Keep china safe from scratches by storing inside quilted china keeper bags. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes and up

Here's How:

1. Treat china delicately and protect it from scratches, chips, and nicks.
2. Purchase china storage bags to hold stacks of plates for storage. These will protect the plates from most edge chipping and keep plates dust free.
3. Between each plate use protective foam or felt circles. (To make your own, cut circles from felt slightly smaller that the diameter of the plate. Place between plate and bowls prior to storage.)
4. Store stacks of plates inside cupboards. Using lower cupboards will make it easier to move the stacks as it eliminates stepstools and lifting heavy plates high over your head.
5. Never stack plates higher than six to eight inches.
6. Keep stacks of plates separated from each other to avoid chipping edges.
7. Consider installing heavy duty slide out drawers under countertops for plate storage. This will eliminate the need to lift plates to high shelves.

Tips:

1. In earthquake areas, consider storing china in lower cupboards, and install cupboard latches to avoid having contents spill out to the floor in a quake.
2. Store china so each piece is protected from chipping by keeping stacks low, apart, and each plate lined with a felt circle.
3. Always wash and dry items thoroughly before storage.
4. Use china cases to keep dishes dust-free and protected.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating