Best Practices for Packing Your Kitchen and Breakable Items
— Tips from the Experts at Metro Wide Movers
Packing up your kitchen for a move can be a daunting task. It’s one of the most complex rooms to tackle due to the variety of items and the high number of fragile goods. Whether you’re dealing with delicate glassware, fine china, or oddly shaped appliances, you’ll want to make sure everything is properly packed and protected for a safe move. At Metro Wide Movers, we’ve moved hundreds of kitchens and want to share our top tips for packing your kitchen and breakable items like a pro.
1. Gather the Right Supplies
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary packing supplies. Using the right materials will make a significant difference in keeping your items safe during transit. Here’s what we recommend:
- Sturdy Boxes: Use medium to small boxes for heavy items. For dishes, consider using specialty dish boxes with dividers.
- Packing Paper: Use these to wrap items and fill empty spaces.
- Bubble Wrap: Essential for fragile items like glassware, stemware, and ceramic dishes.
- Packing Tape: Secure each box with high-quality packing tape to keep it sealed during the move.
- Markers and Labels: Clearly label each box with its contents and mark fragile items.
2. Declutter and Organize
Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your kitchen. This is the perfect opportunity to sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Get rid of any expired food, old kitchen gadgets you don’t use, or mismatched dishes. The less you have to pack, the easier the process will be! Contact Metro Wide Junk Removal for pricing on this service.
3. Start with Non-Essentials
Pack up the items you use least first. This includes things like seasonal items, specialty appliances, and rarely used glassware. Leave everyday essentials like coffee makers, a couple of pans, and a few plates and utensils for last.
4. Wrap Each Item Individually
When it comes to fragile kitchen items, wrapping is key. Wrap each plate, glass, and dish individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. For added protection, wrap especially delicate items twice. For dishes, stack them vertically in boxes, as this reduces the likelihood of breakage during transit.
Pro Tip: Always use plenty of padding at the bottom and top of each box. A thick layer of crumpled paper or bubble wrap will act as a shock absorber and help prevent damage.
5. Use Dividers for Glassware
If you have a collection of wine glasses, mugs, or stemware, consider using cell boxes or purchasing box dividers. These help keep each piece separated and protected. If you don’t have dividers, wrap each glass in bubble wrap and place it upright in a box. Remember to fill any gaps with crumpled paper to prevent movement.
6. Pack Plates Vertically
It may seem counterintuitive, but plates are best packed on their sides rather than flat. Place each plate in a small to medium box with plenty of padding between each piece. Plates packed vertically are less likely to break from pressure or impact.
7. Keep Pots and Pans Together
Stack pots and pans inside each other to save space, and wrap the lids separately. Fill any empty space with dishtowels or packing paper to keep them from shifting. Use smaller boxes for heavy cookware, as this will make it easier to lift and transport.
8. Protect Sharp Items
For knives and other sharp kitchen tools, wrap them securely in bubble wrap or use a knife guard. Label these packages clearly so you know to handle them with extra caution. Never place knives loose in a box—always keep them wrapped and protected to avoid accidents.
9. Tape and Secure Appliances
Small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, toasters, and coffee makers, should be packed in their original boxes if you have them. If not, wrap each item in bubble wrap, and secure any loose parts, such as cords or detachable components, separately. Place the appliance in a box with plenty of cushioning material to prevent it from shifting.
Pro Tip: For larger appliances, such as microwaves, tape the door shut and use packing tape to secure the cord to the back. This prevents any accidental opening or cord damage during transport.
10. Fill Empty Spaces
One of the most common causes of breakage is movement inside boxes. Once you have packed a box, fill any remaining space with crumpled paper, towels, or dishcloths to keep items from shifting during the move. Boxes should feel tightly packed, but not overstuffed.
11. Label Every Box Clearly
Proper labeling is crucial when packing up your kitchen. Write a detailed description of what’s inside each box, and don’t forget to mark boxes containing breakables with “FRAGILE”. It’s also a good idea to add “THIS SIDE UP” to boxes with delicate items, so your movers know to handle them with care.
12. Keep an Essentials Box
Set aside a separate box for kitchen essentials that you’ll need right away at your new home. This might include a few plates, utensils, a frying pan, and your coffee maker. Clearly label this box as “Kitchen Essentials” so you can easily find it when unpacking.
13. Consider Professional Packing Services
If packing up your kitchen feels overwhelming or if you have valuable or sentimental items that you want to be handled with extra care, consider using professional packing services. At Metro Wide Movers, we offer expert packing solutions to save you time and ensure that all your breakables are wrapped, packed, and transported safely.
Final Thoughts
Packing your kitchen and breakables doesn’t have to be stressful if you take the time to plan and use the right techniques. By following these best practices, you’ll minimize the risk of damage and ensure your kitchen items arrive safely at your new home. If you need help or have questions about packing, feel free to reach out to the team at Metro Wide Movers. We’re here to make your moving experience as smooth as possible!
Happy packing, and good luck with your move!
