Whether you want to send antique glassware to your customer or ship fine china to your new home, you always need assurance that all of the objects will arrive safe and sound. This is where proper packaging is crucial. Here are the most important steps to follow when shipping fragile items or packing dishes, glassware, and fine china:
1. Choose the right box.
Select a reliable double-walled box that allows packing no more than 4.5 kg (10 lbs). Such boxes are usually called dish barrels, dishsaver glass pack boxes, or simply dish packs. Most of them are eco-friendly and created specifically for shipping fragile items and antique glassware. Another thing to remember is that you need to keep the box size compact. When it comes to safe shipping, packing too many items in a single box is not a smart idea. The heavier the box is, the more chances your fine china will be damaged in transit.
2. Wrap each item separately.
Neatly wrap each item in bubble wrap or tissue paper. It is worth noting that sometimes people use newsprint for wrapping antique china they want to ship. However, it is not recommended for several reasons. First, the ink may rub off and stain the item. Second, newspapers are not a packing material eligible for insurance. Last, they don’t protect fragile objects during transportation. So don’t skimp on wrapping materials and packing supplies, as they can save your items from being damaged.
3. Fill the box with foam or peanuts.
Place several inches of packing peanuts or cushion foam on the bottom of your box before you add any wrapped items.
4. Place the items into the box.
You need to properly arrange the wrapped items in the box. For example, china plates should be placed on the edge with a layer of bubble wrap or cardboard between them. Make sure that the sides of each item are at least 1″ (2.5 cm) away from the box edge. Further, when shipping fragile items, like teapots or sugar bowls, make sure they are packed separately. Moreover, remember that heavier objects should always be packed on the bottom, while lighter should be placed on top.
5. Fill in the empty space with packing peanuts or foam.
Once you arrange the items in the box, fill in the empty space with more foam or packing peanuts. This will prevent them from moving around. Ensure the box is not overfilled and tape it with the packing tape. In case you want to use a shipping company, like FedEx, it’s better to put your package into another, larger box also filled with packing peanuts for more protection.
6. Label the box.
Label your box with “From” and “To” addresses, as well as with all necessary shipping labels, like “Fragile,” “Handle with care,” “Do not stack,” and so on. We also recommend you to write on the box its exact content.
If you are not sure you can properly pack antique glassware and fine china, you can always contact Fine Art Shippers for help. We offer professional packing and crating, art storage, and art shipping services for any need and budget. Call us now!