Packing up a kitchen for a residential move can become a creative process due to the many types of items that must be packed.

From fragile glassware to small appliances and everything in between, packing each of these items for moving requires a different type of protection to ensure safe transport.

These tips offered by professional movers will help anyone choosing to self-pack understand the best ways to protect their kitchen items and minimize breakage.

1. Wrap and Pack Dishes and Serving Ware

Dishes, bowls, and serving items must be protected for a move, both individually, and in groupings.

Start by diagonally wrapping each piece in a sheet of packing paper, then stacking them on edge in a sturdy box with padding on the bottom.

Stack all same-shaped dishes, bowls, and other items together so they support each other and put plenty of additional padding around them inside the box.

Wrap each item individually for moving, taking care to protect handles and oddly shaped items with additional packing materials, and fill all empty space with packing peanuts in the boxes so there is no movement.

2. Protect Glasses and Stemware

Professional movers find the best way to protect glasses, including fine stemware, is to store them in grid boxes designed specifically for this purpose.

Wrap standard glasses in packing paper by inserting the end, rolling them in the paper, and then tucking the extra into the glass.

Stemware or crystal can be wrapped in a sheet of bubble wrap and then packing paper.

Insert each glass into a compartment in the grid box, fill any remaining empty space with packing paper, and then mark the box as fragile and avoid stacking anything on top of it.

3. Contain Utensils and Cooking Tools

Quickly pack eating utensils for a move by simply pulling the utensil tray out of the drawer, wrapping it in plastic moving wrap, and then packing paper.

Put the wrapped tray in the bottom of a sturdy box, then fill it with other similar items.

Bunch up cooking tools, wrap them together, and put them in the box with the wrapped utensil tray.

Wrap carving and chopping knives individually with paper, then wrap the whole bunch up in a dishtowel.

Knife sets with holders can be wrapped up in packing plastic, then paper and set into their own boxes.

4. Wrap and Nest Cookware

Cookware like pots, pans, skillets, and bakeware should each be individually wrapped in packing paper and then nested together when possible to save space.

Cookware in graduating sizes can be nested and set in a box together, with individually wrapped lids set in with them.

Movers recommend packing heavier or more fragile items like cast iron or glass casseroles in separate, more padded boxes with like items.

5. Pad and Protect Appliances

Ideally, the best way to pack small kitchen appliances for moving is in their original boxes and padding; however, when that is not possible, each appliance should have its own separate box.

Pack coffee makers, air fryers, toaster ovens, and other appliances by removing and wrapping each component separately, replacing them inside the appliance if possible, inserting the appliance into a sturdy box, and then filling any remaining empty space with extra padding.

Well-Packed Kitchen Items Make Residential Moves Easier

The task of packing the contents of a kitchen for a residential move can be time-consuming due to the number and types of items requiring protection.

Good packing, done using the right materials and methods, is essential for safely moving these often breakable items.

These proven techniques used by professional movers offer DIY movers the best method for protecting and storing their many kitchen items for a successful relocation!