top. Finish with packing paper on top.
• Use the middle section of the box for kitchen appliances and glassware which is thick.
  Vases and beer mugs may be placed in the middle layer of the dish box. If you want to provide additional protection to the glassware, use a cell pack with the size of the dish barrel.
• Before putting on the top layer there should be some free space yet.
  Pack this section of the dish barrel with more free space and use towels, newspapers, or packing paper to fill it. Items such as glassware, kitchen utensils, and plastic kitchenware would fit well in this layer of the dish box.
• Prepare the dish barrel's top layer for packing.
  Make sure the 3rd layer was well finished with enough packing paper or bubble wrap which will protect the items on top. Whatever you place on top of the other 3 layers, make sure it's lighter than the items below. You want the heavier things at the bottom and the lighter stuff - progressively place on top for efficient weight distributions. If you achieve this, the whole weight will be supported by the solid bottom and the fragile stuff on top will not be pressed by anything.
• Finish the dish barrel's top with packing paper or bubble wrap, then seal it carefully.
  Label the box if necessary. If you'll be using the services of a moving company, we suggest you label the box, so the movers are aware of its contents.

How to pack plates in luggage

When moving short distances during very small-scale house moves, you can use your luggage as a container of a few plates. Tenants tend to do so when changing their accommodation but have one or two plates which are the property. Follow these steps to make sure you'll transport them safely.

• Use clothes made of soft fabric for support at the bottom of the suitcase and the free space inside your luggage.
• Wrap plates in packing paper or bubble wrap.
  Do it one by one, so there is no contact between their surface.
• Don't wrap dishes and plates too tight, it will only make them more susceptible to damage.
• Put essentials on top.
  Whatever important thing you may need during the move, don't place it beneath the plates. Use the top layer of the luggage for it. You need quick access to your phone, keys, and medicine. Be cautious of these three and don't put them at the bottom of your luggage.
• If you sense there is improper weight distribution anywhere in the whole bag or suitcase, make the necessary adjustments until you achieve the desired balance and amount of pressure on the items inside.

How to pack plates with paper - Getting the most out of the paper

Whatever guide on how to pack plates you read, you'll most certainly be advised to use packing paper and there is a reason for this. When not folded but simply crushed in a ball, packing paper absorbs shock as good as any specialized material for the purpose. The difference is that packing paper is a lot cheaper. It's also considered as not reusable, which is untrue - just most people prefer not to store a used packing paper at their home.

When you finish your move an unpack successfully, don't throw the packing paper, you can reuse it later. Instead of throwing it away, try to utilize it as decoration or for something else until you need to pack a mailbox or moving boxes for your next move.

Helpful tips when using packing paper

• More paper provides more protection but reduces the number of items you can pack
• It's one of the best materials for the bottom of the moving boxes. Check the bottom if it's secured good enough with duct tape for support before laying the packing paper.
• When packing items with paper, place it in one of the corners, then fold each of the corners one by one until the object is fully wrapped from all sides.
• You can replace packing paper with paper from newspapers or magazines. Towels and bubble wrap are also a suitable replacement.
• After unpacking dishes and plates which have been previously packed with newspaper, wash them again to remove any ink marks.

What materials to use to pack plates - The Ultimate Dish Box Moving Kit

You don't need too many things to get a dish box packed and ready for the move. Take a look at the list, containing the most essential thing but consider expanding it as long as you need something else.

A Dish Barrel (At least 1 of these)

Cell Divider (Mainly used for Glassware)

Packing Paper

Bubblewrap

Duct Tape

Markers (Mainly used for labeling the boxes)

Reinforcing cardboard boxes is possible if your wrap a thin rope around it, should for whatever reason the duct tape gets off. You can also use blankets by wrapping them around the dish barrel if you're worried about the box.

Of course, you could do all that yourself, or just have Delight International Movers take care of all your packing and moving needs!