When one packs a dining room it is extremely important to take extra care and pay close attention to detail due to the item’s fragile nature. Please read our tips and guidelines on packing the dining room.
China and Glassware
When packing glassware get ready to use a lot of paper. Each item should be wrapped individually in a few layers, stuff the packing paper inside the glassware then wrap it from the corner and diagonally around. For extra protection you can also use a plastic bubbled cushion. Place them in a moving “Fragile -This Side Up” box.
When packing flat china start by lining the bottom of a moving carton. Larger and heavier pieces should be packed first, so begin with larger china and glass plates as the first layer on the bottom. Wrap each item individually with packing paper and bundle up to three pieces together with an extra layer of paper or bubbled cushion outside, secure it with tape. It is a clever idea to surround the plates bundles with cardboard dividers to give extra stability.
Silverware
Silver pieces are at risk of tarnishing during the move, so start wrapping them individually with paper or plastic wrap. To avoid extra polishing of sterling flatware, wrap each piece in newspaper individually as well as glassware. Then put them in a chest or a box, fill empty space with padding and wrap it with a towel.
Silver bowls and tea sets should be wrapped and packed the same way as regular china.
Cups and Mugs
Using cellular dividers makes packing and moving mugs easier. You can also wrap the cups individually with a newspaper, placing them rim-down in a dish carton with the handles facing down. China cups should always be wrapped in paper or plastic cushion whether you use cellular dividers or not.
Packing Lamps
First, measure all your lamps and make sure you get the right size box, because there aren’t standard-sized boxes for lamps. Before starting packing, remove the light bulb and lamp harp from the base, then wrap them separately with paper. Place them in the same carton and fill empty space with paper or foam pouch inserts.
Lamp shades are a little bit different story, because they are delicate and often large. Always use plain paper to wrap lamp shades, not newspaper, to avoid stains. Wrap each lamp shade into paper and pack them in a sturdy moving carton. Smaller shades can be placed inside larger ones if they stack well and don’t touch each other. Do not pack any other items along with shades in the same box. Label the moving carton “Fragile - Top load Only”.
Packing chandeliers and glass lamp shades is a very delicate job, so it’s in the best interests to consider leaving this job for professional packers or a third-party company.
Moving Area Rugs
First, you need to clean the rug with a vacuum cleaner. Consider having it cleaned professionally if it’s super dirty and soiled. If you are involved in packing and loading, remember rugs should be rolled, not folded, to avoid permanent crease in the canvas backing. Once you roll it into a cylinder-shaped bundle, tie it up with at least two pieces of string, one at each end. Bear in mind that area rugs should not be wrapped in plastic, because it creates a great place for mold to grow. When a shipment is delivered to the new residence, all the rugs must be laid first - before any furniture item is set in position. That’s why rugs should be loaded last so they will come out of the van first.
Packing Curtains and Draperies
Clean your draperies and curtains prior to your move. To minimize wrinkling fold them carefully lengthwise and hang them on a padded hanger in wardrobe boxes. If you don’t have a wardrobe box you can also pack them in regular moving boxes that have been lined with plastic wrap or clean paper.
How to Move Dining Room Furniture
Because furniture items are bulky, awkward-shaped and with big potential for damage, you may want to let professional movers and packers do this job for you. Your professional packing crew will use padding blankets to wrap dining room furniture. Chair cushions can be packed in large moving boxes.
Decor Items, Mirrors and Cabinet Items
Secure all the delicate items in your cabinet by wrapping each one first in tissue paper, then in crumpled up newsprint paper. Mirrors, glass decorations and small framed photos should be wrapped in paper tissue and then in the newsprint layer as well. Use a small throw blanket or towel for extra protection. Place flat items on the edges of moving carton.
Note
If you have unusually delicate, high value or extremely fragile items you should consider including them on your “High Value Inventory” form- this is for any items whose value exceeds $100 per pound.