--- title: How to Pack Dishes: Bowls, Serveware and Everyday Sets url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/ 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 guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack dishes # How to pack dishes Pack a whole cabinet of dishes as a system: pad the bottom of a sturdy carton, wrap each piece in paper, put the heaviest on the bottom and finish with a layer of crushed paper at the top. Use a small or medium carton so a full box stays light enough to lift. 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/) ## Pack a cabinet of dishes - Sort the cabinet. Pull everything out and set aside what you no longer use. Fewer pieces mean fewer boxes. - Pad the carton. Put three or four inches of crushed paper on the bottom, and tape the seams twice. - Wrap each piece alone. Place a bowl in the corner of a sheet of packing paper, roll it, and tuck the ends. Use two sheets for heavy pieces. - Nest only what nests. Bowls of matching size can nest with a sheet of paper between each. Do not nest mismatched pieces. - Heaviest on the bottom. Put casseroles and serving platters at the base and lighter mugs and small bowls above. - Pad each layer. Fill the gaps with crushed paper and add a flat layer between layers. - Finish and label. Add a final layer of paper, close the lid flat, tape the seam and write DISHES, FRAGILE and the room. A cabinet of everyday dishes includes bowls, mugs, serving pieces, casseroles and more. The method below works for all of them. Separate pages cover [plates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-plates/) and [glasses](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/) because those two have their own tricks. ## Choose the right carton Dishes are denser than they look. A large box of dishes can weigh more than one person should lift, which is why a small or medium carton is the safer choice. A double-wall carton resists crushing when it is stacked. Boxes and supplies are sold at the Sparks office, and the 10 free heavy-duty boxes from your in-home estimate suit the heavier layers. ## Serveware, casseroles and lids - Wrap lids separately from the pots they belong to, then pack them in the same box. - Place a sheet of paper between stacked casserole dishes. - Wrap decorative platters like pictures: on edge, with padding on both faces. - Roll wooden bowls and utensils in paper to prevent scuffs. - Take heirloom serving pieces with you or have the crew pack them. ## The shake test Close the box and give it a gentle shake. If you hear a clink, open it and add paper. A box that is packed well is quiet. Then lift it: if you strain, the box is too heavy and the bottom may fail. ## Hand it to the crew The kitchen is the room most households hand to the crew first. O'Brien's offers full packing, partial packing and box-packing-only, so you can give the crew just the kitchen. See [partial packing](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/partial-packing/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [USPS, Official Mover's Guide](https://moversguide.usps.com/) ### 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 - [How to pack plates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-plates/) - [How to pack glasses and stemware](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/) - [How to pack for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-for-a-move/) - [Partial packing and box-packing-only service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/partial-packing/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack glasses and stemware](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/) - [How to pack plates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-plates/) - [How to pack a TV](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-tv/) - [How to pack mirrors and picture frames](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-mirrors-and-pictures/) - [How to pack lamps](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-lamps/) - [How to pack shoes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/) - [How to pack clothes for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/) - [How to pack books](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-books/) 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/). ### Is newspaper safe for dishes? Plain packing paper is cleaner. Newsprint can leave ink on porous pieces. ### Should I pack the dishes upright or flat? Plates travel on edge, bowls rim-down or on their sides in padded layers. The pages on plates and glasses give the details. ### How many layers can a box hold? As many as keep the weight comfortable to lift. Stop when the box is heavy. ## 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) N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! C Charles C. May 31, 2025 Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!! ### Owner's reply Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf. N Nadine K. May 15, 2025 The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again! ### Owner's reply Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success. ## 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