How To Pack a Kitchen For a Move: The Best Way To Pack Every Item Safely

Packing a kitchen can be a challenge when you’re moving. It’s usually the room with the most items. Many of them are fragile, heavy, or need to be protected. You need to know how to pack each one to prevent damage—from delicate plates and glasses to appliances and food. Here we explain how to pack a kitchen for a move, whether you’re preparing for a move within Arizona or to another state.

Why The Kitchen Is The Hardest Room To Pack For a Move

The kitchen requires more planning than other rooms because it contains many items, many of which are fragile. You need to take some time to think about how to transport them and choose the right size boxes.

You shouldn’t leave the kitchen until the very last day before your move. We recommend dividing the work into categories and starting with the items you don’t use every day.

How Long It Takes To Pack a Kitchen

On average, packing up a kitchen can take between 5 and 8 hours. It’s most common to do it in 2 or 3 separate sessions. However, if the kitchen is very large or there are a lot of appliances, it can take up to a whole day. That’s why it’s so important not to leave everything until the night before.

How Many Boxes You Need To Pack a Kitchen

How many boxes to pack a kitchen? You’ll need 10 to 15 boxes for an average kitchen:

• 3 to 5 special boxes (dishes and glassware).
• 4 to 6 small or medium boxes (utensils, pots, and food).
• 2 to 3 large boxes (light, bulky items).

They make them easier to carry and reduce the risk of breakage during loading.

Packing Supplies You Need To Pack a Kitchen For a Move

When all the materials are ready before you start, the process goes faster and you avoid interruptions. Choose them based on the type of object.

The Best Boxes For Packing Kitchen Items

Depending on the contents, the following types of boxes are recommended:

What size box should you choose for dishes? The answer is dish pack boxes. They’re very sturdy and keep the dishes from shifting around. 

Packing Paper vs. Bubble Wrap vs. Towels

We recommend using packing paper to wrap plates, bowls, and fill empty spaces inside boxes. Whenever possible, use clean, ink-free paper. Newspapers can stain dishes.

Bubble wrap, on the other hand, can be used for glasses, appliances, or delicate items. 

You can use towels or dish towels as “filler” without having to buy additional materials.

Your Kitchen Packing Supplies Checklist

This table can serve as a guide before you pack up your kitchen:

These are approximate quantities. 

Declutter Your Kitchen Before You Pack a Single Box

Don’t start packing just yet. First, think about what you really need to take with you. Your kitchen may have containers without lids, appliances that don’t work, or very old utensils. The movers’ service may be cheaper if you reduce the weight of your move.

What To Get Rid Of Before You Pack Your Kitchen

Don’t pack without first checking for:

• Duplicate utensils.
• Damaged or chipped dishes.
• Containers without lids.
• Appliances you never use.
• Expired food.
• Forgotten kitchen gadgets.

Save time and space by getting rid of these items.

What Not To Pack From Your Kitchen

For safety reasons, you should not bring these items with you during the move:

• Aerosols.
• Flammable liquids.
• Propane gas.
• Fuels.
• Perishable foods.
• Open bottles.

None of these items can be transported by a moving company.

The Order To Pack a Kitchen In

First, pack your special tableware and items you rarely use. Next, prioritize secondary appliances, pots, and occasional kitchen utensils. After that, move on to the pantry and everyday dishes or items. Finally, pack the coffee maker and other essentials.

The Best Way To Pack Dishes, Glasses & Fragile Kitchen Items

When packing, pay special attention to plates, glasses, and fragile items. Any movement or incorrect technique can cause them to break—even if the box is handled with care. Always avoid movement inside the box and protect each item individually.

How To Pack Plates & Bowls For a Move

It’s a common mistake to stack plates horizontally. Instead, stack them vertically to reduce the chance of them breaking. Each plate should be wrapped individually in packing paper. Place a protective layer at the bottom of the box before putting them inside. Then, fill in any empty spaces to keep them from shifting.

Bowls can be placed one inside the other with paper between each piece, always making sure the box doesn’t get too heavy.

How To Pack Glasses & Stemware For a Move

How do you pack glasses for a move? The answer is: pack them individually. Place paper inside each glass to reinforce its structure. Wrap the rims and stems, which are fragile. Try to use cardboard dividers.

Also, glasses should always be placed upright, never on their sides.

How To Pack Fine China, Serving Dishes & Ceramics

Do you have fine china or decorative items? The secret is to wrap each item twice and place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box. Don’t leave any empty spaces between the items, because their irregular shapes could cause them to bump into each other and break. 

If you have any valuable items, we recommend that you find a moving company in Gilbert that offers protection guarantees.

How To Pack Pots, Pans, Knives & Kitchen Utensils

Although pots, pans, and kitchen utensils are more durable than glassware, their weight can be a challenge. Distribute them evenly to avoid making the boxes too heavy. 

The Best Way To Pack Pots & Pans

Want to know how to pack pots and pans for a move? The best way is to nest the pots and pans inside one another—that is, from the largest to the smallest.

Wrap the lids separately and place them upright inside the box. If you have cast-iron pots, pack them carefully because of their weight. Preferably, pack them in small boxes. This will make them easier to handle.

