How To Pack Kitchen When Moving: Easy Guide

Moving can be a big task, and packing the kitchen is often one of the most challenging parts. Can you pack your kitchen efficiently and safely? Absolutely! This guide will walk you through how to pack your kitchen when moving, ensuring your kitchen essentials arrive at your new home in perfect condition. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best boxes for kitchen items to safely packing delicate glassware and heavy appliances.

Getting Started: Your Kitchen Moving Checklist

Before you even think about wrapping a single dish, a little preparation goes a long way. A well-organized approach will make the entire process smoother.

Decluttering First: Less Stuff, Less Stress

The best time to pack is after you’ve decluttered. Go through your kitchen and ask yourself:

Do I use this regularly? If it’s been gathering dust for over a year, consider donating or discarding it.
Is it broken or chipped? It’s time to let go of damaged items.
Do I have duplicates? Keep your favorites and let the rest go.

This step not only reduces the amount you have to pack but also saves you money on packing supplies and moving costs.

Gathering Your Packing Supplies

Having the right supplies is crucial for moving kitchenware safely. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sturdy Moving Boxes: Look for double-walled boxes, especially for heavier items. You’ll need a variety of sizes.
Dish Packs: These are specifically designed for fragile dishes and are usually deeper.
Small Boxes: Perfect for silverware and small, heavy items like spice jars.
Bubble Wrap: Essential for box fragile kitchen items.
Packing Paper (Unprinted): Great for wrapping dishes and filling empty spaces. Avoid newspaper as the ink can transfer.
Packing Tape: High-quality, strong tape is a must.
Markers: For clear labeling kitchen boxes.
Scissors or Box Cutter: For opening and closing boxes.
Dish Towels and Linens: Can be used for extra padding.

Packing Your Dishes and Glassware: Fragile Handling

This is often the most nerve-wracking part. The key is to provide ample cushioning for each item.

Preparing Dishes for Packing

Clean and Dry: Ensure all dishes and glasses are clean and completely dry. Moisture can lead to mold or damage.
Bundle Similar Items: Group plates of the same size together.
Use Plenty of Padding: This is where box fragile kitchen items truly comes into play.

How to Pack Dishes for Moving

Plates: Place a sheet of packing paper or bubble wrap between each plate. Stack them vertically (on their edges) in the box, rather than horizontally. This makes them less likely to break. Use a dish pack box for these.
Bowls: Nest bowls inside each other, placing packing paper or a cloth between each one.
Cups and Mugs: Wrap each cup individually with packing paper. You can stuff the inside with more paper for extra support.
Glasses: This requires extra care. Wrap each glass generously with bubble wrap. For stemware, reinforce the stems with extra padding and consider using specialized glass inserts or dividers if you have them.

Protecting Pots and Pans

Pots and pans can be bulky and heavy, but they are generally more durable than dishes.

Nest Pots: If possible, nest pots and pans of similar sizes. Place a dishtowel or a few sheets of packing paper between them to prevent scratching.
Secure Lids: Wrap lids separately and place them inside the pot they belong to, or pack them next to the pot.
Wrap Handles: For pots with protruding handles, wrap them with bubble wrap to prevent them from snagging on other items or the box.
Heavy Items: Don’t overfill boxes with pots and pans. Distribute the weight evenly.

Packing Silverware and Utensils

How to pack silverware requires a simple but effective method.

Bundle Silverware: Group similar items (forks with forks, knives with knives, spoons with spoons) together.
Secure Bundles: Wrap each bundle with a sheet of packing paper and secure it with tape.
Small Boxes for Organization: Place the wrapped bundles into a small, sturdy box. Fill any empty space with packing paper to prevent them from shifting.
Utensil Drawer Contents: For larger utensils like spatulas, ladles, and whisks, you can bundle them together or wrap them individually and place them in a box.

Packing Kitchen Appliances

From the toaster to the stand mixer, moving kitchen appliances requires careful attention.

Small Appliances

Clean and Dry: Ensure appliances are unplugged, clean, and dry.
Original Packaging: If you still have the original boxes and foam inserts, use them! They are designed to protect the appliance.
Wrap Individually: If not using original packaging, wrap each appliance securely in bubble wrap.
Secure Cords: Wrap the cords neatly and tape them to the appliance itself to prevent tangling.
Box Appropriately: Place wrapped appliances in sturdy boxes. Use smaller boxes for heavier items to manage weight.

Large Appliances

For major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves, it’s often best to:

Consult Your Moving Company: They have specialized equipment and expertise for moving large, heavy appliances safely.
Defrost and Clean: Ensure refrigerators and freezers are defrosted, cleaned, and dried thoroughly before moving.
Secure Doors: Tape doors shut securely to prevent them from swinging open during transit.
Remove Shelves and Drawers: Pack these separately, wrapped in bubble wrap or blankets, to prevent damage.

