Best Box for Packing China

**monkeywrangler71** · 04-13-2010, 08:23 PM

Lots of china, about 16 place settings + a bunch of completer pieces. I'm wondering if it would be more secure in rubbermaid totes, then no worries about the bottom falling out of a cardboard box, perhaps less likely to get squished. Or would a more rigid plastic tote be better, they sell ones with attached tops that lock shut in the middle, but i don't know if they come in an appropriate size. What's the best size box to use anyway?

I can't risk them getting broken.

**IntlMom** · 04-13-2010, 08:45 PM

as the resident expert mover

this is how I always pack them -and never lost one yet!

I use the big "dishpack" boxes. I use lots and lots of packing paper and/or newspaper. Line the bottom with a bunch of crumpled paper, and then start layering dishes with lots of wrap (I crumple some paper, and then wrap with that crumpled paper, and then wrap the crumpled paper with non-crumpled paper) when you get close to the top, end with a bunch more crumpled paper for a top layer. LABEL THE BOX FRAGILE!

**dcompton** · 04-14-2010, 12:25 AM

The carton bottoms should be ok of they are taped securely with good tape. Think of all the heavy things UPS ships and the boxes are ok. Cardboard is really quite strong.

**Neeley** · 04-14-2010, 12:38 AM

I can only speak to the sturdiness of Rubbermaid boxes. I have them stacked five or six high, filled with heavier items and they hold up very well - very strong and sturdy. I also have the boxes with the attached interlocking lids - not as sturdy as the Rubbermaids. I have had one or two of the interlocking lids give way and collapse.

**Grainlady** · 04-14-2010, 09:06 AM

I agree with Intelmom, buy a cardboard "dishpack" box. They are designed to pack dishes properly and are easy to use, move or store. There are cardboard dividers for plates, glasses, etc. and they are designed to pack in layers that are supported properly between layers with more cardboard. You can customize them to a certain extent to fit special platters or serving dishes. You can find them anywhere they rent moving trucks or rent storage units. Well worth the price.

If you use regular plastic storage totes, place a sheet of bubble wrap between your stacked plates and a lot of padding on the bottom of the container to cushion them. Many dishes are broken because there is NO cushioning on the bottom of the container before the dishes are put in it, and the large amount of pressure on the bottom plate from other plates being stacked on it, can snap and break it.

I prefer end rolls of newsprint paper, rather than newspapers that have ink on them. You don't have to contend with ink all over you, your clothes, and ink you have to remove from things you wrap in newspapers. Sometimes you can get the rolls free, but ours was very inexpensive to purchase. I use this same paper for an all-purpose gift wrap.

Hubby had a large box of those heavy-duty (blue) paper towels for use in the garage, and we used those for packing. When we unpacked, we put the blue paper towels into a small plastic tote and re-used them for their intended purpose.

I'd also suggest purchasing wardrobe boxes for your clothes.