When you pack your home for a move, you should usually pack each section of your home separately. Packing by area instead of packing like-items from different rooms, or even different sections of the same room, allows you to unpack much more quickly and feel at home in your new house sooner. However, if you are looking to save a bit of money on packing materials and space in your moving truck, then you should consider packing your dishes with your clothing. Soft clothing, such as t-shirts, socks, and basic underwear, functions as a great packing material, if you follow these rules. 

Select the Right Box 

There are several types of moving boxes available. Generally, when packing dishes, you will want to use a dish pack, which is a thicker, lined box meant to accommodate heavier weights and protect fragile items. If you do not have a dish box, and do not plan on purchasing one, you should use smaller boxes, such as three cubic feet, and pack your dishes in multiple boxes. 

Setting Up and Taping Your Box 

Preparing your box properly is extremely important when you will have heavy, fragile items in it. You will want to tape the box from end to end, diagonally, and across the short sides of the box with a sturdy packing tape. Once the bottom is secure, you should flip the box over and lay 2-3 t-shirts or scarves flat to cover the entire bottom of the box and provide a soft surface for your dishes. 

Select the Right Clothing 

Not all of your clothing will be useful when you are packing dishes. You should avoid delicate items that wrinkle easily. You should also avoid items with decorations such as beads, buttons, or sequins, which may chip or scratch your dishes. 

Instead, sort out all of your soft, plain clothing to use for packing. This will include t-shirts, work-out clothes, leggings, socks, some underwear, and scarves. Bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths can also work well. 

Wrap Your Items 

You will want to wrap your dishes the same way you would if you are using packing paper and bubble wrap. Plates work well placed inside a t-shirt, while cups should be stuffed with smaller items and then wrapped. Your goal should be to wrap ever area of the dish so it cannot connect with another dish while it is being moved and crack or break. 

Pack Your Boxes 

To limit the weight in each box, you may want to pack some glass dishes together with a few larger, lightweight pots or pans. This fills each box but helps keep the weight under 50-60 pounds. 

When you are packing dishes, you want to stand them on end as much as possible. This means your plates should go in the box on their sides, like records, and the glasses should go in standing up, like they do in the cupboard. 

While you are loading boxes, you should fill all empty spaces with clothes. This includes around the handles of mugs and stems of wine glasses as well as in corners of the box where plates do not reach. 

Finish Your Box 

If you think your box is getting too heavy, you can finish packing with a light, puffy jacket or a pillow. You should not leave any empty space between your items and the top of your box. Finally, you should securely tape your box and label it as fragile on both the sides and top, to make sure your local movers know what is inside. 

Packing properly can help you keep your items safe during a move. However, there are ways to move cheaply while keeping your belongings safe. As long as you follow the rules to proper packing, there is no reason you cannot use your clothing to help secure your breakable items.