How to Pack Kitchen Items When Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. Packing up the kitchen, in particular, requires some extra thought and planning. The kitchen contains many fragile and bulky items that need special care when packing for a move. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to properly pack kitchen items when moving to ensure nothing gets damaged along the way.

Make a List of Kitchen Items

Before packing up the kitchen, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be moved. This will help you stay organized and make sure nothing gets left behind. Your kitchen inventory should include:

Dishes: plates, bowls, cups, mugs
Glassware: wine glasses, beer mugs, pitcher, vase
Cutlery: forks, knives, spoons
Cooking utensils: pots, pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls
Appliances: coffee maker, toaster, blender, food processor
Food: spices, oils, condiments, snacks
Cleaning supplies: dish soap, sponges, towels
Other: cookbooks, kitchen linens, decor

Check cabinets, drawers, pantries, and the refrigerator to compile your list. Having a comprehensive kitchen packing list is key to ensuring a smooth move.

Purchase Moving Supplies

Before packing up kitchen items, be sure to purchase necessary moving supplies:

Boxes: Pick up a variety of sizes like small, medium, and large. You’ll need about 10-15 boxes just for the kitchen.
Bubble wrap: Essential for wrapping fragile kitchen items. Get bubble wrap with large bubbles to best protect breakables.
Packing paper: For wrapping utensils, dishes, and glassware to prevent scratches. Acid-free tissue paper works great.
Packing tape: Stock up on strong packing tape to securely seal boxes.
Permanent marker: To label boxes for easy identification.
Furniture pads: Protect furniture like tables and chairs from dings and scratches.
Dish barrels: Specialized boxes with dividers to hold stacks of plates.

Having the right supplies on hand will make packing the kitchen much easier and safer.

Pack Dishes and Glassware

Packing dishes and glassware takes a bit of extra care so they don’t break during the move. Here are some tips:

Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use plenty of cushioning material.
Place wrapped items in small boxes, alternating the direction they face. Avoid overpacking.
Use dish barrels or sturdy boxes lined with packing paper for plates and bowls. Stand them upright.
Fill any empty space in boxes with packing paper to limit shifting.
Label boxes clearly as “Fragile” and “Dishes/Glassware.”
Transport these delicate boxes yourself, don’t let movers take them.

Taking it slow and being cautious when packing dishes and glasses prevents breakage.

Pack Pots, Pans and Kitchen Utensils

Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils also require some special care when packing:

Use small boxes for pans so they don’t get too heavy.
Line pots and pans with packing paper or bubble wrap so they don’t scratch.
Place lids inside pots and pans and wrap as one unit. Tape lids in place.
Alternate handles and spouts facing opposite directions to fit more efficiently.
Pack kitchen utensils upright in sturdy containers with dividers.
Use packing paper in between each utensil to prevent scratches.
Label boxes clearly as “Pots & Pans” or “Kitchen Utensils.”

Proper packing keeps pots, pans and utensils protected during the move.

Pack Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances each have their own packing needs:

Coffee maker: Drain water reservoir. Disassemble parts and wrap cords. Pack in original box if possible.
Toaster oven: Remove racks and accessories. Tape electrical components in place to prevent shifting.
Stand mixer: Wipe down and dry thoroughly. Pack beaters and dough hooks separately. Use original packaging.
Food processor: Disassemble completely. Wrap base and lid separately with packing materials.
Blender: Remove blender pitcher and pack separately with padding. Cover base bottom with bubble wrap.
Microwave: You may choose to move this as-is. Otherwise, use original packaging if possible.

Taking appliances apart and using original boxes is best for safe transport.

Pack Pantry Items

Don’t overlook all the food items and supplies in the pantry when packing the kitchen:

Group similar items together in small boxes—canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, etc.
Stand cereal boxes, crackers and other dry goods upright.
Wrap glass jars of sauces and condiments individually with padding.
Tape bottled items shut that may leak like oils and dressings.
Use sections of cardboard between bottles and jars to prevent banging together.
Pack perishables you’ll need on moving day in a small cooler.
Label boxes clearly as “Pantry” plus specifics like “Canned Goods” or “Baking Supplies.”

Organizing pantry items well makes unpacking the kitchen much easier.

