How to Pack Dishes and Glassware Without Breakage

Choose the Right Box and Padding

Use double-walled or dish-pack boxes — they're thicker and stronger than standard moving boxes. Line the bottom with a generous layer of crumpled packing paper or a folded towel. Never use newspaper directly on fine china as the ink can transfer. Cell divider kits are worth every penny for wine glasses and champagne flutes.

Wrapping Techniques That Work

Wrap each plate individually in two sheets of packing paper, tucking the edges in. Stack plates vertically like records — they're far less likely to crack than when stacked flat. For bowls, nest two together with paper between them, then wrap the pair. Wine glasses should be stuffed with paper inside the bowl, then wrapped from the stem up. Place them upside-down in cell dividers.

Fill every gap in the box with crumpled paper. When sealed, gently shake the box — if you hear shifting, add more padding. Our movers at Up & Out see broken dishes most often when boxes are under-padded.

Label and Load Fragile Boxes

Mark each box "FRAGILE" on the top and all four sides, and add an arrow indicating which side faces up. Never stack heavy boxes on top of dish boxes in the truck. In Montreal, where some moves involve narrow outdoor staircases and multiple flights, remind your movers that these boxes need extra care.