How to Pack for Your Next Move | FlatRate Moving
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The Best Way to Pack Dishes

Learn tips on how we keep kitchen items safe! FlatRate Moving is NYC’s top moving company. With over 25 years of experience watch how our movers pack kitchen glassware to prevent them from breaking.

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10 Packing Guides and Tips

A cleanly packed box next to a messy box

1. Start with Decluttering

For a stress-free packing, start with decluttering, and make the it a fun journey — with your moving day coming soon, there’s no better time to think about what you really want in your new home.

A person packs books into a box

2. Sort things by category

If you mix books with the kitchenware you will create empty spaces inside the boxes. Optimize the space by organizing the boxes by type: Books, clothes, cables, picture frames, etc.

A person completes a checklist

3. Create a packing list

Take a look at all the things you have and get ready to label every box. Begin by planning how you are going to pack and what materials you have.

Books stacked in a box

4. Don't pack everything!

There are some items that you should NOT pack when moving, either not recommended to pack yourself or not allowed by regulation. Although some of these tips might sound obvious, plenty of people have had to learn what not to pack the hard way. This advice will prevent you from making the same mistakes.

There are a few hard-to-pack items FlatRate always includes as part of our standard moving package. We know from experience it’s better to leave these things to the professionals so we always take care of stuff like TVs, lamps, electronics, small mirrors and sculptures, artwork, glass or marble items, and all of your hanging clothes. Check the full list of items we always pack for you.

A person wraps some cutlery

5. Use 5lb tissue paper

Do not bother using newspaper. The ink gets all over your things and can stain them. Only use unprinted tissue paper for wrapping fragile items. For extra protection, we recommend wrapping dishes, vases, and art objects with 10lb packing paper—perfect for packing extra fragile and valuable items without taking up too much room in a box.

A person carries a box

6. Make a simple box for essentials

You may have a couple of days between leaving the old house and moving into a new one. Set aside a box for essentials such as dishes, cups, flatware, dish cleaning supplies and little appliances.

A person writes on a box with a marker

7. Large box for light items, small box for heavy items

It might seem counterintuitive, but if you put heavy items in large boxes, the box might break. It’s simple but this rule will make the moving process way smoother.

A filled wardrobe box

8. Use a wardrobe box

Our wardrobe boxes allow you to hang your clothes easily with room left over to pack shoes and other items at the bottom. It’s constructed with Heavy Duty cardboard for added strength and stability with a convenient front access panel and integrated hand holes for increased ease of use.

A person tapes a box shut

9. Seal the bottom of the box with tape

Before you put anything into a cardboard box, you should tape up the bottom. If you don’t, the bottom will flap over each other and the box could collapse when lifted. Never interlock the flaps of the box as it reduces the strength. Wait until the last minute to close all the boxes as there is always something else that you might be missing. This will give you a better perspective of your move.

How many boxes do I need?

Count on us to find the perfect options for you. See Size Guide

Make Sure You Have The Right Supplies

Packing label
Quality packing labels

Do not waste your money on bargain brands. They will not stick firmly and they often shred while you try to unroll them.

Available at Box Store
Quality packing tape

Do not waste your money on bargain brands. They will not stick firmly and they often shred while you try to unroll them.

Available at Box Store
China box
China / dish boxes

Use these for heavier things, like your flatware, cooking utensils, pots and pans and drawer contents.

Available at Box Store
Linen box
Linen boxes

Pack larger, lightweight things in these, such as baking pans, dish racks or your small appliances.

Available at Box Store
Book box
Book boxes

Our book boxes are larger and sturdier than boxes that you will see at other retailers. Book boxes are used to move and store heavier items like CDs, photo albums, DVDs, utensils and cutlery sets.

Available at Box Store
Markers
Several Large Black Markers

Using a black marker is the most basic method for labeling boxes. You can label boxes by room this way and you can also number the boxes to coincide with your inventory list.

Available at Box Store
Tissue paper
5lbs Tissues or 10lbs Packing Papers

Use unprinted tissue paper for wrapping fragile items. For extra protection, we recommend wrapping dishes, vases, and art objects with professional Packing Paper—perfect for packing extra fragile items without taking up too much room in a box.

Available at Box Store
Cardboard Dividers
Cardboard Dividers

These handy dividers fit in boxes to keep glasses and wine bottles safe. You can also use them for other glass objects in the kitchen. Be sure to buy dividers that fit correctly into your boxes.

Available at Box Store
Boxes are stacked and posed
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