Moving delicate china can be a nerve-wracking experience for any homeowner, collector, or family looking to relocate. One carelessly placed or inadequately wrapped dish can result in damage to irreplaceable items. Whether you’re moving cherished pieces passed down through generations, a set that you love that’s no longer available, or you’re a newlywed with a just-completed wedding gift set, understanding how to pack china for moving is an invaluable skill that will help to ensure that your valuable dishware arrives safely at its new destination. 

Why Proper Packing Matters

Fine china and delicate dishware are not just ordinary household items—they’re often irreplaceable treasures with significant sentimental or monetary value — or both. If there are memories attached to your collection, each piece can tell a story: It may be wedding china passed down through generations or a delicate teacup once used by a grandmother’s collection. 

China is more than just dishware. Fine china can represent a substantial investment worth thousands of dollars, and even a modest piece may be a tangible connection to our personal history. Proper packing is the best way to protect against damage that — in some cases — no insurance can compensate. If packing yourself, using the right materials and methods is absolutely essential when preparing to move these fragile items, but the safest, stress-free option is to arrange for professional packing and unpacking services from the professionals at Joey’s Movers.

Why China Requires Special Handling

Understanding why fine china is so vulnerable helps explain the meticulous care required during moving. Porcelain and fine china are crafted from delicate materials that are inherently fragile:

  • Thin ceramic can be as little as 1-2 millimeters thick
  • Glazed surfaces are susceptible to scratching and chipping
  • Intricate designs and hand-painted details are easily damaged
  • Temperature and pressure changes during moving can cause stress fractures

The first thing you need to know about how to pack china for moving is the importance of choosing the right materials. Collecting free boxes from local stores and using old newspapers for wrapping are mistakes that many people come to regret.

Best Boxes for Packing Fine China

Selecting the right boxes is the foundation of safe china transportation. Not all moving boxes are created equal, especially when it comes to delicate dishware. Key considerations include using double-walled, china-specific boxes with built-in dividers and investing in custom crating for valuable collections.

  • Double-walled boxes provide extra durability and protection against impact
  • China-specific boxes have built-in compartments that help prevent individual pieces from shifting and colliding
  • Consider custom crating offers tailored support and cushioning, ensuring maximum security for extremely valuable collections

Packing Paper for Moving: Your China’s Best Protection

Though most people fail to use it, packing paper is the unsung hero of china protection. While bubble wrap can sometimes create pressure points, high-quality packing paper provides a soft, clean, consistent cushion that conforms to the shape of your dishes.

  • Clean packing paper provides a soft, non-abrasive layer that prevents scratches and surface damage.  It absorbs minor shocks and vibrations without adding excessive bulk and avoids potential stains or residue that could come from printed or recycled paper.  It also allows for easy wrapping and molding around delicate pieces for a snug fit.  
  • Though bubble wrap may seem like a good answer, it is not always ideal for fine china. It can create pressure points that increase the risk of cracks or breakage and may leave imprints or residue on delicate china surfaces, especially under pressure.  It also adds unnecessary bulk, making it harder to fit multiple pieces securely in a box.

 

The right time to use bubble wrap when packing fine china is when wrapping large or uniquely shaped pieces that need extra cushioning, as an outer protective layer after wrapping pieces in packing paper, when filling gaps in a box to prevent movement during transit, or for extra reinforcement of particularly fragile or high-value items.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pack China for Moving

Preparation

  • Sort Your Collection
  • Group items by size and fragility
  • Set aside any particularly delicate pieces for special handling
  • Clean and dry all items thoroughly before packing
  • Wrapping Technique
  • Lay out a sheet of packing paper
  • Place each plate, cup, or bowl in the center of the packing paper, folding the corners inward and creating a tight, protective wrap that provides full coverage.
  • Secure with packing tape if necessary.
  • Use Boxes with Dividers
  • Built-in dividers prevent items from touching and potentially damaging each other.
  • Box Layering
  • Start with a layer of crumpled packing paper at the box’s bottom
  • Place wrapped items vertically, like records, to reduce pressure
  • Use dividers between layers
  • Securing the Box
  • Fill any gaps with additional crumpled paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap. 
  • Tape each box closed and label its contents, including arrows to indicate the right side up and that the contents are fragile.

Special Considerations for Unique Items

Label boxes properly to avoid damage while moving.

 

Vases and Figurines

 These items are uniquely shaped.  In addition to being made from delicate materials like porcelain, glass, or ceramic, they often have protruding parts and intricate details that make them especially susceptible to breakage.

