Why Proper Dish Packing Matters During Your Colorado Springs Move
The elevation and climate changes in Colorado Springs create unique challenges for moving delicate items. At 6,035 feet above sea level, the thinner air and lower atmospheric pressure can affect how boxes settle during transport, making proper packing techniques even more critical. We've seen too many families arrive at their new homes in neighborhoods like Broadmoor or
Old Colorado City only to discover broken dishes due to inadequate packing methods.
Your dishware represents both financial investment and sentimental value. The cost of replacing broken items far exceeds the time invested in proper packing. According to moving industry studies, improperly packed fragile items account for over 60% of all moving damage claims. Colorado's unpredictable weather also plays a role, as spring storms and summer hailstorms can create bumpy road conditions during transport.
Tip 1: Gather the Right Packing Materials Before You Start
Success in packing dishes for moving starts with having quality materials on hand. You'll need small to medium dish pack boxes measuring approximately 18x18x28 inches with double-wall construction. These specialized moving boxes for dishes handle weight without bottom failure. Avoid large boxes, as they become too heavy and dangerous to carry.
Packing paper is your primary wrapping material. You'll need approximately 10 to 15 pounds of clean newsprint or white packing paper for an average kitchen. We don't recommend newspapers because the ink transfers onto dishes. Bubble wrap serves as excellent supplemental protection for stemware and especially valuable pieces. Additional materials include packing tape, permanent markers for labeling, and foam pouches for glasses.
Local Colorado Springs retailers offer various packing supplies. The
Colorado Industrial Packaging on 2860 N. El Paso, Colorado Springs, carries professional-grade moving boxes and specialty dish packs. U-Haul on South Academy provides a comprehensive selection of packing materials at competitive prices. For budget-conscious movers, check with King Soopers locations throughout Colorado Springs for free sturdy boxes.
Tip 2: Pack Dishes and Glassware Vertically Like Records
This technique revolutionizes how to pack glassware for moving and dramatically reduces breakage rates. Instead of stacking plates flat, position them vertically on their edges within the box. This method distributes pressure more evenly across the dish surface and prevents the crushing weight that occurs with horizontal stacking.
Plates and dishes are engineered to withstand vertical pressure better than horizontal weight distribution. When stacked flat, the entire weight of the upper dishes presses down on the lower pieces. Vertical positioning eliminates this problem. The edges of plates are typically the strongest part of the dish construction, and this approach utilizes that built-in structural integrity.
Tip 3: Wrap Each Item Individually with Proper Technique
Never pack unwrapped dishes together, regardless of how short your move distance may be. Individual wrapping prevents broken dishes during a move by creating a protective barrier between items. Place one plate in the center of three to five sheets of packing paper. Bring one corner over the plate and tuck it under the opposite side. Rotate and repeat with each corner until completely covered.
Stack three to five wrapped plates together before placing them vertically in the box. For glasses and stemware, stuff the inside with crumpled packing paper to prevent crushing. Wrap the exterior with several sheets, paying special attention to handles and stems. Wine glasses and champagne flutes benefit from foam pouches before paper wrapping for extra shock absorption.
Tip 4: Create Cushioned Layers Inside Every Box
Never place dishes directly on the box bottom. Start with a three to four-inch layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. This cushion absorbs shock from below and prevents damage if the box is set down abruptly. Test your bottom layer by pressing down firmly with your hand. The cushioning should compress slightly but not bottom out completely.
After placing your first bundle of vertically positioned plates, add crumpled paper between each subsequent bundle. This inter-bundle cushioning prevents items from colliding during transport. When the box reaches capacity, add a final three to four-inch cushion layer on top. The box should feel full when sealed, but not so packed that closing the flaps requires force.
Tip 5: Never Overload Boxes with Heavy Dishware
Weight management is crucial when selecting packing fragile items for relocation. We limit dish boxes to 30 pounds maximum, regardless of whether the box appears to have additional space. Kitchen items are deceptively heavy, and a complete set of ceramic dinnerware easily exceeds 40 pounds.
Most adults can safely carry 30 to 40 pounds short distances, but moving requires repeated lifting throughout the day. Keeping dish boxes at 25 to 30 pounds prevents fatigue-related accidents. Consider the cumulative effect during loading and unloading, especially when navigating Colorado Springs' hillier neighborhoods like Skyway or Kissing Camels. Use small to medium boxes exclusively for dishes and glassware.
Tip 6: Label Boxes Clearly with Fragile Warnings
Clear labeling serves multiple purposes in protecting your items. Write "FRAGILE" in large, bold letters on all four sides and the top of each dish box using bright red or orange markers. Supplement written warnings with arrow indicators showing "THIS SIDE UP" to ensure proper orientation during stacking and transport.
Beyond fragile warnings, include detailed content descriptions like "Kitchen Dishes - Everyday" or "Glassware - Wine Glasses." Number your boxes sequentially and maintain a master list of contents. Include the destination room by writing "KITCHEN" prominently so movers know exactly where to place the box in your new home.
Tip 7: Load Packed Dish Boxes Strategically in the Truck
The most carefully packed boxes still require strategic placement during loading. Place dish boxes on stable, flat surfaces in the truck, never on soft items like mattresses. The middle section of the truck typically offers the smoothest ride with minimal vibration. Stack heavier dish boxes on the bottom with lighter boxes above, never exceeding three boxes high for fragile items.
Secure stacks with tie-down straps to prevent shifting during transport. Keep dish boxes away from large furniture pieces that might shift. For moves within Colorado Springs, factor in the terrain. Routes through areas like
Manitou Springs involve winding roads and elevation changes that increase load shifting.
If you're planning your relocation expenses, understanding these logistics helps when you learn
how to create a moving budget that accounts for proper materials and time. You can also reference our
complete moving guide for additional planning resources.
