Packing the kitchen is often one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of moving. The wide variety of items—ranging from fragile glassware to bulky appliances—requires careful handling and strategic packing to ensure everything arrives safely at your new home.
At Trans Canada Movers, we understand how stressful moving can be. With over 25 years of experience helping families relocate across Canada and the United States, our team has extensive experience with the best packing procedure for even the most complex rooms in your home. This guide focuses on how to pack kitchen items for a move, providing practical advice to protect your belongings and streamline the process.
Why Packing the Kitchen Requires Special Attention
Unlike bedrooms or living rooms, kitchens are filled with breakables and sharp tools. Dishes, glassware, small appliances, and pantry items all need specific packing strategies to minimize the risk of damage. Many homeowners underestimate the amount of time and materials required to properly pack a kitchen, leading to rushed and unsafe packing practices.
Recommended Packing Materials
To get started, make sure you have the following supplies:
• Double-Wall cardboard boxes (small to medium-sized for easier handling)
• Packing paper or unprinted newsprint
• Bubble wrap for delicate items and space optimization
• High-quality packing tape
• Labels and permanent markers (to mark boxes as fragile)
Using the correct materials is crucial to prevent damage during loading, transport, and unloading.
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Kitchen Items Efficiently
1. Begin with a Declutter
Before packing, go through your kitchen and discard expired food, duplicate utensils, or any items you no longer use. This will save time and reduce the number of boxes required.
2. Pack Non-Essential Items First
Start with items you use infrequently, such as special occasion serving dishes, extra mugs, cookbooks, or seasonal baking tools.
3. Choose the Right Boxes
Avoid using large boxes for heavy items. Smaller boxes are ideal for plates, glasses, and utensils, while medium boxes work well for pots and pans. It’s important to keep in mind that overpacking risks spillage of articles, whereas under-filling risks the crushing of boxes during the loading phase of the move.
4. Wrap Each Item Properly
• Wrap dishes in packing paper and stack them vertically (like records) to reduce pressure and breakage.
• Glassware should be wrapped in bubble wrap with the interior stuffed for added stability.
• Fill the empty space in the box with bubble wrap.
• For appliances, remove any detachable parts and wrap cords separately.
5. Label Each Box Clearly
Include both the contents and the room designation. Use “Fragile” labels for boxes containing breakables and mark which side should be kept upright.
Professional Packing and Moving Services
If you would prefer to leave the packing to professionals, Trans Canada Movers offers full-service packing solutions to ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is trained in the best techniques for handling delicate kitchen items and all other household belongings.
Call us at 1-888-433-1335 to learn more.