How to Pack Dishes & Glassware Safely for Moving

Service Overview

Packing Dishes & Glassware the Right Way

Kitchen items are some of the most commonly damaged belongings during a move. The issue is rarely the dishes themselves — it’s poor weight control, loose packing, and boxes that allow items to shift while in transit.

This article explains a practical system for packing dishes and glassware for a move so they stay stable, protected, and easy to unpack. The same method works whether you are doing a DIY move or preparing boxes for a moving crew.

Supplies you should have ready

• Small or medium boxes to control weight
• Plain packing paper (clean, flexible, and shock-absorbing)
• Soft fillers such as towels or dishcloths
• Strong packing tape
• Marker for visible labeling
• Glass dividers if available

For better stacking and crush resistance, some people prefer moving box rentals instead of relying on worn cardboard. 

Step 1: Reduce Volume First

Step 1: Pack Less to Protect More

Packing everything in the kitchen is unnecessary and risky. Extra dishes add weight, require more boxes, and increase the chance of damage. Therefore, try to sort your dishes into three groups, as we will explain in the following paragraph.

Sort dishes before you touch a box

• Keep: items you use weekly or care about
• Donate: complete sets you no longer need
• Discard: chipped, cracked, or mismatched pieces

Reducing volume makes boxes lighter and easier to secure. If broken cookware or unwanted items are piling up, junk removal lets you clear the space before packing begins.

Step 2 Pack By Use Not By Room

Step 2: Pack Dishes in Phases

Packing all kitchen items at once usually leads to reopening boxes and rushed repacking. A phased approach keeps things controlled.

Three packing phases for kitchenware

• Phase 1: Items used rarely or seasonally
• Phase 2: Backup dishes and serving pieces
• Phase 3: Everyday plates and glasses

Good candidates for early packing

• Formal dinnerware and platters
• Wine and cocktail glasses
• Extra mugs and bowls
• Decorative or display glass

This keeps the kitchen usable until the final days and avoids last-minute scrambling.

Step 3 Best Packing Supplies And Rules That Prevent Damage

Step 3: Wrapping and Boxing Techniques That Work

Breakage happens when items move inside the box or when boxes are too heavy. The goal is to eliminate motion and distribute weight evenly.

Core packing rules for dishes

• Use small boxes only (this is the reason why our reusable moving boxes come in two different sizes)
• Wrap every item separately
• Place plates on edge, not stacked flat
• Cushion all sides and corners
• Fill the box completely so nothing shifts

Item-specific guidance

• Plates: Wrapped individually and stood upright
• Bowls: Nested with padding between layers
• Glasses: Wrapped from base to rim, stems reinforced
• Mugs: Handles padded and placed sideways

Containers that don’t flex under weight reduce pressure on fragile items. This is why many people choose rent moving boxes for kitchen packing.

Step 4 Pack For Movers Labeling And Moving Day Readiness

Step 4: Label for Handling, Not Just Organization

Clear labeling helps movers know how to load, stack, and place boxes. It directly affects how safely dish boxes are handled.

Minimum labeling to include

• Destination: Kitchen
• Handling note: Fragile
• Orientation: This Side Up
• Priority: One box marked Open First

Prepare a basic dish essentials box

Pack one box with enough dishes and glasses for the first day. Keep it accessible so you can eat and unpack gradually.

Final Notes

Final Tip: Stability Matters More Than Speed

Dishes make it through a move when boxes are packed solidly and handled with care. Proper wrapping and balanced weight do far more to prevent damage than rushing through the process.

Use small boxes, remove all empty space, and label clearly. Those simple steps reduce most kitchen-related breakage.

If you found this guide helpful, our Moving Checklist walks you through a step-by-step timeline for a smooth move.

You can also request a moving estimate if you need help with your move, and we’ll respond within 12 hours.