--- title: What Is a Dish Pack Box? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/dish-pack/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Dish pack # What is a dish pack? A dish pack is a heavy-duty moving carton made for plates, bowls and glassware, packed with cushioning and, usually, cell dividers. O'Brien's carries regular and specialty boxes at the Sparks office, and the free in-home estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) The kitchen is the room where most breakage worries start. A dish pack is the carton movers reach for, because it is stronger than a standard box and sized so that the contents cannot shift much. ## What makes it different Think of a dish pack as a small, strong crate in cardboard form. The carton is built heavier than a book box, and it is usually paired with layers of packing paper and cell dividers so each piece sits in its own space. The point is cushioning on every side. Where a normal box leaves you to improvise, a dish pack turns the job into a routine. ## Packing it well - Tape the bottom seam in both directions and line it with crumpled packing paper. - Wrap each plate or bowl on its own in packing paper and stand plates on edge, never flat. - Wrap glasses and cups individually and place them toward the top, with the heaviest items at the base. - Fill every gap with paper until nothing moves when you tilt the carton. - Close the lid, tape it, and mark the carton fragile and kitchen on every side. ## Where it fits in a full-service move Packing is one of the accessorial services federal rules list: section 375.103 names protective packing and unpacking at personal residences as a core part of what a household goods carrier offers. O'Brien's packing comes as full, partial or box packing only, and it can pack into your own boxes. When the crew packs, you receive an itemized inventory and condition report before the work starts. Boxes and supplies are sold at the Sparks counter. See [dish-pack boxes at the Sparks counter](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/dish-pack-boxes/) and [how to pack dishes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/). ## Common mistakes to avoid - Packing plates flat instead of on edge - Leaving empty space that lets items shift - Mixing heavy pots with delicate stemware - Skipping the label, so the carton ends up on the bottom of a stack Ask the estimator about your kitchen during the in-home visit and the answer will fit your own dishes and cabinets. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.103 (household goods motor carrier)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-A/section-375.103) - [Military OneSource, Managing Your Moving Days](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/military-pcs-move-management/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - [How to pack dishes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/) - [Professional packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) - [Dish-pack boxes at O'Brien's Sparks counter](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/dish-pack-boxes/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Crating](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/crating/) - [Vault storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/vault-storage/) - [Personally procured move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/personally-procured-move/) - [Non temporary storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-temporary-storage/) - [Expedited service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/expedited-service/) - [Guaranteed pickup and delivery](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/guaranteed-pickup-and-delivery/) - [Third party services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/third-party-services/) - [Certificate of insurance](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/certificate-of-insurance/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How many dish packs do I need? A few cartons often handle a standard kitchen's everyday dishes. The estimator can judge from your cabinets during the in-home estimate. ### Can I use a regular box for dishes? A heavy-duty carton with plenty of cushioning is the safer choice. Ask about specialty boxes at the Sparks counter if you want a carton built for the job. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. J Janet M. May 16, 2026 I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move. ### Owner's reply Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070