Moving to Tasmania can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Packing your belongings is one of the most important and time-consuming tasks, and tableware is one item that requires extra care. In this blog, we will guide you through the best practices for packing your tableware, from dinnerware to glassware, to make sure every piece arrives intact.
Dinnerware
Separate your dinnerware by type (for example, plates, bowls, and saucers). You can fit similar sized items more snugly into moving boxes, thereby minimising movement during the rest of the removals process. Choose a specialty box, such as a China barrel, or a small sturdy container that you can pack fully without making it too heavy.
Put a layer of packing material in the bottom of the box, such as paper, linen, or bubble wrap. Then, wrap each item individually and place it into the box, fitting each item together like you’re stacking them in a cupboard.
Consider putting your dinnerware on its side rather than its end, as you would in a drying rack, to decrease the force exerted on the glass during loading and transport.
Flatware and Cutlery
If you organise your flatware in a tray, use the tray as your base when you begin packing up these items. The structure of the tray reduces the risk of forks and butter knives going through packing paper and cardboard boxes.
If you do not have a tray on hand, create bundles of each type of utensil and lay them next to each other in your moving box. Wrap these bundles in butcher paper or linens to protect the surface. This covering is particularly important with genuine silverware to prevent tarnishing.
As you pack up your cutlery, which may include sharp knives, imagine that someone (who may not know the contents of the container) will unpack your box at its destination, unbeknown there are sharp knives inside. With this possibility in mind, pack accordingly and label the box. Allow buffer room and cushioning around the sides to avoid sharp knives penetrating the box and injuring the unpacker.
We suggest laying knives into pieces of butcher paper or linen, and then wrapping the material once around the blade. Repeat this step with the next knife but lay the knife so that its handle lines up with the blade of the previous knife.
Glassware
Identify the sturdiest pieces of glassware in your cabinets. If you have plastic cups, they can go in this category, along with mugs, thick vases and so on.
Unlike your dinnerware, your glassware should not stack with pieces nestled inside each other when you pack them, as this may increase the risk of breakage. Use at least two sheets of newsprint or butcher paper for each item. Fill in any gaps with paper, linen, or old tea towels.
Tuck the paper into the opening of the cup, and then wrap the rest of the paper around the outside of the glass. You may also want to roll each piece up in a second sheet of paper for added protection. Place your glassware side by side in a moving box. Fill in any gaps with paper.
Use the guidelines in this blog to ensure that you’re prepared to set the table in your new home for a lavish dinner party or intimate family meal – without the inconvenience of broken dishes or missing cutlery.
Hire a Professional Removalist
To simplify the packing process, particularly for expensive and sentimental items, consider hiring a professional packer to ensure your contents are insured. For assistance with all your removals needs, trust the experienced team at Price’s Removals & Storage – we can help make ‘setting the table’ in your new home in Tasmania (or on the mainland) hassle-free.
For a move to Tasmania with confidence and knowing that your expensive tableware is being packed safely and securely – contact Price’s Removals & Storage today for all your removals needs.
