Packing the Dining Room

Packing the Dining Room

The dining room will generally include your most fragile china and crystal stemware. Each item should be carefully wrapped in paper and placed in dishpack cartons; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware. You will also want to include any items with values exceeding $100 per pound on your “High Value Inventory” form to receive proper valuation coverage.

China & Glassware

Individually wrap all pieces of glassware and china. Use several sheets of clean paper, begin from the corner, wrap diagonally and continuously tuck in overlapping edges.

  • Cushion all china and glassware with a generous amount of paper padding.
  • Label boxes with room, contents and “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP.”

Flat China & Flat Glassware

Put cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Individually wrap each piece with clean paper, then wrap up to three pieces in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Put these bundled pieces in the 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 of pieces with crushed paper. Don’t leave any voids or unfilled spaces.
  • Protect the rims and provide a level base for the next tier by adding a two to three inch layer of wadded paper on top of the bundle.
  • Another way to keep tiers level is to use horizontal cardboard dividers between layers.
  • Saucers, shallow bowls and smaller plates could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items, listed above.

Cups

If not using cellular dividers, 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 and cellular dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper. Then, pack cups upside down.

Silver & Flatware

To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.

  • Hollow ware – including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes – should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
  • Loose flatware may be wrapped individually or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic or small gift boxes that are then secured with tape.
  • Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel.

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.

  • Wrap first in tissue paper, 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 an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass.
  • Place flat items on edge in a carton.

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades

Have your moving professional crate large leaded or chandeliers or other glass lamp shades.

Glass Table Tops, Large Vases, Paintings, Statues, Large Mirrors & Marble Slabs

Ask your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for pieces of this kind. Do not let paper touch the surface of an oil painting.

Draperies & Curtains

Ideally, pack curtains and drapes in wardrobe cartons. Fold them lengthwise, put over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. You may also fold and pack curtains and draperies in cartons lined with plastic wrap or clean paper.

Rugs

Do not move area rugs because the moving company will handle them.

  • A good option is to have your area rugs professionally clean before your move because you’ll get them back from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping.
  • Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can be placed right on top of the rug.

Furniture

Your packing crew will shrink wrap large, upholstered possessions.

  • Speak with your moving professional before the move about any leather items.
  • You can protect table corners with cardboard.
  • You may want to consider packing couch pillows in large boxes.