How To Pack Knives Safely For a Move

Safety should be your top priority here. Wrap each knife in cardboard. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a towel before securing them with tape. Don’t forget to attach a visible label indicating that the package contains sharp objects.

If you have a knife block, you can leave the knives inside, wrap the entire block, and protect it as a single unit.

How To Pack Utensils, Gadgets & Drawer Contents

You can save a lot of time if the drawer organizers are complete. To do this, wrap the cutlery or utensil tray in plastic wrap. The goal is to keep each item in place and move it directly to the new kitchen.

Are there small items, such as measuring cups, bottle openers, or accessories? They should be grouped together in labeled bags to prevent them from getting lost.

How To Pack Small Kitchen Appliances For a Move

You should always clean and dry kitchen appliances before packing. Loose parts must be removed.

How To Pack a Coffee Maker, Blender & Toaster

Dry the appliances. The remaining components must be removed and wrapped separately. Ideally, protect the cords.

How To Pack a Microwave, Air Fryer & Stand Mixer

Microwaves and air fryers should be transported with any additional parts packed separately. If you have a stand mixer, secure the mixing head or remove it. Use boxes with empty spaces, or fill them in.

What To Do With Cords, Attachments & Original Boxes

Store cables and accessories with their corresponding appliance. We recommend using a clearly labeled bag inside the box to prevent losing parts. It’s even better if you keep the original box, which fits the appliance.

How To Pack Pantry Items & Food For a Move

While packing the pantry may seem simple, food items can be quite heavy. In fact, some items can cause problems during transport. Always check which items are worth transporting and which can be thrown away, sold, or donated.

Which Pantry Items Are Worth Moving

You can transport sealed products as well as non-perishable items. For example:

• Canned goods.
• Pasta.
• Rice.
• Sealed cereals.
• Fresh spices.

Any expired products should be thrown away. Avoid transporting opened food items, or make sure to use an airtight bag to prevent spills.

How To Pack Oils, Sauces & Liquids Without Leaks

It is essential to prevent liquids from spilling. We recommend placing each bottle in its own bag. If there are oils, sauces, or other liquids in small boxes, they should always be stored upright.

Packing a Kitchen For a Move In Arizona Heat

In the summer, Arizona’s high temperatures can cause the truck to get quite hot. Certain foods—such as chocolate, candles, or condiments—may melt or be affected. In that case, we recommend that you transport them yourself.

Labeling & Loading: The Last Step In Packing Your Kitchen

Protecting your belongings is just as important as clearly labeling the boxes to avoid confusion during unloading. Plus, local movers or long-distance movers will know which boxes require extra care.

How To Label Kitchen Boxes So Nothing Gets Broken

Ideally, each box should have clear labeling on the top and at least one of its two sides. For example:

• Room name. “KITCHEN”
• Main contents. “GLASSWARE”
• Fragile label. “FRAGILE”
• Placement instructions (optional). “OPEN FIRST”

Proper labeling is key to ensuring that each box is unloaded correctly.

Pack an “Open First” Kitchen Essentials Box

We recommend having a “kitchen essentials box”. It’s perfect for avoiding having to open every box until you find what you need.

As a suggestion, you can bring a coffee maker and coffee, glasses and mugs, a pot and a frying pan, silverware, soap, a sponge, and towels.

Ideally, place it at the back of the truck. That way, it will be one of the first boxes available to unload.

How Movers Load Kitchen Boxes Onto The Truck

Heavy items are placed at the bottom. Boxes containing fragile items, on the other hand, are placed in areas where they won’t be subjected to pressure.

That’s the big advantage of hiring an affordable moving company. They’ll know how to identify each label so they can load, arrange, and unload the boxes according to their priority.

FAQs About Packing a Kitchen For a Move

Find out more details.

How Do You Pack a Kitchen Quickly?

Don’t try to pack everything at once. That will slow you down. Instead, work by category. Label everything to save time when unpacking.

What Should You Pack First In a Kitchen?

Start with everything you don’t use daily so you don’t disrupt your daily routine. Save everyday utensils, dishes, and the coffee maker for last.

Can You Use Towels And Linens Instead Of Packing Paper?

Yes, they provide extra protection inside the boxes. If you have delicate glassware, we recommend using packing paper.

Should You Move Food When Relocating?

Yes, with certain precautions. Sealed, non-perishable foods, such as canned goods or dry goods, won’t cause any problems.

Do Movers Pack Your Kitchen For You?

Yes. Before hiring a moving company, check to see if they offer professional packing services for entire kitchens.

What Size Box Should You Use For Dishes?

Place dishes in small “dish pack” boxes. These boxes can support the weight and prevent damage during the move.

Let Our Arizona Movers Pack Your Kitchen For You

You can do it yourself, but the most effective way to pack a kitchen is to leave it to a specialized team. At A to Z Valleywide Movers, we have over 15 years of experience helping families and businesses in Arizona prepare for their moves. Read what our customers have to say:

Want to leave the heavy lifting to the experts? Call us at 602-422-6409 or contact us online.