Hello there again cyber land! It is I, the resident Customer Service Ninja at Great Day Moving.  At the request of my mother, I am writing you today with a few do-it-yourself tips on packing fine china and other dishes.

Did you know that when you pack china (dishes, bowls, serving dishes) it is best to place them on their edges? Many people place china flat in the box, but as dishes are stacked on top of each other, the bottom ones are put under a great deal of pressure which can cause them to break. This is the same reason why old vinyl records are always kept on their edges instead of stacking them flat on the shelf.  Stemware and fine crystal should also be placed edge down in the box. Never lay stemware on its side. Doing so will most likely cause damage during transport. To protect the edges from chipping, wrap each piece of fine china and crystal in several layers of paper. Always place several layers of wrapping between pieces and around the stem of crystal.

How to pack china plates and bowls:

• Prepare the dish pack or china barrel by taping along the bottom flaps as well as crosswise.  These boxes are a full ¼ inch thick!  They are more expensive than normal boxes, but the extra expense is well worth it. Prep the box by putting a layer of wadded newsprint paper or peanuts in the bottom of the box for cushion.

• 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.

• Fill sides and any holes or gaps with peanuts or newsprint. Use larger items on the bottom layer and place a layer of bubble wrap in between layers of dishes. Place wadded newsprint or peanuts between each layer as cushioning between each layer.

• Make sure that you do not leave any “dead” space at the top or on either side.  A rule that I like to share with customers is that “if you can shake it, then you can break it.”

• Tape the box closed and mark “Fragile! China!” on at least 2 sides.

• Separately stack heavy boxes from light/medium-weight boxes, this will ensure less handling time and keep lightweight and fragile boxes off the bottom when loaded onto the truck.

Sayonara for now, have fun packing your fine china, and have a Great Day moving!!!