How To Pack Dishes For Moving Using the Cell Kit
Packing plates, glasses, and other fragile items in the kitchen is usually a bit more complicated than you first imagine. Not only are there a variety of items to pack up, but many of those items will break if they’re not packed correctly. Unpacking at your new home and finding a shattered fine china set is a heartbreaker, to say the least.
So, how do you pack dishes for moving easily while avoiding damage? It all starts with using the right packing supplies. The Cell Kit box divider is a must-have for packing a kitchen. It’s designed to make packing glassware and dishware simple while keeping your items safely intact.
Ready to get your belongings packed? Here’s how the Cell Kit works.
Recommended Dish Packing Supplies
In addition to a Cell Kit, there are some other supplies you’ll need to pack your kitchen like a pro. U-Haul carries a wide selection of professional-grade packing supplies designed to accommodate all kinds of household items. These are what we recommend for dishes and glasses.
- Cell Kit box divider inserts
- Dish Barrel® Box
- Box Tape
- Packing Paper
- Cushion Foam
- Enviro-Bubble®
How Cell Kit Box Dividers Work
The Cell Kit uses cardboard box dividers to create custom compartments for storing dishware and glassware. The isolated cells work wonders to prevent items from colliding and shifting. The kit creates three storage levels capable of holding up to 13 place settings; this includes various plates, glassware, mugs, stemware, and bowls packed into a single Cell Kit, making it a versatile dish/glass packing solution.
The Cell Kit pairs perfectly with the Dish Barrel Box (sold separately). This box is double-walled for maximum protection for your fragile items. It also comes with perforated handles for easier lifting and carrying. Simply slide the box dividers into the Dish Barrel Box for a fast packing solution.
How To Pack a Dish Barrel Box
After you’ve acquired the recommended dish packing supplies, you can begin packing your fragile glassware for your move. But it’s not quite as simple as stacking your items in the box. Proper packing requires attention to detail and taking the time to assemble your supplies the right way. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure your dishes and glasses are packed with safety and convenience in mind, and your supplies are utilized properly.
1. Fold the Outer Packaging
Use the Cell Kit’s outer packaging and fold the edges to create a “springboard.” Lay this down at the bottom of the Dish Barrel Box with the folds facing down. This will provide your dishes with a layer of shock absorption should the box be dropped during your move.
2. Create the Base Level Cells
Using the tallest partitions, craft the base cell compartments by sliding the pieces together. Each section has cutaways, so you can easily slide the pieces together by hand. There are four partitions in total for each level.
3. Customize Your Partitions
The base level is designed for packing large items, like stemware, plates, bowls and pots and pans. To create more space on the base level, remove the two center partitions. You can customize your sections based on your needs. Use the outer corner cells for stemware or dinner glasses.
4. Protect Your Glasses and Dishes
Before placing your items in the cells, be sure they are protected. Use sheets of Packing Paper to individually wrap each item or to provide padding in between stacked items. Consider using Cushion Foam or Enviro-Bubble for extra protection for fine china.
5. Pack Level by Level
Pack your items starting with the heaviest and largest items on the bottom (plates, pots, pans, etc.) After each level is packed, place a cardboard pad on top to separate the sections. There are two cardboard pads included in the Cell Kit. Continue until the box is packed.
6. Seal the Box Tightly
You should finish with the third and final cell compartments exposed at the top of the box. Place a sheet of Enviro-Bubble, packing paper, or Cushion Foam on top for added protection (optional). Seal the container tightly with box tape.
How to Pack Glasses
For best protection, fill the hollows of glasses with crumpled pieces of Packing Paper. Wrap the glasses in a protective material, such as Packing Paper, Enviro-Bubble, or Cushion Foam Pouches. Place wrapped glasses in individual cell compartments in the second and third levels.
How to Pack Plates
Set plates in the center of your packing paper and fold the edges over, then tape. Plates should be packed in the bottom tier – remove all the center partitions to create compartments in the center and sides, or remove just two center partitions to create three rows for plates.
How to Pack Bowls
Wrap bowls the same way you wrap plates – set them in the center of protective material and fold the edges over. Use the bottom level to pack your bowls. A small stack of bowls can be stacked vertically in the center compartment or stacked on the sides horizontally.
How to Pack Mugs
Like glasses, mugs should be placed in levels one and two. Place crumbled pieces of packing paper inside the mugs for added protection. Roll each mug using packing paper or Enviro-Bubble, then place them in the open compartments – one mug per compartment.
How to Pack Fine China
We recommend using small Enviro-Bubble wrap what packing china for moving. Roll each item in Enviro-Bubble with the bubbles facing inward, touching the item, and secure it with tape. Plates and stemware should be placed on the bottom level, with glasses on the top levels.
General Tips For Packing Dishes For Moving
- Pack heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items at the top
- Don't overload your boxes – keep loads manageable enough to lift
- Use padding or packing paper in between plates and bowls
- Don't stack dishes too high – this puts too much pressure on your bottom dishes
Protect Your Glasses and Dishes on Moving Day
Pairing a Cell Kit with a Dish Barrel Box is a great way to get your dishes, glasses, and other fragile glassware safely packed and ready for moving day or storage. U-Haul has the best supplies for your move for the best price. Find the right moving supplies for your today!