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Packing The Kitchen

Packing The Kitchen

Pots, Pans, and a Whole Lot More

The kitchen can be one of the most time-consuming rooms to pack, so give yourself plenty of time to organize and pack your kitchen belongings. From cookware and dishes to small appliances and pantry items, there are many different types of items to sort and prepare.

Following these basic guidelines can help you pack your kitchen safely, efficiently, and in an organized manner.

Packing Dishes

  • Cushion the bottom of the box: Line the bottom of a sturdy, medium-sized box with several layers of crumpled packing paper.
  • Prepare your packing paper: On a flat surface, lay out a sizable stack of packing paper.
  • Wrap the first plate: Place one plate in the center of the paper. Take two sheets of paper from one corner and pull them over the plate so it is completely covered.
  • Add another plate: Place a second plate on top of the first. Take another corner of the two sheets covering the first plate and pull them over the second plate.
  • Continue stacking: Place a third plate on top of the other two.
  • Wrap the stack: Fold the remaining corners of the packing paper over the stack of plates, one at a time.
  • Turn and rewrap: Turn the wrapped stack upside down and place it on another section of packing paper. Rewrap the entire bundle by pulling the paper over the bundle one corner at a time.
  • Secure the bundle: Tape the wrapped bundle to keep the packing paper securely in place.
  • Place plates on their edges: Put the bundle into the box so the plates are standing on their edges, which is the strongest part of a plate.
  • Repeat: Pack other plates and flat dishes using the same method.
  • Cushion between bundles: Place crumpled packing paper between each bundle to provide additional cushioning.

Packing Cups and Glasses

    • Cups and glasses should be wrapped individually to help protect them from breakage during your move. We recommend avoiding the practice of “nesting” items inside one another, as this can increase the risk of damage.

      Using a box with dividers can help keep individual glasses and cups separated during transit. Divided cartons, such as those commonly available from liquor stores, can be useful for this purpose.

      Follow these steps when packing cups and glasses:

      1. Cushion the bottom: Place several layers of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of the box before you begin.
      2. Position the item: Lay the cup or glass on its side on a stack of packing paper, with the item positioned close to you.
      3. Begin wrapping: Take two sheets of paper and place them over the item.
      4. Wrap the item: Roll the cup or glass diagonally in the paper while folding the other two corners inward until the item is completely wrapped.
      5. Secure the bundle: Secure the wrapped item with tape.
      6. Place it upright: Put the wrapped cup or glass into the box in an upright position. Do not lay it on its side.
      7. Add cushioning: Place crumpled packing paper between the wrapped items and add additional paper on top for cushioning.

       


Tip: Use dividers to help keep individually wrapped cups and glasses separated and upright throughout the move.

Basic Guidelines Packing Pots and Pans

Pots and pans can be nested together to save space while packing. However, avoid nesting too many items together, as this can make the bundle heavy and increase the risk of damage.

Follow these basic guidelines:

  1. Nest two or three items: Place approximately two or three pots or pans inside one another. The same method can be used for large bowls.
  2. Add packing paper: Place two or three sheets of packing paper between each item before nesting them together.
  3. Position the items: Place the nested items upside down in the center of a stack of packing paper.
  4. Wrap the bundle: Use at least three sheets of packing paper to wrap the items, following the same wrapping method used for dishes.
  5. Secure the bundle: Secure the wrapped bundle with tape.
  6. Pack in a box: Place the bundle in a medium-sized box.
 

Packing Small Kitchen Appliances

Packing small kitchen appliances together can make unpacking your kitchen easier and help keep similar items organized. Appliances such as blenders, toasters, can openers, and coffee makers can be packed in one or more boxes, depending on how many items you have.

Follow these basic guidelines:

  • Pack similar appliances together: Place small kitchen appliances in one or more boxes rather than mixing them with unrelated household items. Use additional boxes as needed to avoid overcrowding or making a box too heavy.
  • Secure the cords: Wrap appliance cords neatly so they do not scratch or damage other items.
  • Wrap each appliance: Wrap each appliance individually with two or three sheets of packing paper.
  • Place appliances in the box: Arrange the wrapped appliances securely in the box.
  • Add cushioning: Place crumpled packing paper between the appliances to provide cushioning and help prevent them from shifting during transit.

Other Kitchen Packing Tips

In addition to dishes, cookware, and appliances, your kitchen contains many smaller items that require some preparation before moving. Keep these guidelines in mind as you pack:

  • Boxed Foods: Boxed foods, such as cereal, may be shipped unless your belongings are going into storage. Food items can attract rodents and insects while in storage. If a food box has been opened, tape it securely closed before packing.
  • Spices: Spices can generally be packed and shipped. Make sure all containers are tightly closed to help prevent leaks. If needed, secure the lids with tape before packing.
  • Canister Sets: If you are moving canister sets, you may leave their contents inside. Secure each container with tape and wrap each canister individually in packing paper.
  • Refrigerator: Your refrigerator should be emptied before moving. Perishable food items cannot be transported.
  • Silverware: Wrap silverware completely in packing paper or plastic wrap to help protect it from tarnishing. If silverware is stored in a chest, fill any empty spaces with paper to help prevent the items from shifting.
  • Flatware: Pack flatware in bundles and wrap it securely before placing it in a box.
  • Knives: Knives require extra padding for safe handling. Clearly label wrapped knife bundles “KNIVES” so they can be handled carefully when unpacking.

Packing Tip Topics

All American Moving Boxes and Packaging Products