How to Pack China and Crockery for a House Move
Plates should never be packed flat and stacked; standing them on their edge, like records in a crate, is the technique professional packers actually use, and it is the single biggest difference between a box of china that survives a move and one that does not.
None of it requires more than paper, a steady hand and a bit of extra time per piece.
Pack plates on their edge, never stacked flat. Wrap each piece individually, nest no more than two or three bowls together with paper between them, and put the heaviest china at the bottom of the box.
Why Plates Go in on Their Edge
A flat stack of plates concentrates the full weight of everything above directly onto the plate below it, and any impact during transit is transferred straight through the stack in a way that easily cracks a plate in the middle.
Packed vertically on their edge, like records in a crate, the same impact force spreads around the rim of each plate rather than concentrating on its centre, which is why professional movers and packers use this method rather than flat stacking, regardless of how counterintuitive it looks the first time.
Wrapping Each Piece Individually
Nesting Bowls and Cups
Lining and Filling the Box
Line the base and sides of the box with at least 5cm of crumpled paper before adding any china, and fill every gap between wrapped pieces as you go rather than leaving space for items to shift once the box is sealed.
A final layer of paper on top, before closing the box, stops the lid pressing directly down onto the top layer of china during stacking.
Weight Order Inside the Box
- 01
Pack the heaviest, sturdiest pieces, large serving platters and casserole dishes, at the bottom of the box, and lighter, more delicate items, teacups and fine china, near the top.
- 02
This is the same principle used across every fragile category: weight at the base protects what sits above it, never the other way round.
Serving Dishes, Tureens and Awkward Shapes
Large or unusually shaped serving pieces, tureens, gravy boats, cake stands, often do not fit the standard wrap-and-stack method and need custom padding built around their specific shape.
Wrap the body first, then build up extra padding around any protruding handle, spout or lid separately, since these thinner protruding parts are the most likely point of breakage on an otherwise sturdy piece.
The Shake Test Before You Seal the Box
Once a box of china is packed, lift it and give it a gentle shake before sealing the lid.
Any sound or feeling of movement means something needs more padding.
This simple check catches the majority of packing errors before the box is sealed and loaded, rather than after it has already travelled and the damage is done.
£500
Transit Insurance
Accredited
Industry Certified
Unpacking China Safely at the New Address
DIY China Packing vs a Professional Packing Service
China and crockery break more often from being packed the intuitive way, flat and stacked, than from any fault in the materials used, which is why the professional technique is worth learning even for a single move.
Taking the extra few minutes per piece rather than rushing the last few plates into the box is consistently where the difference between an intact dinner service and a box of breakages comes from.
Giant Van's packing service starts from £150 and covers materials, wrapping and loading.
Fragile kitchen items including china, glassware and crockery are wrapped individually and packed on edge as standard on every packing booking, with goods-in-transit insurance included.
Message us in the live chat for a quote.
- £500Transit Insurance
- Same DayAvailability
Related Services
- Man and Van
- House Removals
- Office Removals
- Packing Materials
- Van Hire
- Furniture Delivery
- International Removals
- Student Removals
- Long-Distance
- Removals by Town
- Removals Near Me by Area
- More Guides
- Cost Calculator
- Compare Options
- Moving Guides
- Locations
- About Us
- UK Moving Cost Report
- Our Methodology
- Editorial Standards
How to Pack China and Crockery for a House Move — FAQs
Should plates be stacked flat or packed on their edge for a move?
On their edge, like records in a crate. A flat stack concentrates weight and impact force onto the plates underneath, while packing on edge spreads the same force around the rim instead.
How many bowls can be nested together when packing?
No more than two or three, with a sheet of paper between each one. A taller nested stack becomes unstable and puts more pressure on the bottom piece.
Does patterned or gilded china need extra protection when packing?
Yes. A first layer of plain tissue paper directly against the surface before the outer wrap helps prevent packing paper transferring ink onto a glazed or painted finish.
What is the shake test for a box of china?
Lift the packed, sealed box and give it a gentle shake. Any sound or feeling of movement inside means more padding is needed before it goes in the van.
Should heavy or light china go at the bottom of the box?
Heavy, sturdy pieces such as serving platters go at the bottom. Lighter, more delicate items such as teacups go near the top, so nothing crushes what is underneath it.
Is it worth paying for professional packing for antique china?
Often yes. Specialist packers use cell-divider boxes and additional padding beyond what most households keep on hand, which is worth the cost for inherited or irreplaceable pieces.
Is bubble wrap or paper better for packing plates?
Packing paper is generally preferred for the direct layer against a plate's surface, since it is less likely to leave a residue or mark a glaze than some bubble wrap. A second layer of bubble wrap over the paper adds extra impact protection for a valuable set.
Sources and further reading
These are the official UK sources that set the rules for a job like this one. Each link goes straight to the source so you can check it yourself. Links open in a new tab.
- WRAP
WRAP's guidance on reuse and recycling, including what to do with packing materials and bulky items you no longer want.
- HSE — Manual handling at work: a brief guide (INDG143)
The Health and Safety Executive's guide to lifting and carrying heavy loads without injuring yourself.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.49 (reasonable care and skill)
Section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015: a service you pay for must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
The regulations covering what a trader must tell you before you book, and your right to cancel a service booked online or by phone.
All links checked on or after 1 August 2026.
Compiled by the Giant Van editorial team
Giant Van Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.