Back To Moving Tips China, Glassware and Silverware Professional packers use a “Dish-Pack”-an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction designed for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Wrap all pieces of china and glassware INDIVIDUALLY in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally, continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons “FRAGILE—THIS SIDE UP”. [return to top] Flat China and Glassware The larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a “Dish-Pack”. Place cushioning material in bottom of carton. Wrap each piece individually; then wrap four to six in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row ON EDGE. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundles to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. [return to top] Bowls and Odd Shaped Pieces Depending on their weight, these may be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap in the same way as flat plates. Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims. Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning upside down on top of the bowl, then wrapping together in clean paper followed by an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper, then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls, cream pitchers, sauce container and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete the layer as for plates. [return to top] Cups Even when using a “Dish-Pack” and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper. Then pack cups on edge with the handles to the top, all slanting in the same direction. [return to top] Sterling Silver or Silver Plate Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be completely enclosed in fresh, clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Hollowware, including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes, should be carefully wrapped as fragile items and packed as china. Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, in clear plastic or tissue. If the silverware is in a chest, you still may want to wrap the pieces individually and replace in the chest. Or fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper toweling. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel. [return to top] Fragile Articles Professional packers use a material called “bubble pack” for exceptionally fragile items. If the article is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it may be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials may be needed for maximum protection. [return to top] Collectibles and Other Delicate Items Wrap first in tissue paper, paper toweling, or facial tissue. Then wrap carefully in newsprint which as been crushed and flattened out. Be sure these items are well protected with plenty of cushioning. [return to top] Small Mirrors, Plaques and Pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for the glass. Place items ON EDGE in a carton. [return to top] Lamp Bases After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint, and place together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp base may be packed in a carton. [return to top] Lamp Shades NEVER wrap lampshades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillowcase or large lightweight towel. To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper UNDER the lampshade to create a protective layer, but NOT AROUND the shade. A small shade CAN be nested inside a large one, if you are sure that they will not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk. [return to top] Books Pack on edge, alternating bound edge to open edge. Pack books of the same general size together. Use only book boxes for packing purposes. [return to top] Records, Compact Discs and Tapes Keep in mind that records are heavy and should be packed in small book boxes (16 3/8 x 12 5/8 x 12 5/8) . If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect against scratching. Stand records and compact discs ON EDGE-NEVER FLAT – on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. [return to top] Clothing Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobes available from Boxes on the Run will arrive at destination wrinkle-free and ready to wear without the need for pressing. [return to top] Linens and Bedding Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton (large 18 x 18 x 24) that has been lined with clean paper. [return to top] Small Appliances Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton (medium 18 x 18 x 18) cushioned with crushed paper. [return to top] Food Take only those items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing. Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc., should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker type containers and seal with tape. Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited. [return to top] Back To Moving Tips |