How to Pack Your Kitchen for Moving

Packing up your kitchen for a big move can feel more complicated than cooking a turducken. However, as with any complicated recipe, focusing on organization and timing are the secrets to success. Here’s how to pack your kitchen for moving like a pro.

Why Do I Have to Pack My Kitchen a Certain Way for Moving?

Generally speaking, moving is not simply about putting your stuff in boxes and hoping for the best. You want to protect the investment you’ve made in your belongings by ensuring you pack in an organized manner. Not only does this help ensure things remain unbroken during the move, but it also makes items easy to find and unpack later. Focusing on organization now will speed up the process of settling into your new space later.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Kitchen? 

Of course, you will save a bundle if you do a DIY move. However, you can always opt to work with a local moving company.

Costs vary based on your needs. For instance, hiring packers for moving can cost up to $1,000. This fee does not include the additional cost of hiring movers to transport your items to their new abode. Homeowners can expect moving fees to range from $883 to $2,569.  Remember, your actual costs may vary based on location and home size.

How to Prep Your Kitchen for Moving

Before you start boxing up your kitchen, take a moment to clear out the clutter. Sorting through everything now will save you time when unpacking by preventing you from hauling unnecessary items to your new dwelling. 

For example, is that bread maker you got for the holidays collecting dust? Or is your coffee mug collection out of control? If you haven’t used items like these in a long while, it’s probably time to let them go.

And while you are at it, here are more considerations:

• Toss expired food: Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer for anything past its prime.

• Donate extras: If you have duplicate kitchen gadgets, donate them or give them to pals.

• Keep essentials separate: Set aside a few everyday items—like your favorite mug, a cutting board, and a spatula—so you won’t have to dig through boxes on your first night.

How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving

Organization and timing make all the difference when packing a kitchen. Here’s how to pack everything from forks to appliances.

What to Pack With When Moving a Kitchen

Keeping your fragile kitchen items safe while moving doesn’t always mean buying tons of packing peanuts. While sturdy boxes are a must, many protective items are already in your home.

• Towels and dishcloths: Wrap fragile items like dishes, glassware, and small appliances in kitchen towels for extra cushioning.

• Oven mitts & potholders: Use these as extra padding for breakable items like glass lids or delicate bowls.

• Blankets and linens: By wrapping them in bedding, you can prevent scratches and damage to large appliances.

• Clothing & socks: T-shirts are great for wrapping dishes, while socks are perfect for protecting glassware and stemware.

Pack Your Kitchen by Frequency of Use

You will start packing well in advance of your move. Instead of randomly packing items, it is better to pack by frequency of use and then label the boxes accordingly.

Rarely Used Items

You should pack seasonal and special-occasion items like holiday dishes and trays first, followed by rarely used kitchen gadgets. Label the boxes accordingly so you can store them elsewhere in your new home or know to unpack them last.

Occasional Use Items

These items, such as countertop mixers, baking sheets, and other cookware, are used once or a few times monthly. Again, label the boxes clearly so you know what items can be unpacked later rather than sooner.

Daily Essentials

Until moving day, keep frequently used items like plates, utensils, coffee makers, and a few cooking tools accessible. Pack them last and set them aside in a box labeled "essentials" for easy access in your new home.

Packing Dishes and Glassware

No one wants to deal with broken dishes and glassware when moving. If you’re wondering how to pack wine glasses or other delicate items, taking extra care when packing can help prevent breakage. You want to ensure that items won't shift or rub together in boxes when moving. Remember to:

• Wrap each plate and stack it vertically in the box.

• You can nestle bowls inside one another, but make sure each one is individually wrapped so it’s cushioned during the move.

• Protect glasses and mugs in bubble wrap or socks, ensuring enough cushion and support.

Lastly, these boxes should be marked as FRAGILE kitchen items, with arrows indicating the upright position.

Packing Small Appliances and Cookware

Packing bulkier items like an assortment of pots and pans and an air fryer requires a little strategizing to prevent boxes from feeling unwieldy. Remember that you don't want boxes to get too heavy, especially if you're handling most of the unpacking yourself.