  • Use double-walled boxes and generously line their interiors with soft packing paper and cushioning to absorb vibration and prevent movement within the box during transport.
  • Wrap the entire piece generously
  • Consider individual small boxes for extremely fragile pieces
  • Pack each item upright with padding inside to reinforce structural integrity
  • Mark these boxes with “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE”

Teacups with Delicate Handles

When wrapping teacups with delicate handles for a move, special care is needed to ensure the handles remain intact and the cups are well-protected:  

  • Using clean packing paper, individually wrap each teacup, ensuring the handle is well-covered and cushioned.  
  • Wrap the handle separately with additional layers of packing paper or soft foam to prevent stress fractures or breakage.  
  • Do not place excessive pressure on the handle when wrapping, as it is the most fragile part of the teacup.  
  • If possible, place each teacup in a china-specific box with built-in compartments to prevent shifting.  
  • If stacking is necessary, place a layer of padding between each cup and ensure there is no direct contact between handles.  
  • Use crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts, or soft cloths to fill any gaps in the box, preventing movement during transit.  
  • Mark the box as “FRAGILE” and indicate the correct orientation to avoid mishandling.

Dos and Don’ts of Packing China

Do:

  • Use high-quality, clean packing materials
  • Wrap each item individually and secure it tightly
  • Label boxes clearly with the word fragile and indicate the correct orientation with arrows
  • Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box

Don’t:

  • Avoid packing multiple heavy items in the same box
  • Don’t overpack boxes containing fragile items
  • Don’t use insufficient or low-quality packing materials
  • Don’t forget to put extra cushioning between items
  • Don’t try to save on packing paper by wrapping multiple items together 
  • Don’t forget to mark boxes as fragile

When to Consider Professional Packing Services

While it’s possible to pack your fragile items yourself, hiring professional movers like Joey’s Movers provides specialized services for your delicate items. Our professional packing and unpacking service provides:

  • Expert Handling & Techniques – Our professionals have experience in wrapping, cushioning, and packing fragile items to minimize the risk of breakage.  
  • High-Quality Packing Materials – We use industry-grade packing paper, custom-fit boxes, foam inserts, and other materials designed for maximum protection.  
  • Proper Box Selection & Organization – Our experts know the best boxes for different items, such as double-walled boxes or dish packs with built-in compartments, ensuring secure placement.  
  • Time & Stress Savings – We save you time and reduce the stress of packing fragile items correctly.  
  • Damage Prevention & Insurance Coverage – We offer insurance options, providing financial protection in case of accidental damage.  
  • Secure Transportation Preparation – We ensure your cherished items are packed to withstand vibrations, pressure, and movement during transit.  
  • Customized Crating for Valuable Items – For highly valuable or antique pieces, our professionals can create custom crates to provide maximum security.

Long-Distance Shipping Tips

  • When shipping china across long distances, your safest option is to use professional shipping services that provide comprehensive insurance and tracking
  • Shipping fine china internationally requires special attention, as there are significant differences between the packing requirements. Those include: 

Packing fine china for a local move versus international shipping requires different levels of protection due to variations in handling, distance, and environmental conditions. Here’s how they differ:

Local Move 

  • Packing Materials: China-specific boxes with built-in compartments are sufficient.
  • Wrapping: Use packing paper and bubble wrap to cushion individual items and prevent breakage.
  • Boxing Method: Single-boxing is usually adequate, as handling is more controlled and travel time is shorter.
  • Padding & Cushioning: Standard cushioning materials like foam inserts, packing paper, or dish separators are enough to prevent movement.
  • Handling: Items are usually moved by professionals or personally transported, with more control over handling.
  • Labeling: Clearly mark as “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” for careful handling.
  • Insurance: Recommended for valuable items but may not be as crucial as for international shipping.

International Shipping

  • Packing Materials: Use heavy-duty double-walled boxes or custom wooden crates for added protection.
  • Wrapping: Wrap each item with packing paper first, then bubble wrap to prevent direct contact and absorb impact.
  • Double-Boxing Method: Place the initial packed box inside a larger, well-cushioned outer box to absorb external shocks during transit.
  • Padding & Cushioning: Use high-density foam, custom-fit padding, or inflatable air pillows to fill empty spaces and prevent shifting.
  • Handling: Items will be processed through multiple handling points (airports, customs, couriers), increasing the risk of rough treatment.
  • Labeling & Documentation: Requires detailed labeling, possible customs declarations, and export paperwork for international transport.
  • Climate & Moisture Protection: Use silica gel packs or moisture-resistant wrapping to prevent condensation in varying temperatures and humidity levels.
  • Insurance: Strongly recommended, as international shipping increases the risk of loss or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to pack china for moving? 

Use high-quality packing paper, wrap each piece individually, use divided boxes, and fill all empty spaces with cushioning material.

How to pack dinnerware when moving?

Individually wrap each piece in packing paper and place them vertically in a sturdy box with dividers to minimize pressure and prevent shifting. Use crumpled paper to fill any empty spaces. 

Is it better to pack dishes in paper or bubble wrap? 

Packing paper is generally better as it provides more consistent protection without creating pressure points.

How to pack china teacups safely? 

Wrap handles separately, stuff cups with paper, pack upright, and use individual compartments or small boxes.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Packing china requires patience, the right materials, and careful technique. By following these expert guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage during your move. For ultimate peace of mind, consider professional packing services like those offered by Joey’s Movers.

Ready to protect your precious china? Contact Joey’s Movers today at 847-674-7779 for a free online quote! Your memories are fragile — let Joey’s Movers help you move them safely.

 

Photo by Blue Bird and Ketut Subiyanto