Pack Cleaning and Paper Supplies

Cleaning products and paper goods need special treatment when packing for a move:

Group all toxic cleaning products together and pack upright and individually wrapped.
Seal liquid cleaning products in plastic bags in case of leakage.
Pack paper towels and toilet paper rolls upright with padding in between.
Use small boxes for cleaning spray bottles. Wrap individually with padding.
Place dividers between any spray bottles and food items for safety.
Label these boxes “Cleaning Supplies” or “Paper Goods” accordingly.

Safely packing cleaning and paper products prevents messes or contamination.

Disassemble Shelving and Cabinets

An often overlooked part of packing a kitchen is disassembling cabinets, shelves and hardware:

Take doors off of cabinets and shelves. Wrap hinges in padding.
Remove drawers from cabinets. Wrap separately with padding.
Take down wall-mounted wire shelving. Detach from wall safely.
Unmount magnetic strips, spice racks and hanging utensil racks.
Pack mounting hardware like screws in labeled bags.
Use furniture pads on detached cabinet doors and drawers.
Load shelves horizontally on their edges on the truck, not flat.

Taking apart kitchen storage components makes moving bulky cabinets and shelving easier.

Pack Tableware Separately

Your finest dishes and tableware should be packed with extra care:

Each piece should be individually wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap.
Place lined crystal stemware in upright egg cartons to prevent tips from chipping.
Use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap in bottom and sides of boxes.
Do not overpack boxes—weight should be evenly distributed.
Write “Fragile” and “Tableware” prominently on the outside of boxes.
Transport tableware boxes yourself in your own vehicle.
Consider renting or purchasing dish barrels made specifically for moving dishes.

Special care should be taken when packing fine china and delicate tableware and crystal.

Label Boxes Clearly

As you’re packing up the kitchen, be sure to label each box clearly on all sides with permanent marker. Include:

General category – Dishes, Pots & Pans, Appliances etc.
Specific contents – Plates, Bowls, Serving Platters, etc.
Room for unpacking – Kitchen
Any special handling needs – Fragile, This Side Up arrows
Your name
Moving date

Properly labeled boxes make unloading and unpacking the kitchen much smoother.

Transport Perishables Separately

Don’t forget about transporting kitchen perishables that you’ll need on moving day:

Create a “moving day” bag with paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, paper towels, snacks, etc.
Pack a cooler with refrigerated items you’ll need like milk, juice, lunchmeat, condiments, medication.
Bring a bag of ice to keep the cooler cold during transport.
Keep coffee maker, coffee grounds, filters, sugar and creamer handy too.

Having these items packed separately ensures you’ll have what you need on moving day before unpacking the kitchen.

Consider How You Use Your Kitchen

As you organize kitchen items for packing, think about how you specifically use your kitchen:

Group items stored together in one box—mixing bowls with measuring cups for instance.
Pack items you use most often toward the top of boxes for easy access later.
Take photos of inside cabinets before packing to remember how things were stored.
Pack up items room by room to make unpacking simpler.

Personalizing your kitchen packing system based on how you cook and entertain makes unpacking much simpler.

Schedule Professional Appliance Movers if Needed

For major kitchen appliances, consider hiring professional movers:

Professionals have the manpower and equipment to move heavy appliances safely.
They know how to disassemble and reassemble appliances properly.
Professional movers prevent damage to appliances, walls, floors and doorways.
Choose a company that specializes in moving appliances specifically.

You may choose to move the refrigerator yourself ahead of time.

Pack an “Open First” Essentials Box

As you finish packing up the kitchen, set aside one “Open First” box:

Include cups, plates, bowls, utensils, snacks, paper towels, dish soap, sponge, kettle, coffee maker etc.
Have plasticware on hand in case your dishes haven’t been unpacked yet.
Pack things like bottle opener, wine opener, can opener.
Also add trash bags, paper towels, cleaning wipes.

Having a box of kitchen essentials readily available alleviates stress as you unpack.

Create Floor Plan for New Kitchen

To make unpacking and organizing the new kitchen easier:

Measure your new kitchen space and create a floor plan.
Sketch out where all cabinets, appliances and fixtures will go.
Think about most convenient placement for how you cook and entertain.
Note measurements of appliances and furniture.
Use graph paper and indicate doors and windows.

Having a floor plan ready helps you set up your new kitchen logically and efficiently.

Work Room By Room When Unpacking

When unpacking the kitchen, take it one room at a time:

Start by unpacking items for the room you’re in like dishes for the dining room.
Unpack food and supplies needed for each room as you get to it.
Check boxes off your kitchen inventory as they are emptied.
Break down empty boxes as you go and set aside to recycle or reuse.

