Your crockery sets will be one of the more delicate items you own. When it comes to moving them then, you need to ensure that each piece is protected so that it will not get damaged or broken in transit. This guide will help you do just that.
To pack crockery for moving,
- Clean crockery.
- Prepare and cushion a triple-walled box.
- Wrap and pack plates vertically.
- Wrap and pack teacups, mugs and glasses on top.
- Tape and label box.
1. Clean Crockery
First things first, give your crockery a good clean. A simple hot solution of water, washing-up liquid and a soft brush or sponge should do the trick. As with all items, this ensures you don’t take old dust, dirt and grime into your new home – particularly if your crockery has been stored away for a long time.
2. Prepare and Cushion a Triple-Walled Box
You should make sure that you have a high-quality, triple-walled box. These are custom designed boxes with three layers of corrugated cardboard that offer unparalleled protection for your valuable crockery and china pieces. These are our go-to at Falconer Removals.
To put the box together, do the bottom of the box up with a professional adhesive tape (your movers can do this step for you), and turn it upside down. Then it is time to cushion the box for your valuables.
You should crumple newspaper, white paper or packing paper and place them at the bottom of your triple-walled box to create a protective, cushioned layer. If you have valuable crockery pieces, a layer of bubble wrap on the bottom and sides can add extra protection but this is not essential.
3. Wrap and Pack Plates
Next, wrap each individual plate with acid-free paper and put them vertical into the box. If your plates are horizontal (one on top of the other), the vibrations from transportation will create pressure and cause cracks and smashes.
Work from one end of the box to the other until the box is full and packed tight.
For large dinner or otherwise fragile plates, you can wrap them in an additional layer of bubble wrap and/or place a sheet of bubble wrap between each plate that you pack.
4. Wrap and Pack Teacups/Mugs/Glasses
After the plates are in and you have created a secure base, you can put all of your little teacups/mugs/glasses on top. Each individual piece should be wrapped with a layer of paper and bubble wrap if needed.
The most important point is to ensure the box is full so it is structurally sound. If you have half a box, it won’t be secure and will collapse in transit. If there are gaps, these can be filled with the packing materials (paper) that you used to create a base layer earlier.
If you find that the box is too large to move when it is full, or if you can’t fill a whole box with your crockery pieces, pack it halfway and cushion with soft materials instead. This could be pillows, blankets or a duvet.
If you need to pack and move wine bottles, these require a slightly different process. Find out what to do with our guide.
5. Tape and Label Box
Tape up your box and label with the contents of the box. If you feel it needs extra attention, you can include written warnings like “FRAGILE” and “MOVE WITH CARE” to ensure it it handled with extra care.
To learn more about our removals service or purpose-built storage facilities, take a look at out our website or contact Nathan. At Falconers we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your crockery and other valuables are moved and kept in perfect condition. Rest assured that your move will be completed with expert precision.
