Moving is an exciting but often stressful process, especially when it comes to fragile and valuable items like Blue Willow China. Whether you’re relocating across the country or just moving a few blocks away, ensuring your treasured china pieces are packed securely is essential to avoid damage during transit. Blue Willow China, known for its beautiful blue-and-white patterns, is particularly delicate, and extra care is needed to protect its intricate designs and porcelain structure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for packing Blue Willow China for a move. From choosing the right packing materials to wrapping your china properly, this article covers every step you need to take to ensure your Blue Willow China arrives at its destination safe and sound.
1. Gather the Right Packing Materials
The first step in packing your Blue Willow China for a move is gathering the necessary materials. You’ll need to choose packaging items that offer sufficient protection against impact and prevent scratching or chipping. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes: Choose high-quality, double-walled cardboard boxes. These boxes are stronger and less likely to collapse during the move, providing better protection for your fragile china.
- Packing paper: Plain packing paper is ideal for wrapping your Blue Willow China. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can stain the porcelain.
- Bubble wrap: This is essential for providing extra cushioning for your china. It helps absorb shock and keeps your items secure in the box.
- Packing peanuts: Used for filling gaps in the box and preventing movement, packing peanuts are helpful for stabilizing the china and offering additional protection.
- Foam sheets or foam wrap: For extra protection, foam wrap can be used to cushion individual pieces.
- Tape: Use strong packing tape to seal boxes securely.
- Markers: Label the boxes clearly with markers so that movers know the contents are fragile and need to be handled with care.
2. Clean and Inspect Your Blue Willow China
Before you start packing, take a moment to inspect and clean each piece of Blue Willow China. Make sure each item is free from dust and dirt, as this can scratch the surface during packing. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to clean the pieces gently. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the delicate surface.
Additionally, check for any existing cracks, chips, or other damages. If any pieces are already broken or cracked, you may want to reconsider whether to move them or consider professional restoration. If you decide to move damaged china, ensure it is packed with extra care.
3. Wrap Each Piece of Blue Willow China Individually
The next step in packing your Blue Willow China is wrapping each piece individually to protect it from scratches, chips, and breaks during the move. Here’s how you can wrap each piece properly:
- Start with packing paper: Lay a sheet of packing paper flat on a clean surface. Place your china item in the center of the paper.
- Wrap the base first: Begin by folding the paper around the base of the item and then wrap the rest of the paper around the body of the piece. For cups and bowls, it’s best to wrap the entire piece, including the handle, securely.
- Use bubble wrap for added protection: After wrapping the china with packing paper, cover it with bubble wrap for extra cushioning. You should wrap the bubble wrap around the piece, securing it with tape. Make sure the bubbles are facing outward for maximum shock absorption.
- Secure with tape: Once the china is wrapped in both packing paper and bubble wrap, use packing tape to seal the wrapping. Be sure not to tape directly on the china surface to avoid leaving adhesive marks.
For extra delicate or valuable pieces, you can also use foam sheets to wrap the china in before the bubble wrap to provide an additional layer of cushioning.
4. Use Dividers for Plates and Large Items
Plates and larger Blue Willow China pieces are more vulnerable to damage during the move, so it’s important to store them safely and securely. A great way to protect plates is by using cardboard dividers. Here’s how to use them:
- Cardboard dividers: For larger items like plates, stack them vertically in the box rather than horizontally. Between each plate, place a layer of packing paper or foam padding to prevent them from coming into direct contact with each other. Cardboard dividers are a great option to separate the plates and keep them from shifting during transit.
- Avoid stacking too many: Don’t stack too many plates together in one box. Typically, no more than six plates should be stacked in a single box, depending on the thickness and weight of the china. Always put a layer of padding between each plate to prevent them from touching and potentially scratching each other.
- Cushioning the bottom and top of the box: Before placing any china inside the box, fill the bottom with a layer of packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper. This will cushion the pieces from impacts during the move. Once the box is filled, add another layer of cushioning on top to ensure the china remains stable.
5. Pack Fragile Items Securely in the Box
When placing the wrapped pieces into the box, make sure there is enough padding around them to prevent movement. Follow these tips for a secure and safe packing process:
- Fill any gaps: If there is extra space inside the box after placing the china, fill it with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting around during the move.
- Place heavier items at the bottom: Heavier pieces should always go at the bottom of the box, with lighter items placed on top. For example, larger bowls or serving platters should be placed at the bottom, while smaller cups and saucers can go on top.
- Don’t overpack the box: Make sure the box isn’t too full or overpacked, as this can increase the risk of the china being crushed. It’s better to use more boxes than to try and fit everything into one box.
- Seal the box securely: Once the box is packed and all gaps are filled, tape the box shut securely with packing tape. Ensure the seams are well sealed so that the box doesn’t open during the move.
6. Label Boxes Clearly
Labeling your boxes is one of the most important steps when packing Blue Willow China for moving. Clearly mark each box as “Fragile” so that movers are aware of the contents and handle them with extra care. You can also label the boxes with the specific items inside, such as “Plates,” “Bowls,” or “Cups,” to help you stay organized during unpacking.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to write “This Side Up” on the boxes to ensure that they are stored and transported in the correct position. This helps prevent the china from being placed upside down or sideways, which could lead to damage.
7. Consider Professional Packing and Moving Services
If you have a large collection of Blue Willow China or if you’re particularly concerned about the safety of your items during the move, consider hiring professional packing and moving services. Professional movers are trained in handling fragile items and have access to specialized materials and techniques to ensure your china is protected during the entire process.
Many moving companies offer white-glove services, which include carefully packing, transporting, and unpacking your valuables. If your china is especially valuable or rare, this may be the safest option.
8. Unpack Carefully and Inspect Your China
Once you arrive at your new location, take your time unpacking your Blue Willow China. Start by removing the fragile boxes from the truck or moving vehicle carefully. Once inside, unpack each item slowly and inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during transit.
- Unwrap carefully: Gently remove the packing materials from each piece, starting with the outermost layers and working your way inward. Avoid pulling on the wrapping too quickly, as this could cause accidental damage.
- Check for damage: After unwrapping, check each item for any cracks, chips, or scratches. If any pieces are damaged, document the damage for insurance purposes.
Conclusion
Packing Blue Willow China for a move requires time, patience, and the right materials to ensure that it arrives safely and without damage. By using sturdy packing boxes, plenty of protective materials, and proper packing techniques, you can minimize the risk of scratching, chipping, or breaking your cherished china. Whether you’re handling the move yourself or enlisting professional movers, following these steps will help ensure your Blue Willow China remains in pristine condition, ready to be enjoyed in your new home.
