How to Pack Kitchen for Moving

December 15, 2024

Moving your kitchen requires careful planning and organization. Even professional movers recommend starting this task early since it often takes longer than expected. Each item, from fragile glassware to heavy appliances, needs proper handling and packing to prevent damage during transit. This guide walks you through packing your kitchen efficiently and keeping your items safe while maintaining order.

Declutter and Organize

Begin your kitchen packing by sorting through your belongings. Check expiration dates on food items and toss anything expired or damaged. Sort your remaining items into groups—kitchenware you use regularly, special occasion pieces, and items you rarely touch. Consider donating items that you last used in the past year and are in good condition. This sorting process helps reduce what you’ll need to pack and makes setting up your new kitchen much easier.

Gather Packing Supplies

Get strong moving boxes in different sizes for your various kitchen items. Stock up on bubble wrap and packing paper to protect breakables. You’ll need quality packing tape that won’t come loose during the move. Pick up dish dividers—they’re worth the investment for keeping plates and bowls safe. Small plastic bags help keep sets of items together. Remember markers for labeling boxes and packing blankets for appliances. Having these supplies ready saves time and prevents last-minute scrambling.

Pack Fragile Items Carefully

Give extra attention to packing delicate items. Wrap each piece of glassware and china individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For items with removable parts, wrap each component separately. Put thick padding at the box bottom before adding your wrapped items. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent shifting. Always mark these boxes as fragile and note which side should face up. This careful packing keeps your breakables intact throughout the move.

Label Boxes Clearly

Make unpacking easier with detailed box labels. Write the specific contents on each box – “Everyday Plates” is more helpful than just “Kitchen.” Note if items are fragile or need special handling. Write on multiple sides of boxes so labels are visible when stacked. Keep similar items together in boxes and note if anything inside is particularly valuable. Good labeling helps you find what you need quickly in your new home.

Pack Essentials Last

Keep your most-used kitchen items accessible until moving day. Set aside basic cooking tools, a few dishes, and cleaning supplies. Pack these last so you can still prepare simple meals while moving. Put these essentials in a clearly marked box you’ll unpack first. This strategy helps maintain some normalcy during the moving process and ensures you have what you need right away in your new kitchen.

Other Moving Tips:

• How to Pack Pictures for Moving
• How to Pack Plants for Moving