How to pack your kitchen for moving: everything you need to know

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The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we chat with loved ones after a long day and cook up memories of both the food and life variety. Yes, it’s a place of love, laughter and sometimes, unfortunately, a lot of mismatched lids and containers. And don’t get us started on the disarray of the utensil drawer! 

Packing up your kitchen is like trying to solve a giant, breakable jigsaw puzzle – there are so many pieces, and they’re all so different! It’s no wonder the kitchen is often considered one of the most challenging rooms to pack when moving.

But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you tackle the task like a pro. We’ll walk you through how to pack your kitchen for moving step by step, from decluttering and sorting to wrapping up your glassware and more. Let’s get to it!

Preparing to pack your kitchen

Ready to pack your kitchen stuff for moving? Before diving in headfirst, here are some tips to consider first.

Clean and cull

Before you start packing, take a good look at what’s in your kitchen. Do you really need that pasta maker that’s been sitting in the back of the cupboard for the past five years? Are there gadgets you haven’t used or chipped dishes you’ve been meaning to replace? Now’s the perfect time to declutter! It’ll also make unpacking in your new kitchen a whole lot more straightforward.

On your marks, get set…

Timing is everything when it comes to packing your kitchen. Have a good rummage through your cupboards and pack non-essential items in advance. Packing little by little over a few days can make the process feel way less overwhelming. Gradually, you’ll work your way down to the everyday essentials. Then, you can pack your everyday items and food just before moving day.

Stock up on supplies

Your kitchen is home to all sorts of fragile and heavy items, so make sure you’ve got the right packing supplies on hand. Sturdy dish packs and small to medium boxes are ideal for keeping those heavier items safe. Bubble wrap, packing paper and dividers are your best friends for protecting breakables. We’ve got a huge range of packing supplies to keep your bits and pieces safe.

How to best pack the kitchen for moving

Okay. So you’ve tackled the bathroom and wardrobe packing. Now, it’s time to focus your attention on the kitchen.

How to pack kitchen dishes for moving

This is a process but one well worth your time. When packing plates and bowls, start by lining your dish boxes with a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap for extra cushioning. Then, wrap each plate and bowl individually, stacking them vertically in the box like records. This positioning helps reduce the risk of breakage. Finish by filling in gaps with crumpled packing paper.

How to pack breakables

Packing your breakables doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. But for glasses, mugs and stemware, a little extra care does go a long way. After all, you don’t want to arrive at your new home only to find your kitchenware now has chips and cracks. When packing, wrap each fragile item individually, then place them upright in sturdy boxes. Use dividers to keep them from knocking into each other during the move.

Packing pots, pans and heavy items

Use smaller boxes to make these hefty items easier to lift and transport. Start by placing the heaviest items at the bottom, then use hand towels or crumpled packing paper to fill any empty spaces for added protection.

How to pack kitchen appliances for moving

Small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers need to be packed carefully to avoid damage. If you’ve got the original packaging, use it! Otherwise, wrap each appliance in bubble wrap or packing paper. Place them in boxes with plenty of padding.

What about food and pantry items?

For perishables, it’s best to use them up before moving day. So slow down on the shopping in the weeks leading up to the move and try to use what you can from the fridge and pantry. Non-perishable items can be packed in small boxes, but make sure they’re sealed tightly to avoid spills.

How to pack a kitchen for a move: get organised

Before you dive into the frenzy, let’s talk about how to keep things in order from the get-go. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination (for example, ‘knives and utensils/kitchen’), and consider creating an inventory so you know exactly what’s in each box. 

Your first day in the new home will be much easier if you’ve packed a ‘first-day’ kitchen box. Include essentials like a few dishes, cutlery, a kettle and basic cooking items so you’re not digging through boxes to find what you need to make a cuppa and some toast while you unpack.

Loading your TAXIBOX

So, you’ve opted to reduce your stress and use our mobile storage option? Great! We’ve got a few packing secrets to help you along the way. When loading your kitchen items into a TAXIBOX, start by placing the heavier items at the bottom and work your way up to the more fragile pieces. This ensures that nothing gets crushed during the move. Be sure to secure everything in place with straps or additional padding to prevent shifting.

If the thought of packing up your kitchen feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to do it all yourself. TAXIBOX offers a removalist service that can handle the packing for you; plus, we have loads of inspo and tips on packing and moving house.

Let’s go: the final checks before moving

Now you know how to pack kitchen items for moving, you’re ready to go, right? Not quite! Before you lock up your old kitchen for the last time, do a final sweep of all the cupboards and drawers. It’s easy to miss items in the back of cabinets or tucked away in drawers.

Then make sure all your boxes are properly sealed and secured in your moving truck or TAXIBOX. This will prevent them from shifting or opening during transport, keeping your kitchen items safe and sound until they reach their new home.

Make kitchen packing a piece of cake

There you have it. Now you know how to pack your kitchen for moving. With a bit of planning, careful packing and smart organisation, you can rest assured everything will arrive at your new home in one piece. From gathering the right supplies and decluttering to packing each item with care and loading it efficiently, every step counts towards a smoother move.

And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. TAXIBOX is here to make your move easier. Whether you need a safe place to store your kitchen items or a helping hand with the heavy lifting, we’ve got you covered. Ready to make your move? Let’s get packing!