Packing Dishes

• Line the bottom of a sturdy, medium-sized carton with several layers of crumbled packing paper so that the bottom is cushioned.
• Using a flat surface, lay out a sizable stack of packing paper.
• Place one plate in the center of the stack.
• Grasp two sheets of paper at one corner and pull them over the plate so the plate is covered completely.
• Stack a second plate on the first plate.
• Grasp a second corner of the two sheets of paper covering the first plate and pull them over so that the plates are covered.
• Stack a third plate on the other two.
• One at a time, fold the remaining corners over the stack of plates.
• Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down and place on the packing paper.
• Rewrap the entire bundle by pulling up two sheets of wrapping paper over the bundle, one corner at a time.
• Tape the bundle of plates.
• Place the bundle of plates in a carton so that the plates are standing on their edge (which is the strongest part of a plate).
• All plates and other flat dishes should be packed in the same manner.
• Make sure you put crumbled paper between the bundles for cushioning.

Packing Cups and Glasses

• Cups and glasses should be wrapped individually. We highly recommend that you do not “nest” items, since this may cause the items to break. It is better if you use cartons with dividers (such as those available from liquor stores).
• Make sure there is crumpled paper in the bottom of the carton before you begin.
• Lay the cup or glass on its side on your stack of paper, close to you.
• Grasp two sheets of paper and place over the item.
• Roll the item in the paper diagonally, while folding two other corners of the paper in towards the item until you have formed a bundle.
• Secure the bundle with tape.
• Place in the carton upright (do not lay the item on its side).
• Put crumpled paper between and on top of the bundles for cushioning.

Basic Guidelines Packing Pots and Pans

• Approximately two or three pots or pans may be nested, one inside the other. This method may also be used to pack large bowls.
• Place two or three sheets of paper between the items and nest inside one another.
• Place the items upside down in the middle of the stack of paper.
• Use at least three sheets of paper to wrap the items, using the same method as you did when wrapping dishes.
• Secure the bundle with tape.
• Pack in a medium-sized carton.

Packing Small Kitchen Appliances

• It is best to pack your small kitchen appliances (i.e., blender, toaster, can opener, coffeemaker, etc.) together in one or two cartons (or more, if needed), so that no other types of items are in the cartons. In this way, unpacking will be much easier.
• Wrap cords so that they do not scratch or damage items.
• Wrap each appliance individually with two or three sheets of paper.
• Place each appliance in the carton.
• Put crumpled paper between the appliances for cushioning.

Other Kitchen Packing Tips

• Boxed foods (such as cereal boxes) can be shipped (unless your shipment is going into storage, since these items will attract rodents and insects). If the box is open, tape it shut.
• Spices can be packed and shipped. Make certain that all containers are closed tightly so they don’t leak. If in doubt, seal the container with tape to pack.
• If you are shipping canister sets, you may leave the contents in them; however, secure the container with tape. Each canister should be individually wrapped in packing paper.
• Your refrigerator must be empty prior to moving. We cannot transport perishable items.
• Silverware should be completely wrapped in paper or plastic wrap to protect them from tarnishing. If your silver is in a chest, put paper in the chest to fill in any voids so that the items will not shift in the chest.
• Flatware should be packed in bundles.
• Knifes must have extra padding. You should also mark the bundle “KNIFES” so that you are extra careful when you unwrap them.