Packing Tips: Dining Room

Preparing your dining room for a move requires extra time and care. Since packing your dining room primarily consists of packing china, crystal, flatware and dining room furniture, you will want to pay special attention to how you pack each item. Since china and crystal stemware is very fragile, proper packaging is necessary in order to help protect against damage during transit..

Beyond Packing Tips for the Dining Room

For additional items located in your dining room such as expensive artwork and high end valuables, Allied provides a High Value Inventory form for all items above $100 per pound. Adding items that fall into this category is a precautionary measure for reimbursement in the event an unexpected loss or damage occurs. This is also an important detail so that you have a full account of the total value of items in your dining room area.

Allied's Packing Tips for the Dining Room

China & Glassware

Fine china and crystal glassware are precious keepsakes and it is important to pack them carefully for transport during a move. Original packaging is ideal for packing your china and glassware, but if that option is not available, following these simple tips will help you to protect your delicate items during your move.

Wrap each piece of china individually. For optimum protection, add a piece of bubble wrap or foam over your china, then follow with a piece of clean paper or packing paper. Start at the corner of the paper and wrap each piece diagonally, tucking overlapping edges until covered. Finish with two pieces of newspaper for an additional protective layer.
Pre-sectioned boxes work great for glassware, adding durability and protection against movement. Follow the same wrapping method listed above for your glassware. If you use regular, non-sectioned boxes, be sure to avoid stacking glasses on top of each other unless you have a solid layer separating each row. Apply padded cushioning at the bottom of your box and in between glasses for extra protection.
Place a generous amount of padded cushioning and crushed packing paper throughout the carton to protect against movement and shifting during transit.
For organized inventory, label your box as Dining Room, and indicate FRAGILE-TOP SIDE UP

Flat China & Flat Glassware

When packing your flat china and glassware, cartons work great. Wrap each piece of china and glassware individually. Add a piece of bubble wrap or foam to separate each item, then follow with a piece of clean paper or packing paper. Start at the corner of the paper and wrap each piece diagonally, tucking overlapping edges until covered. Finish with two pieces of newspaper for an additional protective layer.

Add a layer of cushioning to the bottom of your carton, and pack according to weight and size. Place your largest and heaviest pieces of china and glassware, such as platters and plates on the bottom of your carton. Add lighter items towards the top..
A good tip is to bundle three pieces of wrapped china or glassware together, and cover with a double layer of newspaper. Place each bundled group in your carton, separating your stacks by cardboard divided rows. .
Place a generous amount of padded cushioning and crushed packing paper throughout the carton to protect against movement and shifting during transit. .

Cups

Pre-sectioned boxes work great for cups too. Wrap each cup individually with two layers of clean paper or packing paper, followed with a protective layer of newspaper. With handles facing the same direction, place each cup upside down into your sectioned, cup divider box, then complete with a layer of cushioning at the top.

Silver & Flatware

To prevent tarnish and rust, cover your silver and flatware with plastic wrap, then add a protective layer of newspaper and seal with tape. Items can be wrapped individually or in sets.
If your silver and flatware will remain in a chest, add protective cushioning to ensure that wrapped items will not move during transport. Place a large bath towel over the chest to protect the finish.
Wrap silver bowls, serving dishes and tea sets individually with clean paper. Add newspaper to the outer layer and place carefully in box.

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items

Wrap each delicate item individually in soft tissue, tissue paper or a paper towel.
Add an outer layer of newspaper to mirrors, frames and plaques.
Towels work great for extra protection for glass figurines and curios.
Place all items flat in your carton and secure with ample cushioning and padding.

Fragile Items

For fragile items that exceed $100 per pound, be sure to list those items on your High Value Inventory sheet. This will ensure that your items are covered in the event an unexpected incident occurs, and it allows us the ability to provide the best possible protective packaging for your items.

Lamp Bases

Remove lamp shade, light bulbs and lamp harps, then wrap cords around the base of the lamp. Place each lamp base into moving carton, and add crushed paper or padding cushioning to fill gaps of space.

Lamp Shades

Wrap lamp shades in tissue paper, pillowcases or towels. According to size, stack from largest to smallest in carton and add protective, crushed paper in carton to protect against damage.
Pack silk shades by themselves in cartons, and never pack miscellaneous items with shades. Indicate that your carton is fragile, contains lamp shades and requires placement at the top of the other moving boxes.

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades

Special care should always be given to expensive chandeliers and leaded glass shades. To avoid potential damage, it is best to use customized crates for added, durable protection.

Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases

Custom crates also work well for all glass tables, marble, artwork and large vases. If you are moving high-end valuable pieces, crates will provide solid protection and a good covering to transport your items.

Table Leaves

One of the easiest ways to transport a table leaf is to use the padding that comes with the table. Place the padding securely against each table and secure with tape avoiding the finish on the wood. If the original padding is not available, cover your table leaves with secure paper pads.

Draperies & Curtains

Custom cartons are a great way to move drapes and curtains and they will protect the cloth from dirt and damage. Plastic works well too providing protection for your draperies during transport.

Rugs

Rugs should always be rolled prior to transport to avoid tears or damage to the material.
It is a good idea to load your rugs last on the moving truck to provide easier placement during unloading at your new destination.

Furniture

Leather pieces of furniture should always be protected to prevent damage.
Upholstered furniture pieces can be covered or shrink wrapped to provide full coverage protection.
All table legs and ends should be folded or protected with cardboard.
Additional furniture items should be covered and protected to help prevent scratches and damage.

Comprehensive Packing Tips for the Dining Room

We hope that our dining room packing tips will help to protect all of your valuables and help make your next move a great success. For more information, give us a call toll-free at 1-800-444-6787, and we will gladly help you!