Step-by-Step Guide to Packing China and Crystals

By Vance Stevens
Special to VanLines.com

When packing your China and precious crystals, there are several steps to ensure your valuables remain intact and undamaged during the often times unsteady moving process. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to properly pack your most valuable dining ware.

What you Will Need:
Before getting started, you will want to first gather the proper packing materials. Here is what you will need:
  1. Packing tape
  2. Small and medium boxes
  3. Cardboard
  4. Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap®
  5. Blank newsprint
  6. Patience
Tip: Don't use compartmentalized liquor boxes unless the compartments are made of sturdy cardboard and you put a layer of packing material on the bottom first.

Packing your Plates and Bowls:

Step 1: Use dish barrel cartons and place all plates on edge in the containers.
Step 2: Layer bubble wrap® in between, leaving space at the top of the box to fill in with wadded newsprint.
Step 3: Wrap each plate and then bundle three or four together. Stand on end in the box. Never lay flat. Take another bundle, same size plates and place near the other bundle.
Step 4: Fill the sides with peanuts or blank newsprint paper. Use large items on bottom layer and place layer of bubble wrap in between layers. Place wadded newsprint or peanuts between each layer for added cushioning.
Step 5: Place wadded newsprint or peanuts in the bottom of a box and place layers of plates or bowls on top. Don’t’ forget to fill the top and sides with peanuts or newsprint.
Step 6: Seal and mark "Fragile - China."

Packing Glasses and Teacups:

Step 1: Wrap each piece of glassware or teacup in piece of Bubble Wrap and tape it. TIP: You can use blank newsprint paper instead of bubble wrap.
Step 2: Prepare a box and put a layer of wadded newsprint paper or peanuts on the bottom of the box for cushion.
Step 3: Place wrapped cups or glasses on upright position as if you were placing them on the table.
Step 4: Place a layer of cardboard along with another layer of packing material on the top as well as the sides. Fill sides with peanuts or newsprint. You may also use dividers between cups and glasses.
Step 5: Keep layering until you have reached the top. Tape closed the box and mark "Fragile – China/Crystal."

Loading and Unloading:

On moving day, be conscious of the boxes when they are being loaded on and off the moving truck. If you are having a moving company move you, but you packed your valuables yourself, be sure to make them aware of the boxes that require a little extra care. Although, most moving companies will typically only insure property that they have packed themselves, it can never hurt to point out boxes containing your most valuables possessions.