How To Store Crockery & Glassware

If you want to store your crockery and glassware without experiencing any regrettable losses or expensive accidents, you need to make sure you pack and store your belongings with care. We want your belongings to be safe just as much as you do, which is why we have put together everything you need to know about how to store your glassware and crockery and have it live to see another day.

Cleaning Your Glassware & Crockery

Before you start packing up your glassware and crockery it is important that you properly wash and dry your kitchenware first. Your glassware will be sitting in these boxes for an extended period of time, and if they are wet, they can grow mould while they are in storage. Similarly, if they are stored while they are dirty, the dirt will spread and create permanent stains that become impossible to remove. We recommend that you wash all of your glassware and crockery at least a couple of days before you start to pack, allowing them plenty of time to completely dry.

To clean your glassware, all you will need is some vinegar and a corrosion resistant bowl or sink. Place your glassware in your bowl (or sink) with distilled white vinegar and leave it to soak for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and wiping dry. You can then leave your glassware out to air and completely dry before packing.

To clean your crockery, you will need to keep your vinegar on hand along with some bicarbonate soda. You should put one tablespoon of bicarbonate in the bottom of your mug or teacup and fill it with 1-part white vinegar 1-part water. You can then leave this to soak for two hours before rinsing with water or gently scrubbing to remove any dark tea or coffee stains. For plates and bowls simply follow the same process but fill your sink and allow them to soak there (provided your sink is corrosion-resistant).

Packing Your Glassware

So how do you store your clean glassware? Now that everything is clean and dry, it is time to get packing safely and securely, ensuring nothing breaks. Glassware is one of the most fragile items to pack and store, so it is important you follow the correct methodology to not experience any breakages.

You will need to have on hand new double walled-corrugated storage boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Many storage boxes are only single walled and will not stand up to the job of protecting goods in storage.

The first step is to assemble your storage boxes so that they are reinforced appropriately, and the bottom will not fall out when you pick it up. When assembling your boxes, you need to ensure you reinforce the bottom, sides, and seams of the box with plenty of packing tape. It is also a good idea to label your boxes clearly as Fragile so that everybody will know to handle them with care. You should then line each box with a thick layer of bubble wrap for cushioning.

Now that your boxes are prepared, it is time to pack your glassware neatly and securely using the following method:

1. Stuff the hollow sections of your glasses with packing paper
2. Wrap bubble wrap around the glasses
3. Apply a thick layer of bubble wrap around the stems or use a glass sock on the stemware
4. Place glassware in the box using cardboard inserts or poly foam to separate each item
5. Fill in the empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent any movement within the box
6. Do not overfill the boxes as this will make them difficult to carry and increase the likelihood of the bottom of the box collapsing

You should avoid stacking glasses directly as it causes repetitive impact and therefore increases the risk of breakages.

This method is even appropriate for how to store your vintage glassware and will greatly minimise the risk of any expensive damages.

Packing Your Crockery

So now you are a pro at packing glassware, but how do you store your crockery? The best way to store your ceramic plates, china, and crockery is by following a similar method as for glassware.

1. Prepare your boxes the same way you did for your glassware
2. Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap
3. Stuff the hollow section of mugs and teacups with packing paper
4. Place extra bubble wrap around any handles
5. Place your plates and bowls on their sides in boxes with poly foam between each item to avoid clashing
6. Stack your mugs by placing smaller cups inside larger cups
7. Fill any extra space in the box with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent movement within the box

Packing Cutlery & Utensils

Packing your cutlery and utensils also requires some special care and attention so that no one is injured by any sharp items like knives and forks.

The best way to pack your silverware is to bundle like utensils together in packing paper. After preparing a packing box lined with bubble wrap for cushioning, sort your utensils so that knives, spoons, forks etc. are all separated and grouped into their own type. Bundle and stack each item set all facing the same direction and with the top orientated the same way. For example, the sharp ends of your knives should all be pointing in the same direction.

You should then roll these bundles in packing paper and tuck in the ends of the paper, so you have a small parcel. You can then safely place these bundles on their side inside your box.

For sharper knives consider packing them inside their cutlery block and securing them by taping them down with packing tape. You can then roll the cutlery block with sheets of packing paper and finish off with a layer of bubble wrap.

How To Store Your Glassware & Crockery

Now that you have perfectly packed your belongings, you need to pack your storage space with plenty of care and consideration. You have arrived safely at your storage unit, but what is the best way to store your glassware and crockery?

It is incredibly important to be methodical when packing your storage space. The following tips will help you make sure your items stay safe and sound in your unit:

• Ensure that you do not stack anything heavy on top of your boxes
• Place your boxes safely away from anything precarious that could fall over
• Place your boxes on a steady, flat surface or on top of a wooden pallet
• Do not stack your boxes too high, as if the boxes deform, they could come tumbling down
• Keep your glassware and crockery boxes at the back of your storage unit, this way when you are collecting items from time to time you do not need to disturb them and cause unnecessary movement and rattling

Loxon Storage

Now that you have read everything you need to know about storing glassware and crockery in your toolkit, you can pack away your belongings with complete peace of mind. Loxon Storage provide easy, secure, and affordable storage solutions, so enquire with us today.