Things I hate to see …
A few months back, I found a few plates, bowls and other small pieces for sale on eBay and while I wasn’t familiar with the seller, I bought them and have been waiting for them to arrive. Well, unfortunately, it seems the seller is quite familiar with selling t-shirts, and much less with packing and shipping antique china.
As sad as I was, I am going to try to ‘kintgusi’ some of it so it can be saved to look at, but it will never be usable. In the meantime, I thought I’d share some ideas of how to pack delicate things so you don’t get the same thing I did.
Tips For Packing China
Packing delicate china requires careful attention to detail and proper materials to ensure it arrives at its destination intact. Here’s a guide on how to pack china so it doesn’t break:
Gather Supplies: Collect sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and tape.
Prepare Boxes: Reinforce the bottom of each box with extra tape to provide added strength.
Wrap Each Piece Individually: Begin by wrapping each item separately with several sheets of packing paper. Start from one corner and tuck the paper around the item, ensuring complete coverage. For particularly delicate pieces, wrap them with bubble wrap after the initial layer of packing paper.
Specifically for plates: Wrap them individually with bubble wrap, stack them, and then use packing tap to wrap them all together in a big stack. This keeps them from moving around and hitting each other.
Cushioning: Line the bottom of the box with a generous layer of crumpled packing paper or packing peanuts to create a cushion.
Layering: Place the wrapped items vertically in the box, with heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Ensure there’s enough padding between each piece to prevent them from knocking into each other.
Fill Empty Spaces: Fill any gaps with additional packing material to prevent shifting during transit. Make sure the box is packed tightly but not overstuffed, as this can increase the risk of damage.
Secure the Box: Once all the items are packed, fill any remaining space at the top with packing material. Close the box and seal it with strong packing tape, ensuring all seams are reinforced.
Label Clearly: Clearly mark the box as fragile and indicate which side should be kept upright.
Transport with Care: When moving or shipping the boxes, handle them with care and avoid placing heavy objects on top.
By following these steps and using the right materials, you can pack china securely and minimize the risk of breakage during transit.