Packing up priceless china
Porcelain, which is said to have been perfected in ancient China, can chip or crack with only a minimal amount of pressure. This is especially unnerving when you are moving old, irreplaceable pieces that you may have inherited. The following procedure will help ensure that your set of fine china arrives intact and ready for the first gathering in your new home.
Start by selecting a reinforced box that will fit your largest items such as serving platters or dinner plates. There should be enough room to fit the items with at least three or four inches of space in all horizontal and vertical directions. Be sure that the box will not weigh more than a dozen pounds and label all sides with an upward-facing arrow and the words: “FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE.” It is also beneficial to label the top of the box and one side with the exact contents of the box and the room where it needs to be delivered to. Place a layer of packing peanuts or other soft moving material on the bottom of the box.
Wrap each piece individually. Using several sheets of packing paper or newsprint, gently place the plate face-down on the paper. Starting with one corner, pull the paper over the bottom of the plate as far as it will reach. Hold the first corner against the plate as you pull in the remaining three, forming a cushion against the plate. Once all corners have been folded over, tuck in any loose areas and wrap with masking tape. Carefully place the wrapped piece on top of the layer of packing peanuts.
Continue until all plates are wrapped and neatly stacked. Then, fill the box with soft packing material as tightly as possible. Give the pieces as little room to move as possible while ensuring that they are surrounded by only soft materials.
For teacups and gravy boats that do not stack easily, look for a large horizontal box. Fill each cup with a crumpled piece of newsprint and carefully wrap each protruding handle. Then, wrap the piece as a whole (including the already-wrapped handle). Place in the box alternating each piece’s vertical position so that every other cup is standing upright and the others are rim-down. This will ensure that they are tightly packed and unable to move during transit. Fill the box completely with packing peanuts, ensuring that the items are snug and unable to jostle.
When packing irreplaceable pieces such as these, it is essential to use soft packing materials liberally. Carefully wrap each individual piece and place pieces into the box in a logical manner. If you use a high level of caution during the packing process, you’ll find yourself enjoying your fine porcelain for many years to come.
