Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a stressful time. One of the biggest worries for many people is packing their belongings, especially fragile items like glassware and kitchen supplies. Fear not! With a little planning and the right techniques, you can ensure your precious dishes and cookware arrive at their new destination safe and sound.

Here at Storage Etc., we've seen our fair share of moving days, and we've picked up some expert tips along the way. Here's our guide to packing glassware and kitchen supplies for moving and shipping:

Gather your supplies:

• Packing boxes: Choose sturdy boxes in various sizes. Opt for smaller boxes for heavier items like plates and mugs, and larger boxes for lightweight items like plastic containers.
• Packing paper: Use plenty of packing paper for cushioning.
• Bubble wrap: For extra protection, bubble wrap is your best friend, especially for glassware.
• Packing peanuts: Fill any empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts to prevent items from shifting during transport.
• Packing tape: Secure your boxes tightly with strong packing tape.
• Permanent markers: Clearly label your boxes with the contents and which room they belong to in your new home.

Packing techniques:

• Wrap it up: Individually wrap each piece of glassware in bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure there are no gaps or exposed areas.
• Fill the voids: Once wrapped, place glassware in the center of the box. Fill any empty spaces around the items with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent them from moving during transport.
• Pack it tight: Don't overload your boxes. It's better to have multiple smaller boxes than one overloaded one that could cause breakage.
• Plates and platters: Stand plates and platters on their edges, wrapped in packing paper, rather than laying them flat. Fill the space between each plate with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from clinking together.
• Pots and pans: Pack pots and pans together, nesting smaller items inside larger ones. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper or towels for cushioning.
• Sharp objects: Wrap knives and other sharp objects securely in bubble wrap or packing paper. You can also group them together and secure them with tape to prevent them from moving around in the box.

Pro tip: Pack your most delicate items, such as heirloom china or crystal, last. This way, you can unload them first at your new home and unpack them with extra care.

For shipping:

• Double the protection: If you're shipping your belongings, consider double-boxing your glassware and kitchen supplies. Place the original box containing the wrapped items inside a larger box with additional packing materials around it.
• Mark it fragile: Clearly label your boxes "Fragile" on multiple sides to alert shipping handlers to take extra care.

Bonus tip: Once you've unpacked your kitchen supplies at your new home, take some time to clean and disinfect them before using them again. This will ensure your dishes are fresh and ready for use in your new kitchen.

By following these tips, you can pack your glassware and kitchen supplies with confidence and ensure they arrive at your new home safe and sound. Happy moving!