The dining room is small but fragile-heavy: china, stemware, serving pieces, and often a hutch full of things that only come out on holidays. Pack it carefully and it's three to five totes; rush it and you're gluing a gravy boat back together.
China and dinnerware
Wrap each plate individually in packing paper and stack them on edge (vertically) in the tote, like records in a crate — plates resist pressure from the side far better than from the top. Put a folded layer of paper or a towel on the bottom of the tote and between layers. Keep these totes to about 25–30 pounds so they stay liftable.
Stemware and glasses
Roll each glass in paper, then bundle in pairs. Stand them upright in the tote with crushed paper or a divided cell box for the delicate ones. Fill every gap so nothing can shift. Mark the tote fragile on the side and never stack anything heavy on it.
Serving pieces and the hutch
Silver and metal serving pieces should be wrapped to prevent scratching. Empty the hutch completely before the movers touch it — a loaded cabinet is far heavier and its doors can swing open on the stairs. Tape or tie doors and drawers shut once it's empty, and remove glass shelves and pack them flat between blankets.
Table, leaves, and chairs
Remove table leaves and pack them flat, wrapped in a blanket. If the table legs unbolt, take them off and bag the hardware, taped to the underside of the tabletop. Wrap chair legs and backs to prevent nicks; if chairs stack, band them together.
Carry, don't pack
Anything irreplaceable — a family heirloom set, a hand-painted piece — is better carried in your own car, padded in a box on the seat, than loaded with everything else. Totes protect against crushing and rain; they don't protect against a bad bump if the piece is truly one of a kind.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
How do you pack china for moving?
Wrap each plate in paper and pack plates on their edges, standing vertically in the tote with padding on the bottom and between layers. Keep the tote light enough to lift safely.
Should wine glasses be packed upright or on their side?
Upright. Roll each glass in paper, bundle in pairs, stand them in the tote, and fill all gaps with crushed paper so nothing can move.
Do I need to empty a hutch or china cabinet before moving it?
Yes, completely. A loaded cabinet is much heavier, unstable on stairs, and its doors can swing open. Remove glass shelves and pack them flat.
Questions about sizing, coverage, or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.