label Packing
To pack crockery for storage, use small, sturdy boxes lined with crumpled paper. Wrap every piece separately, stand plates on edge, stuff and wrap glasses, and use dividers. Fill gaps so nothing moves, mark boxes fragile and this side up, and keep them on top of heavier boxes.
A dinner set, a tea set kept for guests, or crystal glasses received as a wedding gift can break easily in a move. Most breakage happens because pieces are packed loosely, packed flat when they should stand on edge, or put in boxes that are too heavy. Good packing prevents most of it.
This guide covers the materials you need, how to wrap plates, cups and glasses, and how to place crockery boxes in storage.
What packing materials do you need?
| Material | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Small, sturdy cartons | Keeping each box light enough to carry |
| Packing paper | Wrapping every piece separately |
| Bubble wrap | Extra layer for glass and fine china |
| Cell dividers | Keeping glasses apart inside a box |
| Crumpled paper or towels | Filling gaps so nothing moves |
| Strong tape and a marker | Sealing and labelling the box |
See our guide to wrapping and packing materials for more.
How do you pack plates and bowls?
- Line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper.
- Wrap each plate separately in paper.
- Stand plates on their edge, like files, rather than stacking them flat.
- Wrap bowls separately and nest them in small groups with paper between them.
- Fill gaps and add a layer of paper on top before sealing.
How do you pack glasses and cups?
- Stuff paper inside each glass, then wrap the outside.
- Use bubble wrap for stemware and thin glass.
- Use cell dividers so glasses don't touch.
- Pack glasses upright, with the heavier pieces at the bottom of the box.
- Wrap cup handles and teapot spouts with extra paper.
Our guide on packing fragile items has more tips.
How should crockery boxes be labelled and placed?
Mark each box "fragile" and "this side up" on several sides, and list what's inside. In the unit, keep crockery boxes on top of heavier boxes, never under them, and away from the door so they aren't knocked. Shake each box gently before sealing. If anything moves or rattles, add more paper.
How should different kinds of crockery be packed?
| Item | Main risk | How to pack |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner plates | Cracking under weight | Wrap each plate, pack standing on edge like files, not flat in a pile |
| Bowls and katoris | Chipping at the rim | Wrap each, nest only with paper between, pack rim-down |
| Cups and mugs | Handles snapping | Wrap handles first with an extra layer, then the whole cup |
| Glasses and stemware | Breakage at the stem or rim | Stuff paper inside, wrap the stem, use divided boxes |
| Serving dishes and casseroles | Weight and awkward shapes | Wrap with extra padding, pack at the bottom of the box |
| Bone china and fine sets | Chips and cracks | Wrap twice, use a smaller box, pack fewer pieces per box |
| Steel and brass utensils | Dents and tarnish | Clean and dry fully, wrap in cloth. See storing brass utensils |
What is a step-by-step way to pack crockery?
- Wash and dry everything fully. Food residue and water can lead to smells, stains and pests.
- Prepare the box. Tape the bottom twice and add a layer of crumpled paper or a folded towel.
- Wrap each piece separately. Use packing paper or bubble wrap. Newspaper ink can rub off on light-coloured crockery.
- Heaviest at the bottom. Serving dishes and plates first, cups and glasses on top.
- Fill gaps. Crumple paper into every space so nothing moves when you shake the box gently.
- Add a top layer of padding before sealing.
- Label clearly: FRAGILE, THIS WAY UP, room, and contents.
What size of box should you use?
Use small or medium boxes for crockery. A large box full of plates becomes too heavy to lift safely and more likely to break at the bottom. Double-walled boxes are stronger, and dish-pack boxes with dividers suit glasses and cups. Don't use old boxes that are soft or damp.
Where should crockery boxes go in a storage unit?
- On shelves or on top of sturdy, heavier boxes, never at the bottom of a stack.
- With labels facing out, so you can see FRAGILE.
- Away from the door path, where they could be knocked.
- Off the floor and away from walls to avoid damp.
See how to lay out a storage unit for more on placement.
How do you unpack without breakage?
- Open the box from the top and lift pieces out one by one.
- Check the paper before throwing it away; small items can hide inside.
- Wash everything before use.
- Check for chips or cracks and set damaged pieces aside.
What are common mistakes?
- Stacking plates flat in a pile.
- Overfilling a large box with heavy crockery.
- Leaving empty space so pieces shift.
- Packing items that are still damp.
- Putting crockery boxes at the bottom of a stack.
- Not marking boxes as fragile.
How do you keep sets together?
Dinner sets, tea sets and gift sets are easier to use and less likely to be split up if each set goes into its own box or boxes. Write the set name and number of pieces on the label, for example "Tea set, white with gold rim, 6 cups, 6 saucers, 1 teapot". Take a photo of the set before packing, so you can check every piece on unpacking. If a set came in its original box with inserts, that box is often the safest way to store it.
What about heirloom or wedding crockery?
Family crockery and wedding gift sets often matter more than their price. Pack these with an extra layer of wrapping, in smaller boxes, and keep them on a shelf where nothing can be stacked on top. Note any existing chips or cracks with photos, so you know what was already there.
Does long-term storage change anything?
For storage of several months or more, use fresh packing paper rather than newspaper, avoid sealing crockery in plastic where moisture could collect, and add silica gel sachets to boxes during the monsoon. Make sure everything is completely dry before packing, as water trapped inside cups or under rims can leave marks.
When does a storage unit help?
A unit helps when you're between flats, renovating a kitchen, or have sets you only use a few times a year. Our units are private, lockable rooms with 24/7 CCTV and regular pest control, on flexible monthly plans with no lock-in. For a few cartons, box storage is priced per box.
Partner pickup, packing and transport are available across Delhi NCR at an additional cost. Facilities are in Noida, Delhi and Gurugram. To estimate space, use the storage calculator, then click "Get Free Quote" for a callback.
Crockery packing checklist
- Small, sturdy cartons ready
- Box bottoms lined with crumpled paper
- Every piece wrapped separately
- Plates packed on edge
- Glasses stuffed, wrapped and divided
- Handles and spouts given extra padding
- Gaps filled so nothing moves
- Boxes marked fragile and this side up
- Contents listed on each box
- Crockery placed on top, never under heavy boxes
Disclaimer: this article gives general packing guidance. Very valuable or antique pieces may need professional packing.
Packing idols and brass articles? See storing puja items.
Storing metal utensils? See brass, copper and silver storage.
Storing spare restaurant crockery? See how restaurants use off-site storage.
Caterers can read how to store crockery and utensils in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
On edge, like files, with each plate wrapped separately.
Stuff paper inside, wrap the outside in bubble wrap, and use cell dividers.
Small enough to stay light and easy to carry.
Yes. Box storage is priced per box.
Partner pickup, packing and transport are available across Delhi NCR at an additional cost.
Click Get Free Quote for a callback, or call +91-9090206090.
Sources and notes
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
- Unit features, box storage, plans, pickup and locations: Self Storage India home page and city pages.