Organizing Kitchen Boxes for Easy Unpacking

The goal is to make unpacking as straightforward as possible. Good organizing kitchen boxes is key.

Categorize and Group

By Function: Group items used together. For example, pack your coffee maker, mugs, and coffee beans in the same box.
By Room Section: If you have a large kitchen, consider packing items from specific areas (e.g., baking supplies, breakfast items).

Strategic Weight Distribution

Heavy Items in Small Boxes: This makes them easier to lift and carry.
Lighter Items in Larger Boxes: Fill up larger boxes with lighter, bulkier items like pots and pans.
Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing paper, linens, or towels to fill any gaps in the box. This prevents items from shifting during the move.

Labeling Kitchen Boxes: Your Unpacking Lifeline

Clear and concise labeling kitchen boxes will save you immense time and frustration at your new home.

What to Include on Labels

Contents: Be specific. Instead of “Kitchen,” write “Plates & Bowls” or “Pots & Pans.”
Fragile: Mark boxes containing delicate items with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE” in large, bold letters.
Destination Room: Write the room where the box should go in your new home (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Pantry”).
Box Number (Optional but Recommended): You can keep a master list of box contents and their corresponding numbers for extra organization.

Placement of Labels

On Multiple Sides: Label the top and at least two sides of each box. This way, you can see the label regardless of how the box is stacked.

Special Considerations for Kitchen Packing

Some kitchen items require a bit more thought.

Packing Spices and Seasonings

Keep Them Together: Group spice jars in a small, sturdy box.
Fill Gaps: Use packing paper to fill any empty space to prevent them from rattling.
Check for Leaks: Ensure lids are screwed on tightly. If you’re concerned, wrap the lid with plastic wrap before screwing it back on.

Packing Food Items

Perishables: Do not pack perishable food items unless you are moving a very short distance and can keep them cold. Discard or consume anything that needs refrigeration or freezing.
Pantry Staples: Pack non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and dried goods. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box.
Keep a “First Night” Box: Pack essential food items, snacks, and beverages in a separate, clearly labeled box that you can access immediately upon arrival.

Packing Linens and Towels

Multi-Purpose: Use clean dish towels, cloths, and oven mitts to wrap fragile items or to fill empty spaces in boxes. This saves on packing materials and ensures your linens are ready to use.

Choosing the Best Boxes for Kitchen Items

The right box makes all the difference.

Types of Boxes

Standard Moving Boxes: Good for general kitchenware, pantry items, and smaller appliances.
Dish Packs (Cell Boxes): These are the ideal best boxes for kitchen items like plates, bowls, and glasses. They often come with cardboard dividers to separate items.
Small, Strong Boxes: Perfect for heavy items like silverware, spices, or small appliances. This prevents the box from breaking under the weight.
Wardrobe Boxes: Useful for hanging kitchen organizers or even large pots and pans if you have them.

Box Strength and Size

Don’t Overfill: Even sturdy boxes can break if they are too full or too heavy.
Match Box to Contents: Use smaller, reinforced boxes for heavy items. Use larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items.

Moving Day Tips for Your Kitchen

The final push before the movers arrive.

Pack an “Open First” Box: Include essentials like coffee, tea, mugs, a kettle, basic utensils, paper plates, and snacks.
Keep Valuables Separate: Pack any expensive or sentimental kitchen items personally or with your valuables.
Defrost Fridge/Freezer: Do this at least 24 hours before the move.
Clean Appliances: Give your appliances a quick wipe-down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing the Kitchen

Here are some common questions people have when packing their kitchen.

Q1: What’s the best way to pack glassware?
A1: Wrap each glass individually with at least two layers of packing paper or bubble wrap. For stemmed glasses, reinforce the stem with extra padding and consider using glass dividers. Place them upright in a sturdy box, filling all empty spaces to prevent shifting.

Q2: Should I pack my spices?
A2: Yes, you can pack spices. Group them in a small, sturdy box, fill any gaps with packing paper, and ensure lids are secure. Consider consolidating smaller spice jars into a slightly larger, robust box.

Q3: How do I pack my knives safely?
A3: Knife blocks are the best option. If you don’t have one, wrap each knife individually in bubble wrap, then secure the blade with cardboard or more bubble wrap. Place them in a sturdy box and label it clearly as “Knives” and “Sharp Objects.”

Q4: What if I don’t have enough boxes?
A4: You can use sturdy drawers from cabinets or chests as temporary moving containers for non-fragile items. Ensure they are not overloaded and can be secured. You can also use laundry baskets or suitcases for lighter kitchen items.

Q5: How do I protect my pots and pans from scratching?
A5: Nest pots and pans together, placing a dishtowel or packing paper between them. Wrap any exposed handles with bubble wrap.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your kitchen packing experience is less daunting and your kitchenware arrives safely at your new home. Happy moving!