A cross-country move is both an exciting and terrifying venture. One of the many fears included in the “terrifying” part would be the logistics of packing and moving everything securely, namely your fine china. What’s the use in moving if all your good dishes get smashed up along the way?

While there’s always going to be hazards that come with moving, you can help to reduce or even eliminate them by learning how to pack properly. Join us today for some neat tips and tricks from these movers in Manhattan on how to pack fine china dishes for moving cross country.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is your best friend when it comes to moving. While it’s not exactly a revolutionary statement to advise you to place your china in bubble wrap, it still warrants being said.

For best results, use at least a double layer on everything. Additionally, pack each item individually even if they’re going in the same box to prevent them from bumping into each other with no cushioning if they shift around in the box.

Right Sized Boxes

Beyond just what you use to wrap your china, it’s also important to consider the size of your box. In general, aim for boxes that can fit your items as snugly as possible, as this reduces the amount of movement they can undergo during the move.

The more closely they fit against the sides of a box, the less chance they’ll have to break outside of someone slam dunking the whole box against the floor.

Packing Fillers

The majority of boxes will inevitably end up with some unoccupied space even when completely filled with China. To help add some extra security, try filling that space with packing fillers like tissue paper, Styrofoam peanuts, or other soft objects. Even just crumpled balls of paper can work, as anything that can potentially fill space and absorb shock will be partly useful in keeping your dishes from moving about.

Move Yourself

If possible, one of the best ways to ensure that your fine china doesn’t get broken during a cross-country move is to simply do it yourself. Assuming you’re traveling by car, just make the room and take your dishes to your new home yourself. Unlike movers who have no personal investment in the wellbeing of your things, you can load, pack, and unload your china in the safest ways possible.

Taping

Liberal use of tape can be a great asset when it comes to securely packing your china. Not only does it help to keep your boxes from falling apart from the weight, it secures their shape as you’re on the move. This makes them easier to pack away and less likely to knock about even when filled to the brim.

Labeling

Whether you or a mover are going to be handling your china, labeling your boxes can be a helpful bit of foresight that can prevent disasters. When moving day is finally upon you, and everyone is in a rush to get everything ready, it’s easy to forget which indistinct cardboard box holds all your most valuable possessions.

Slapping a label on the front after you get things sealed up saves you from that moment of horror after a loud smash from carelessly tossing a box full of china into the back of the car.

Taking the proper precautions to secure your valuables during a move is essential for anyone who still wants to own those valuables once they make it to their new home. Make use of these tips for how to pack fine china dishes for moving cross country before you hit the road to ensure you’ve still got something to eat off once you reach your destination.