Unpacking methodically room by room will keep the process smooth and organized.

Inspect All Items When Unpacking

As you unpack kitchen items, thoroughly inspect each piece:

Carefully unwrap each dish, glass, and fragile kitchen item.
Check for any chips, cracks, or breakage that may have happened during transit.
Report any significant damage immediately to the moving company.
Photograph any damage before discarding broken packaging materials.
Set aside damaged items to file an insurance claim if needed.

A careful inspection prevents finding broken items later once boxes have been discarded.

Prioritize Setting Up Kitchen First

When arranging your new home, make setting up the kitchen a top priority:

Get cooking essentials unpacked first so you can prepare meals.
Have any damaged or missing items replaced or ordered immediately.
Set up small appliances you will need like coffee maker, toaster, kettle.
Get dishes, flatware, pots and pans accessible as soon as possible.

Having an operational kitchen makes settling into a new home much easier.

Organize Cabinets Based on Meal Preparation

Organize your new kitchen cabinets based on how you cook meals:

Place dinnerware, serving bowls and cooking tools you use most often within easy reach.
Store baking sheets and pans near mixing bowls and baking ingredients.
Place herbs, spices, oils and condiments near stove.
Put snacks, cups and coffee mugs closest to were you eat breakfast.

Storing items strategically based on food prep makes cooking more convenient.

Allow Time for Adjusting Storage

It takes time for a new kitchen layout to feel right:

Be prepared to tweak and adjust cabinet storage over time.
You may need to purchase organizers or baskets to accommodate items.
Store lesser used items in hard to reach areas.
Take notes on what works well or doesn’t over the first few weeks.

Adjust storage as needed until your new kitchen feels like home.

Questions and Answers About Packing Kitchen Items When Moving

How early should I start packing the kitchen for a move?

It’s best to start packing the kitchen at least 2-3 weeks before your moving date. This allows enough time to pack methodically without feeling rushed. Start with items used less frequently first.

What’s the best way to transport pots and pans during a move?

Pack pots and pans individually wrapped in packing paper in medium sturdy boxes, with lids taped inside each pot. Line the bottoms and sides of boxes with extra padding.

Should I pack my own dishes and glassware or have movers do it?

It’s usually safer for you to pack your own fragile kitchen items like dishes, glasses, and delicate tableware. You can ensure it’s done properly.

What’s the easiest way to organize my pantry for packing?

Group similar food items together in categories when packing pantry items—canned goods, baking supplies, cereals, etc. Use small boxes and label contents clearly.

How should I pack antique or heirloom china?

Each piece should be individually wrapped with ample padding. Line sturdy boxes with extra cushioning and pack so items don’t shift. Mark “Fragile” clearly on boxes.

What kitchen items should I move in my own vehicle?

Transport irreplaceable or high-value tableware, china and crystal yourself, along with fragile boxes marked “Glassware” or “Dishes”. Also, move perishable foods in a cooler.

Where should I start when unpacking the kitchen?

Open the “essentials” box first so you have basic dishes, cookware, utensils, paper towels, soap, coffee maker etc. available right away. Then unpack room by room.

How should I arrange my kitchen in a new home?

Try to set up cabinets and drawers based on how you cook and use kitchen tools and appliances. Frequently used items should be most accessible.

What’s the best way to stay organized when packing the kitchen?

Make a detailed inventory checklist before packing and check items off as you pack boxes. Label boxes clearly on all sides. Take photos of cabinets and pantry contents before disassembling.

Packing up the kitchen for a move takes time and care, but following these tips will help make the process go smoothly and safely. Being organized, methodical and taking special precautions with fragile items are key. With the proper supplies and some strategic planning, you can get your kitchen packed and settled into your new home with minimal hassles or breakage.

Conclusion

Packing kitchen items for a move requires much more planning and care than simply filling up boxes. Fragile dishes, glassware, appliances, and shelving all have to be properly packed using the right materials and techniques. Taking inventory, purchasing supplies, disassembling cabinets, and carefully padding breakables are all important steps in the process.

Be sure to clearly label boxes according to contents and handle with care. Unpacking and setting up the kitchen should be a priority, and boxes should be inspected for any damage before discarding. Follow this guide on packing kitchen items when moving, and you can get your new kitchen arranged smoothly, efficiently and organized just the way you like it.