--- title: How to Pack Plates: On Edge, Bundled and Padded url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-plates/ 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 plates # How to pack plates Pack plates on edge, like records in a crate, never stacked flat, because a plate is strongest standing up. Wrap them in bundles of a few, pad the carton at both ends and fill every gap so the stack cannot lean. 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 dinner plates on edge - Line the carton. Put a thick layer of crushed paper on the bottom and tape the seams twice. - Make a bundle. Place a sheet of paper between each plate, then wrap a small stack of plates together in more paper. - Seal the bundle. Fold the ends and tape the paper so the bundle does not open. - Stand the bundle on edge. Place it upright in the carton with the plates facing sideways, like books on a shelf. - Fill and pad. Pack crushed paper between bundles and on every side. Add a flat layer on top. - Label. Close the lid, tape it, and write PLATES, FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP and the room. A flat stack of plates puts the full weight of the stack on the plate at the bottom. Standing the plates on edge spreads the load along their strongest direction. That single change is the difference between a box that survives a move and one that does not. ## Why edge beats flat A plate is a shallow dish whose curve resists pressure along its rim and its face. A load that presses on the rim from the side is spread around the curve. A load that presses on the face from above has nowhere to go and the plate cracks. A box that holds plates on edge, held in place by padding, takes the same bump on the road far better. ## Set sizes and shapes - Dinner plates: the largest bundle, on the bottom of the carton. - Salad and dessert plates: smaller bundles, tucked in beside the larger ones. - Platters: wrapped alone in two sheets and set on edge at the side of the carton. - Saucers: bundle with paper and stand on edge, like plates. - Chargers and decorative plates: wrap like a picture and pack on edge with padding on both faces. ## Fine china and heirlooms A set that has been in the family is worth extra care. Wrap each piece, use a smaller carton, and keep the box with you or label it for a priority place on the truck. Tell the estimator which items are irreplaceable so the crew can pad and place them carefully. For antiques and collections, [fine art and antiques](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/fine-art-and-antiques/) explains the options, including custom crating. ## Check before you tape Set the closed box on a table and press gently on the top. If it gives, there is a gap, and a gap becomes a crack. Open the box and add paper until the top is firm. The other kitchen items are covered in [how to pack dishes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/) and [how to pack glasses](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [National Park Service, Conserve O Gram series](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/conserve-o-grams.htm) ### 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 dishes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-dishes/) - [How to pack glasses and stemware](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-glasses/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to pack for a move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-for-a-move/) Moving guides ## Read next - [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/) - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [How to pack jewelry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-jewelry/) 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 plates in a bundle? Four to six is easy to wrap and light enough to lift. Smaller bundles are safer for fine china. ### Is foam better than paper? Foam pads work for plates and can be reused. Paper is fine if you use enough. ### Can I stack plates in a drawer? Not for a move. Pack them in a carton on edge. ## 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) M Michelle C. August 28, 2024 Extremely happy with the moving experience. The moving team showed up on time, friendly and polite. They did a wonderful job moving our boxes and furniture to the new location. We moved a three bedroom home and I could not be more pleased with the employees who assisted with the move. Highly recommend O'Brien moving for your move. ### Owner's reply Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We are so happy to hear about the move experience you had with our company and glad to know we met your expectations! It means a lot to us to know that. Thank you for choosing us as your moving partner. S Sonia P. August 4, 2023 Talk about organized people. I peeked in the truck about an hour into the job and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings. Our bed is a mechanical one and a nightmare to us, but these guys had no issue with it at all. Although I have no desire to ever move again--but if I did, I would be calling these guys for sure!!! J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. ## 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