How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving Without Stress or Breakage

This is my favorite part because it makes the rest of the job easier. Why pay to move something you don’t even use?

• Toss or Recycle: Get rid of expired spices, old condiments, and any food you won’t eat before the move. Check for chipped mugs or cracked plates. Now’s the time to say goodbye.
• Donate: That bread maker you used once? The set of novelty holiday plates? If it’s in good condition but you never use it, donate it. Someone else will be thrilled to have it.

Use It Up: Plan your meals around the food you have in the freezer and pantry. It’s less to move and saves you money. Think of it as a fun, pre-move cooking challenge.

This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re in the thick of it. About two to three weeks before your move, start packing the things you won’t miss.f you need more tips on th

This includes:

• Specialty bakeware (Bundt pans, springform pans)
• Fine china and crystal
• Serving platters and bowls
• Seasonal items (like Christmas cookie cutters)
• Small appliances you rarely use (waffle iron, ice cream maker)

Getting these out of the way first builds momentum and clears up valuable counter space.

Please, for the love of all that is holy, do not put your dishes in a giant box. I learned this the hard way during my first apartment move. Small to medium-sized boxes are your best bet for heavy items. It forces you to keep the weight manageable (under 40 lbs is a good rule of thumb) and reduces the risk of the box bottom giving out.

For glassware and dishes, dish pack boxes with cell dividers are worth every penny. They keep items from clanking against each other. If you need more tips on this, our guide on how to pack fragile items for moving has some great detailed advice.

This is a big one for safety. A loose knife can slice through a cardboard box – and a hand – in a second.

First, bundle a few knives together and wrap them in packing paper, then secure the bundle with tape. For extra safety, you can slide the wrapped bundle into a potholder or kitchen towel before placing it in the box. Place them flat in the box, never with the tips pointing up.

For items like your toaster, blender, or coffee maker, the original box is always the best option if you still have it. If not, no worries. Find a snug-fitting box and cushion the appliance with plenty of packing paper or towels. Make sure to clean them out first – nobody wants to unpack a toaster full of old crumbs. Remove any loose parts, like the blender carafe or the coffee pot, and wrap them separately.

For your pantry, decide what’s worth moving. Canned goods are heavy, so only take what you’ll actually use. To understand if it’s worth it, you can get a clear idea of the transportation expenses with our moving cost calculator. It might be cheaper to restock at your new home than to pay to move them, especially on a cross-country haul.

• For open containers like flour or sugar, tape them shut and then place them in a Ziploc bag to contain any spills.
• Group similar items together – spices with spices, baking supplies with baking supplies.

Don’t pack liquids next to things that can be ruined by a spill, like your cookbooks. In fact, some movers won’t take liquids at all, so be sure to check our list of items movers won’t move.