If you are planning to move or ship dishes or any fine china, proper packing is important to keep the contents protected during shipping. To avoid any damages to the items, here are a few tips to ensure they make it safely to their destination:
- Don’t Overload the Contents of the Box
- If there are several pieces to send, each box should only have up to 6 – 9 items while keeping the weight of each box evenly distributed. Each item should weigh under 5Lbs and heavier items should be placed in their own box.
- Protect Each Item
- Individually wrap the china in about 2 – 3 layers of bubble wrap. For further protection, corrugated cardboard cut to the same height of the box can be used to act as a divider between each of the items.
- Never use Paper to Cushion the Contents
- Put the corrugated cardboard dividers in place and add 2 inches of packing peanuts to the bottom of the box. It is important to use packing peanuts instead of paper to cushion to contents. Paper tends to flatten under the weight of heavier items and does not provide the cushion support needed.
- Use Loose Fill
- Place the items inside the box and ensure that there is a 2-inch gap between the item and the sides of the box. This way, the item does not pierce the side of the box. Fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts to limit the movement of the contents during the shipping process. Overfill the box by about 5 to 10 per cent of with the packing peanuts as they will settle and fill the remaining space within the box during the trip.
- Double Box Items Over 10Lbs
- Any fragile china over 10Lbs should be double boxed for extra protection. This means placing the bubble-wrapped item in a smaller box surrounded by packing peanuts and then placing that box into a bigger one that will also be filled with packing peanuts for an extra level of protection.
- Secure the Top
- Once the loose fill peanuts are in place, the box can be closed and secured with packing tape. Ensure both the bottom and the top of the box is secured with an extra layer of packing tape.
If you need help ensuring the items get there in one piece, our packing experts at The UPS Store #453 are here to lend a hand. From large or odd shaped items to fragile china, we offer custom packing solutions for your needs. We have a variety of shipping options including UPS, DHL, and Canpar to help you find the best solution for your shipment. Stop by today or click here to contact us for more details on our packing and shipping services.