Packing a kitchen is one of the most challenging parts of moving, with fragile glassware, heavy cookware, small appliances, and pantry items requiring special handling. Without proper planning, kitchen packing can be time-consuming and lead to breakages or disorganization at your new home.
At Business Moving Group, we’ve helped thousands of customers pack and move their kitchens efficiently and damage-free. This guide provides expert-backed packing tips, a checklist, and proven strategies to help you pack and move your kitchen with confidence.
What Is the Best Way to Pack a Kitchen for Moving?
A strategic approach makes packing easier. Follow these essential steps:
1. Organize Before Packing
✔ Declutter: Donate or discard expired pantry goods, broken appliances, and unused gadgets.
✔ Sort Essentials vs. Non-Essentials: Pack daily-use items separately in an essentials box.
✔ Group by Category: Separate plates, cookware, appliances, and pantry items for easier packing and unpacking.
✔ Clean & Dry Items: Prevent mold and odors by ensuring all items are completely dry before packing.
📌 Pro Tip: Label boxes clearly and mark fragile items with “FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE” to prevent damage.
How Many Boxes Do You Need to Pack a Kitchen?
The number of boxes depends on your kitchen size and how much you pack.
| Kitchen Size | Estimated Boxes Needed |
|---|---|
| Small Kitchen | 15–20 medium boxes |
| Family-Sized Kitchen | 30+ medium boxes & specialty boxes for fragile items |
📌 Expert Tip: Use sturdy medium boxes for heavy items like pots and specialty dish boxes for fragile glassware.
How to Pack Pots and Pans for Moving
🔹 Wrap each pot and pan with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratches.
🔹 Nest smaller pots inside larger ones, adding padding between them.
🔹 Pack lids separately in a small, cushioned box to prevent chipping.
🔹 Place heavier items at the bottom of the box for stability.
📌 Pro Tip: Secure handles with tape or padding to prevent movement during transit.
How to Pack Plates and Glassware for Moving
Proper packing techniques protect fragile kitchen items from cracks and breakage.
Packing Plates
✔ Use dish-specific boxes or reinforced medium boxes with padding.
✔ Wrap each plate individually with packing paper or foam sheets.
✔ Stack plates vertically to reduce pressure and prevent breakage.
✔ Use towels or linens as extra cushioning to absorb impact.
Packing Glassware & Stemware
✔ Use cell dividers to keep glasses separate.
✔ Wrap each glass individually with bubble wrap or packing paper.
✔ Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent shifting.
📌 Expert Tip: Pack heavier items on the bottom and delicate glassware on top to avoid breakage.
Essential Kitchen Packing Checklist
A detailed checklist ensures nothing gets left behind.
Packing Materials
☐ Sturdy moving boxes (medium & specialty dish boxes)
☐ Packing tape
☐ Bubble wrap or foam sheets
☐ Packing paper
☐ Box dividers for glasses and stemware
☐ Markers for labeling
Items for Your Essentials Box
☐ Coffee maker & supplies
☐ Basic cooking utensils (knife, spatula, spoon)
☐ Cutting board
☐ Dish soap & sponge
☐ Plates, cups, and cutlery for the first meal
Kitchen Items to Pack
☐ Small kitchen appliances (toaster, blender, etc.)
☐ Pots and pans
☐ Plates, bowls, and glassware
☐ Pantry goods (unopened & non-perishable items)
☐ Food storage containers
📌 Pro Tip: Label each box with detailed descriptions to make unpacking easier.
Packing Small Kitchen Appliances & Food Storage Containers
Packing Small Kitchen Appliances
✔ Remove detachable parts and wrap separately.
✔ Use original boxes when available for better protection.
✔ If using standard boxes, add extra padding around appliances.
Organizing Food Storage Containers
✔ Nest containers together to save space.
✔ Pack lids separately to avoid breakage.
✔ Ensure all containers are dry and airtight to prevent spills.
📌 Expert Tip: Secure appliance cords with zip ties to keep them organized.
Where to Put Things in Your New Kitchen
Efficient unpacking helps you get settled faster in your new kitchen.
✔ Unpack the essentials box first to set up a functional space immediately.
✔ Store frequently used items (plates, utensils, cookware) in easy-to-reach cabinets.
✔ Arrange food storage containers and appliances for maximum counter space.
📌 Pro Tip: Plan your kitchen layout in advance to optimize storage and efficiency.
Common Kitchen Packing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
🚨 Mistake: Overloading boxes, making them too heavy to lift.
✅ Solution: Distribute weight evenly using medium-sized boxes for heavy items.
🚨 Mistake: Not labeling boxes properly.
✅ Solution: Clearly mark all boxes with detailed descriptions (e.g., “Plates – Fragile”).
🚨 Mistake: Packing food improperly.
✅ Solution: Dispose of perishables and pack only sealed, non-perishable goods.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Kitchen Move Stress-Free
Packing a kitchen can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning, materials, and techniques, you can move efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.
✔ Declutter before packing to reduce unnecessary items.
✔ Use proper packing techniques for fragile and heavy kitchenware.
✔ Label everything clearly to streamline unpacking.
At Business Moving Group, we specialize in professional packing and moving services to help ensure a smooth, hassle-free move.