Wrap each plate separately in paper and stand the plates upright in the box, like records in a record crate. Standing up, they can take much more than lying flat on top of each other.
Put a thick layer of scrunched-up paper at the bottom and fill the sides. You can wrap bowls three at a time, nested with paper in between. Keep the boxes small and heavy items at the bottom. Pack a few plates and cutlery separately for the first few days.
