Kitchen/Laundry Room
Once you know you're moving, you can start packing your kitchen almost immediately. Start with less-used serving dishes, seasonal items and small appliances. Next, tackle your large serving bowls, tablecloths and specialty pots and pans. Keep everyday dishes for the last week before moving. You may even consider buying disposable plates, cups and utensils.
Food Items
Use or dispose of all perishables before moving. You will also need to get rid of kitchen chemicals. See our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped. Boxed or canned goods should be packed in small boxes. Dispose of open packages and wrap glass jars to prevent breakage during moving.
China & Glassware
Wrap all of the pieces of china and glassware individually Start from the corner, wrap diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges.
- A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is necessary for moving china and glassware.
- For outer wrapping, a double layer of newsprint serves well.
- Label moving cartons with room, contents and "FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP."
Flat China & Flat Glassware
Place cushioning material in the bottom of a moving carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in the moving carton in a row on edge.
- Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
- Surround each bundle with crushed paper.
- Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims.
- Horizontal cardboard dividers can keep layers level.
- Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer.
Bowls and Odd-shaped Items
Depending on their weight, these may be used for either the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates.
- Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the moving carton and deeper ones nested two or three together, upside down on their rims.
- Wrap sugar-bowl lids in newsprint, turning them upside down on top of bowls. Wrap both together in newsprint, followed by a double outer layer. Place all upright in the moving carton.
Pots & Pans
Pots, pans and other similar items should be wrapped and packed in medium-size moving cartons. Depending on their weight, these may be used for either the bottom or middle layers.
Cups
Wrap cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Top off the layer with wadded newsprint. Even when using a dish pack, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper. Pack cups upside down.
Silver & Flatware
Protect silver pieces from tarnishing during moving day, they should be enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap. Hollow ware should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
- Loose flatware may be wrapped by itself or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic bags or small gift boxes that are secured with tape.
- If your silverware is in a chest, you may still consider wrapping the individual pieces. Or fill the voids in the chest with newsprint.
Figurines and Other Delicate Items
Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning for moving.
- Wrap in tissue paper first, paper towels or facial tissue. Then wrap carefully in paper that has been wadded and flattened out.
- Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint.
- A bath towel or small blanket makes excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass.
- Place flat items on edge in a carton.
Small Appliances
Items such as small radios, clocks and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a moving carton cushioned with crushed paper.
- Make sure cords are wrapped.
- Empty steam irons of water.
Cookbooks
- Place books of the same size together, in small book cartons.
- Pack them flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the moving carton.
- Wrap expensive bound volumes
