How to Pack China, Glassware, and Flatware Storage.
China Plates and DishesStart by placing 3-4 inches of lightly crushed newspaper in the bottom of a sturdy box or container. Place several layers of wrapping paper in front of you in your working area. Place one plate on the paper and fold 1 or 2 sheets diagonally over the plate. Place another plate on top and fold another piece of paper over it. Continue in the same manner until you have no more than 4 plates in one bundle. Roll the bundle into another 2-3 sheets of paper, being careful not to wrap too tightly. For extra protection at this point, the whole bundle may be wrapped in bubble wrap.
Place this bundle into the container in a standing position on edge. Continue in this manner until you have a row of wrapped plates across the bottom of the carton. Keep the row snug so that they will stand up straight. If there are not enough plates to complete the bottom row, use good sturdy pieces such as soup bowls and gravy boats to do so. Next place another layer of crushed paper over the tier of plates. The next layer may be filled with pieces of good size and strength. Always leave enough space at the top to place a good cushion of newspaper. Fold the top flat and seal with tape and label well.
Cups and Bowls
Wad up packing paper to fill the insides of cups and bowls. Wrap paper through the loops of all handles. Cups should be wrapped individually with their handles protected with an extra sheet of paper. Cups should always be packed upside down with their handles to the inside. It is best to have cups near the top layer of the container. Larger bowls should be wrapped and nested into each other and packed upside down. Smaller bowls may be handled the same as cups. To save space, smaller items may be packed inside bowls, canisters, etc. Sugar bowl lids should be wrapped in tissue paper and placed upside down on top of the bowl. The bowl should then be wrapped in 2 sheets of paper.
Stemware, Fragile Glasses and Figurines
These items should be wrapped individually and packed in celled cartons wherever possible. Be sure to protect them with plenty of cushioning. (Bubble wrap gives additional padding.) Wrap small pieces of crystal and figurines in coloured tissue paper to avoid throwing a valuable treasure out with the packing paper by mistake!
Silverware and Stainless Steel Flatware
Wrap flatware individually in paper with a low sulfur content or in clear plastic to prevent scratching and tarnishing. Put pieces in your silver chest and pad it well. Wrap the chest in paper or a large towel and place it at the bottom of a box or carton. Other large silver pieces should be wrapped in clear plastic and then in clean paper. Pad well for packing.
Stainless Steel Flatware will not require any special packing paper. Simply wrap individually or in sets.
Remember, even with careful packing, it is still important to handle these boxes with care!