Shipping fine China dishes requires foolproof packing so that it does not get damaged in transit. The good news is that packing China dishes is quite easy if you have the right tools.
For proper packing, clear your dining table and place a large thick cloth on it. The soft surface ensures that even if you accidentally tip over a piece, it won’t break.
Create a list of all the items and their accompanying accessories that need to be packed, so that you can buy the proper tools.
Lay down all the items on the table, so that you can have a clear idea of what needs to be packed first and how.
Materials List
• Measuring Tape
• Tape Gun
• Dish Pack Boxes (Double Walled)
• Tissue Paper
• Inner Boxes
• Large Bubble Wrap
• Packing Peanuts
• Small Bubble Wrap
• Pressure-Sensitive Tape
Step #1
Measure the size of each China dish and note it down. Make sure the inner boxes have 1 inch of space left from all sides once the dish is placed inside. As for the dish pack boxes, they must have at least 3 inches of space on all sides. The dish pack box is usually for those items that are too delicate and require double protection. You can also use this box for placing bowls and mugs.
Step #2
Wrap all the dishes in tissue paper and then secure them with scotch tape. (The reason why packing tape is not recommended is that it can cause damage to fine China when they are being unpacked.) Do not use newspaper instead of tissue paper, as China dishes packed in the former material are not qualified for insurance.
Step #3
Wrap the tissue wrapped China dishes with the small bubble wrap. You can now secure this bubble wrap with packing tape as it will no longer come in contact with the China Dish directly. Wrap the dishes once again with the big bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape. This creates a nice padding for the dishes and any hard impact is absorbed by the big bubble wrap.
Step #4
Fill the bottom of the inner box with packing peanuts at least 3 inches high. Place the wrapped package in the box and then create another 3-inch layer of packing peanuts. Repeat the process until the dishes have been pilled till the mouth of the box, leaving 2 inches of space. Lastly, create another layer of packing peanuts and close the flaps. Use packing tape to secure the box.
Step #5
Fill the bottom of the double walled boxes with packing peanuts. Place the packed box inside this box and then fill any void with packing peanuts. Finally, close the flaps and secure them with packing tape. Label the box “FRAGILE” in bold letters with a red marker.
Follow these steps one by one to a T and you will be able to pack and ship your fine China easily. Make sure you get insurance for them before handing the box over to the movers.
Shipping China
Shipping China Dishes: A Guide to Ensure Your Valuables Remain Damage-Free
Packing china isn’t only time consuming, but also a very intensive process. It is time-consuming because each item has to be packed separately and intensive because even the slightest of thud or drop can cause a crack in the beautiful masterpiece. A dinner set with at least 60 pieces will surely get anyone to stress.
But there is no need to worry about the process of shipping and packing doesn’t have to be this hard. To ensure that nothing is damaged or worse, broken during the move, each item must be packed with care. How; this article will tell.
Start with a Clean Space
Before we begin, it is important to know that china is delicate when compared with glass or melamine sets. So when thinking about packing them, always begin with a clean workspace that is free of clutter. The best place is to lay each piece on the floor, get all the essential packing equipment together and then begin. A clean space will help you keep a track of all the pieces to be packed and also eliminate the risk of a fall.
Choose the right box
Next up, choose the right box to be shipped. A box that can easily hold up to 5 kg of weight will be ideal to start working with. One may feel tempted to work with a large carton but experts suggest otherwise. Unless it has been labeled, the chances of a large carton finding its place at the base of other smaller cartons are high. We wouldn’t want that, knowing that too much pressure can cause a crack.
Wrap Each Item Separately
When it comes to wrapping, start by wrapping each item separately also goes for any lids, saucer plates, and bowls. Wrap each item in multiple layers of newspaper or bubble wrap. If your china is white, avoid newspaper as the ink may rub off against it. You can, however, add layers of newspaper once you have covered the surface with bubble wrap. There is only one rule when packing china – be as generous as you can with the wrapping sheets, tape and/or bubble wrap.
Fill voids with packing peanuts
Packing peanuts or scrunched up paper is the best way to ensure that any void spaces between the items are filled up. The poor filling may cause the dishes to crash into or rub against each other. It will also prevent any unwanted shifting or items inside the box. Packing peanuts, foam or scrunched up newspaper must be filled in both bottom and top of the box so that everything inside remains in its place. If you notice any movement or cluttering in the box, it is a sign that more padding is needed as there are some spaces in between the dishes that touch each other.
Pack It Up Nice And Send Off To Be Shipped
Lastly, tape the carton generously. Even when it already comes with a lid or shutting mechanism going overboard with the tape will ensure the contents inside stay damage-proof. Additional layers of tape will ensure it remains packed and doesn’t accidentally open during the move.
Label it (optional)
Indentation is also an important but an optional step. With so many cardboard boxes, the one containing your precious chinaware may find its place at the bottom of the pile. Even when you have layered each item with care, risking its safety with additional pressure and weight on it may cause a crack which is why always label the carton. When labeled, the movers will know where to place it best and prevent any unwanted damage throughout the move.