Shipping dishes can be challenging due to their weight and fragile nature. Unlike other household goods, dishes require special care and attention to ensure they arrive safely at their destination, regardless of whether you are shipping a single piece or a complete set of sentimental, valuable, or heirloom dishes.
Proper packing techniques are essential to protect these delicate items during long-distance shipping. This guide will explore practical methods to safely package and ship dishes, allowing you to send them with confidence and peace of mind.
Things to Consider When Shipping Glassware
Safeguarding your dishes during shipping is crucial to ensure their safe arrival. Here are some essential considerations to bear in mind:
Fragility
Often crafted from ceramic or glass, dishes are inherently breakable, and delicate bone china or porcelain dishes require even more caution. To ensure the safe arrival of your dishes, it is essential to employ proper packing techniques that prioritize their protection. Taking extra precautions becomes even more critical when shipping valuable or antique dishes with sentimental or monetary significance.
One effective method to enhance the security of your dishes is to employ a double-boxing technique. Double-boxing offers extra protection and peace of mind, mainly when shipping dishes of significant value or irreplaceable sentimental importance. You can also use materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, foam inserts, or foam peanuts to provide a protective layer around each dish.
Dish Packing Materials
When shipping dishes over long distances, it is advisable to use a specialized box designed specifically for this purpose, known as a "dish pack." Additionally, you'll need ample protective padding, such as bubble wrap and packing paper. Avoid substituting these materials with alternative options, as newsprint can transfer dye onto the dishes.
Box Size
Choosing the appropriate box size is crucial when packaging and shipping dishes. Opting for the correct dimensions ensures there is enough room to accommodate adequate padding while minimizing excess space that may lead to shifting and potential breakage. The recommended approach is to use a 16" x 16" x 16" box securely packed within a larger 18" x 18" x 18" box.
Value
In the case of relocation, it may be more practical to donate or sell inexpensive dishes and replace them in your new location. However, if you possess antique or valuable dishes, it is advisable to insure them to cover their full value in case of any damage, loss, or theft during transit. Contact your shipping provider or an insurance company specializing in shipping coverage to explore the available options and ensure your dishes are adequately protected.
Box Weight
It's crucial not to overload your boxes, as heavier boxes are more susceptible to damage with an excessive amount of dishes. Overpacking a box can increase pressure on the contents, making them more susceptible to breakage or damage during transit. Additionally, an overly heavy box is more likely to experience mishandling or mishaps during shipping, increasing the risk of accidents.
Instead of packing your entire dish set into one or two boxes, distribute them across several smaller and lighter boxes with a maximum weight of 10 lbs each. This helps in two ways: first, it reduces the strain on each individual box, minimizing the chances of structural failure or damage during handling; second, it ensures that the weight is evenly distributed within each box, maintaining balance and stability during transit.
Number of Boxes
A standard dish set generally requires 3-4 boxes, each weighing at most 10 lbs. These estimates are based on typical expectations and will help you gauge shipping costs accurately.
Are you planning on shipping glassware? Find a Pak Mail location near you today and let the experts handle the challenging aspects as you relax. We will safely pack and ship your glassware and ensure they reach their destination without any hitches.