How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving or Storage

Aside from the garage or storage area, the kitchen is one of the most challenging areas to pack when you're preparing for a move. The kitchen consists of a combination of fragile and awkward-shaped items. You need to be extra careful in packing such items to ensure that none of them will get damaged when your belongings are transported to your new home.

In some instances, packing your kitchen can get overwhelming because there are just too many items, making it hard to decide which items you must pack first. To keep this from happening you may opt to hire professional removalists to pack your belongings. If you prefer a DIY move, here are some tips on how to pack your kitchen items for the move or for storage:

Sort kitchen items

Before you start preparing and packing your belongings, check the contents of all the drawers, cabinets, or containers. Start sorting the items to determine which ones will be donated, disposed of, and packed for moving. If there are any items that you haven't used in the last six months, consider leaving them behind or donating them. It's likely that you won't be using them too when you reach your new home.

Gather packing materials

When packing kitchen items, you will need boxes in a variety of sizes, packing/wrapping papers, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, packing tape, cable ties, and markers/labels. For a more convenient packing experience, gather all the materials you need and keep them within reach before you start packing.

Pack an essentials box

Choose a few items that you can use a few days before and after the move. Have enough cutlery, plates, and glasses for every member of the household. Keep one pan that you can use to cook various dishes so you won't have too many things in your essentials box.

Start packing

No matter the size of your move, it's always best to start getting things done as early as you can. Begin with items that you seldom use or stocks that are unopened. However, for food stocks consider checking if it's more practical to move them to your new home or just buy new ones when you arrive. Bring the more expensive ones and leave the rest to maximise the space and reduce the weight of the things you need to move.

Wrap each plate and bowl and stack them together for easier packing. Instead of putting all plates or bowls together, consider stacking them in fours to make them easier to lift. To keep them from moving during transport, wrap the stacked plates using plastic wrap before putting them in a box. Line the box or container with bubble wrap or packing paper before putting the plates in.

Place utensils in a tray then wrap the tray with packing paper and then plastic wrap. Roll each knife in a sheet of packing paper (making sure the entire blade is covered) and wrap them all using a towel. Secure the whole thing using packing tape, rubber bands, or zip ties.

For glasses, cups, and mugs, use dividers to fit them into the boxes. Wrap each piece with packing paper before placing them in the box.

Pack pots and pans using bigger boxes to make sure there is enough space for everything. Like other items, you can wrap each in packing paper before placing them inside.

Before sealing the boxes, fill the gaps with bubble wrap or packing paper to minimise movement that may damage your kitchenware.

Seal the boxes

Once you are satisfied with the wrapping and fillers, seal the boxes using packing tape and add appropriate labels.