How to Safely Pack China for Moving: 8 Tips from Pro Movers

Packing china can be one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a move. These items are delicate, often expensive, and in many cases, hold sentimental value. To avoid breakage, you need the materials and packing methods that professional movers use daily.

Why Packing China Properly Matters

China is fragile and highly breakable, even with gentle handling. A sudden bump, drop, or shift in a moving truck can easily cause chips or cracks if it’s not protected well. The loss can be emotional and financial for items passed down through generations or purchased at a high cost.

How you pack your china directly affects its condition when you arrive at your new home. Poor packing leads to rattling inside boxes, often resulting in broken plates, shattered cups, or damaged serving pieces. To avoid this, every piece must be individually wrapped and cushioned in a way that prevents movement.

Packing Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin, it’s important to gather the right supplies. Using old boxes or thin newspapers won’t protect delicate china enough. Professionals use durable materials that offer cushioning, prevent movement, and keep everything clean.

• Sturdy Double-Walled Boxes

These boxes are made to handle heavier items and protect them during long-distance travel. They won’t collapse or buckle under pressure like single-walled boxes often do.

• Packing Paper (unprinted)

Avoid newspaper, as the ink can rub off and stain your china. Clean, white packing paper is the best option to keep your dishes smudge-free.

• Bubble Wrap

This offers extra cushioning for valuable or oddly shaped items. To better protect them, wrap it around handles, lids, and corners.

• Cardboard Dividers

Dividers prevent plates and bowls from bumping into each other inside the box. They also help with stacking and space efficiency.

• Dish Packs or Cell Kits

These pre-sectioned boxes are perfect for glassware and cups. The built-in compartments hold each item separately to prevent movement.

• Packing Tape and Labels

Use strong tape to keep the box sealed during the move. Labels marked “Fragile – China” help ensure the box is handled with care.

How to Safely Pack Different Types of China

Different types of china need different packing approaches. Plates, bowls, cups, and teapots have unique shapes and weak points requiring special attention. Learning the right way to wrap and position each piece will reduce the risk of damage.

• Plates

Wrap each plate in several layers of packing paper to prevent scratches. Stack them vertically, like records, not flat, to reduce pressure and avoid cracking. Use cardboard dividers between each plate and cushion the top and bottom of the box with crumpled paper.

• Bowls

Stack bowls by nesting them with a layer of packing paper between them. Once stacked, wrap the entire bundle in bubble wrap. Depending on their shape, place them in the box on their sides or upright, and use plenty of padding around them.

• Cups and Mugs

Start by wrapping the handle with extra packing paper, then cover the whole cup. Place cups upside-down into a dish pack or sectioned cell kit. This reduces strain on the handle and limits movement. Never stack cups inside one another.

• Teapots and Serving Pieces

Remove lids from teapots and wrap them separately. Fill the hollow parts with crumpled paper to help absorb shock from the inside. Wrap the entire item in bubble wrap, especially around spouts and handles, then pad generously in the box.

8 Tips from Professional Movers to Prevent Breakage

Professional movers use techniques that go beyond wrapping. These small but important details distinguish between a smooth move and a box full of broken china. Below are eight tried-and-true tips to help protect your fragile items.

1. Line Every Box with Cushioning

Start with a thick layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box. This gives your china a soft base that helps absorb pressure during loading, driving, and unloading. The first plate or bowl is at greater risk without this bottom layer. Always end with a layer of padding on top, too.

2. Wrap Items Individually and Generously

Each item should be wrapped separately, with no exposed surfaces. Use several sheets of packing paper to create a soft barrier all around the item. For high-value or antique pieces, add a layer of bubble wrap after the paper. The more layers you have, the better the protection.

3. Pack Heaviest Items at the Bottom

Start with your heavier pieces like serving bowls and dinner plates. These should be placed at the bottom of the box to provide a stable foundation. Lighter pieces like cups and saucers go on top to avoid being crushed. This method also helps keep the box balanced during handling.

4. Fill Empty Spaces

Any gap inside the box is an opportunity for movement. Use crumpled paper or foam peanuts to fill in all open areas. This keeps the items from shifting during the drive. A tightly packed box is a safe box.

5. Don’t Overpack Boxes

When boxes are too full, there’s more pressure on each piece inside, increasing the chance of something cracking under stress. Also, overfilled boxes are harder to carry and more likely to be dropped. Keep each box at a manageable weight—under 40 lbs is best.

6. Label Clearly and Use ‘Fragile’ Stickers

Mark your boxes with bold, visible labels on every side. Write “Fragile—China” and include arrows to indicate which side is up. Movers and helpers are more careful when they see these clear warnings, and it also ensures the boxes are stacked properly.

7. Seal Boxes Tightly with High-Quality Tape

Don’t skimp on the tape. Use packing tape that holds well under pressure and temperature changes. Seal the box using the “H” method—along the centre seam and both side flaps. This keeps the box from opening during the move.

8. Carry China Boxes Yourself if Possible

If you’re moving locally, consider placing the boxes with china in your own vehicle. This gives you more control over how the boxes are handled. You’ll know they’re not being crushed under furniture or tossed around. It’s the safest option for highly valuable pieces.

What to Avoid When Packing China

Even with good intentions, some packing mistakes can cause damage. Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing the right steps. These common errors can ruin even the best wrapping jobs.

• Using Newspaper as Wrapping

Newspaper ink can transfer onto your china and leave stains. These marks are hard to remove and may become permanent.

• Skipping Bottom and Top Padding

China, sitting directly at the bottom of the box, has no shock absorption. The same risk exists at the top if nothing is protecting it from items stacked above.

• Leaving Empty Space in Boxes

Unfilled space means your china will shift during the drive. Each bump in the road becomes a risk for collision inside the box.

• Packing Mismatched Items Together

Avoid mixing shapes like bowls, plates, and cups in the same box. Different sizes cause uneven pressure, increasing the chance of cracking.

Unpacking China After the Move

Once you’ve arrived, unpacking should be done with the same care you used to pack. Rushing through this step could lead to avoidable accidents. Choose a clean, flat surface and work slowly.

Unwrap one item at a time and avoid stacking china until everything has been inspected. Check for chips, cracks, or other signs of damage before putting items away. Clean each piece if necessary before placing them in storage or display cabinets. Always lift items with both hands for better control.

Leave It to the Pros – Hire Trained Movers for Fragile Items

Not everyone has the time or skill to pack fragile items correctly. Professional movers are trained to handle delicate belongings carefully from start to finish. Many moving services also offer specialty packing services for dishes, antiques, and other breakables.

If your china set is large, expensive, or irreplaceable, it may be worth investing in this kind of help. It saves time and greatly reduces the risk of something going wrong. You can relax knowing everything is handled properly.

Protect Your Valuables with Help from Advance Moving 

Your china deserves more than a rushed packing job—it deserves expert handling. Advance Moving offers professional services to keep your fragile items safe during every step of your move. Our experienced movers in Toronto use proven packing techniques and durable materials to protect delicate dishes, heirlooms, and collectibles.

Let Advance Moving take the stress out of your move with efficient service and careful attention to detail. Call us today at (437) 989-7726 to request a free quote today and move with confidence.