For example, nest pots and pans with padding in between, similar to stacking plates, and remember to keep the moving box at a manageable weight.

If you have small appliances, use the original boxes. The original packaging provides the best fit and protection. If you no longer have the original box, use a sturdy box and fill any gaps with soft packing materials, like dish towels.

Also, remember to secure loose parts separately. For instance, blender blades, food processor attachments, and toaster trays should be wrapped individually to prevent damage or loss. The same goes for cords. Bundle them neatly and tape appliance cords to the appliance's base or place them in a resealable bag to avoid losing them if they are removable.

Packing Pantry and Food Items

It is always a good idea to try to consume all your perishable food before your move. You can donate unopened pantry staples, such as canned soup, to a local food bank.

Here is how to handle food items you plan to move. Your big takeaway is to pack them upright in a box with cushioning around them for extra protection.

• Use small, sturdy boxes for canned goods because these items get heavy fast.

• Prevent leaks by securing bottles and jars filled with olive oil, jelly, or condiments in sealed bags.

• Layer items by weight. Place heavier pantry staples like canned goods and jars at the bottom of the box, then stack lighter items like pasta, cereal, and chips on top to avoid crushing delicate items.

• Seal open bags of flour, sugar, and rice with tape to prevent spills during transit.

• Sort by category for easier unpacking; for instance, group baking ingredients or snacks together in one box.

Packing Utensils and Knives

You might think these items will be super easy to pack because they’re unlikely to break. But the truth is these items can be a safety hazard. Here's how to pack them securely:

• Bundle utensils together by grouping forks, spoons, and other small utensils, then wrap them in kitchen towels or place them in resealable bags to keep them organized.

• Pack sharp knives for moving by wrapping them in thick towels or bubble wrap and then secure them with tape or rubber bands. You can also pack them inside a knife block.

• Mark these boxes as "Kitchen—Utensils & Knives" so you know to handle them carefully when unpacking.

Packing Large Kitchen Appliances

Ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers need extra care when packing for a move.

If moving a refrigerator or freezer, unplug it at least 24 hours in advance to allow it to defrost thoroughly. Wipe away moisture to prevent mold or mildew during transit. Avoid tilting refrigerators too much when moving, as this can affect the compressor.

When moving any appliance, remember to remove or tape down cords, shelves, racks, and drawers inside to prevent shifting, breaking, or losing parts. Also, wrap glass shelves separately in extra padding for protection.

You must also cover large appliances with moving blankets or thick towels to prevent dents and scratches. Before covering, remember to secure appliance doors with tape or bungee cords.

Lastly, but hardly the least important, enlist help for heavy lifting. Kitchen appliances are bulky and often require multiple people or a dolly to move safely.

How to Handle Problems During a Kitchen Move

If unexpected issues arise while packing or moving your kitchen, here’s how to handle them.

• Too much clutter? Sort items before packing and donate or discard anything you no longer use.

• Running out of time? Pack everyday essentials last and box up lesser-used items first to stay on track.

• Not enough packing materials? Use towels, blankets, and clothing to cushion fragile items.

• Are boxes getting mixed up? To avoid this issue, label each box clearly with its contents and “FRAGILE” where needed.

• Heavy lifting required? Get help from friends or hire movers to avoid injury.

• Can’t find kitchen essentials after the move? Keep a separate box with must-have items like utensils, snacks, and a coffee maker.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

A DIY move can make sense, depending on your comfort level with handling fragile and heavy items. While it saves money, it requires some planning, heavy lifting, and many hours of your valuable time. 

On the other hand, hiring movers is expensive, but it could be money well spent because it removes stress and frees up your time for things you actually enjoy doing, like decorating your new kitchen.

Additionally, pros have the experience and all the materials to pack and transport your kitchen without damage. If damage occurs accidentally, many professional moving companies offer insurance, usually at an additional cost.