Pack a cabinet of dishes
- Sort the cabinet. Pull everything out and set aside what you no longer use. Fewer pieces mean fewer boxes.
- Pad the carton. Put three or four inches of crushed paper on the bottom, and tape the seams twice.
- Wrap each piece alone. Place a bowl in the corner of a sheet of packing paper, roll it, and tuck the ends. Use two sheets for heavy pieces.
- Nest only what nests. Bowls of matching size can nest with a sheet of paper between each. Do not nest mismatched pieces.
- Heaviest on the bottom. Put casseroles and serving platters at the base and lighter mugs and small bowls above.
- Pad each layer. Fill the gaps with crushed paper and add a flat layer between layers.
- Finish and label. Add a final layer of paper, close the lid flat, tape the seam and write DISHES, FRAGILE and the room.
A cabinet of everyday dishes includes bowls, mugs, serving pieces, casseroles and more. The method below works for all of them. Separate pages cover plates and glasses because those two have their own tricks.
Choose the right carton
Dishes are denser than they look. A large box of dishes can weigh more than one person should lift, which is why a small or medium carton is the safer choice. A double-wall carton resists crushing when it is stacked. Boxes and supplies are sold at the Sparks office, and the 10 free heavy-duty boxes from your in-home estimate suit the heavier layers.
Serveware, casseroles and lids
- Wrap lids separately from the pots they belong to, then pack them in the same box.
- Place a sheet of paper between stacked casserole dishes.
- Wrap decorative platters like pictures: on edge, with padding on both faces.
- Roll wooden bowls and utensils in paper to prevent scuffs.
- Take heirloom serving pieces with you or have the crew pack them.
The shake test
Close the box and give it a gentle shake. If you hear a clink, open it and add paper. A box that is packed well is quiet. Then lift it: if you strain, the box is too heavy and the bottom may fail.
Hand it to the crew
The kitchen is the room most households hand to the crew first. O'Brien's offers full packing, partial packing and box-packing-only, so you can give the crew just the kitchen. See partial packing.