How To Pack a Kitchen When Moving?

by Dan | July 2024 | Last upated October 2025

Packing a kitchen for a move can be one of the most challenging tasks, with studies showing that kitchen items are the most frequently damaged during relocations. Shockingly, 60% of people report breaking dishes and glassware when moving without proper packing techniques. Learning how to pack your kitchen properly can save you time, money, and frustration.

Dan Removals packs kitchens across London, Hounslow, Richmond, Enfield, St Albans, and Romford every day — here’s exactly how we do it.

Why Is Knowing How To Pack The Kitchen Important?

Knowing how to pack a kitchen is important because it keeps your dishes and appliances safe from breaking.

• Fewer damages: Correct wrapping, layering and box choice protect glass, china and cookware.

• Faster unpacking: Clear labels + zone packing (by cupboard/area) means you can set up your new kitchen quickly.

• Lower costs: Smart box sizes avoid overweight cartons and speed up loading.

What Packing Supplies Might You Need?

Properly preparing to pack your kitchen involves gathering essential supplies to ensure the safe transport of your fragile items. You’ll need sturdy moving boxes in various sizes to accommodate different kitchen items.

Bubble wrap or packing paper will be crucial to wrapping delicate dishes, glasses, and other breakables. Packing tape is essential for sealing boxes securely, and markers are necessary for labelling each box with its contents.

Consider having a few dish barrels for added protection for your dishes and glassware. To cushion the bottom of the boxes, stock up on packing peanuts or crumpled paper.

Additionally, having a set of box cutters or scissors on hand will make the unpacking process smoother. Don’t forget about furniture blankets or moving pads to shield larger kitchen items from scratches and dings during transit.

• Larger boxes for the pans and small appliances
• Smaller boxes for the cups, bowls and food
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper and packing peanuts
• Tape
• Markers with different colours

We are a fully insured London moving company with experts in packing kitchens and homes when moving.

What Are The Best Size Boxes To Pack Kitchen Items?

For an efficient packing process when moving your kitchen items, consider selecting boxes of various sizes to accommodate different types of kitchenware. Opt for small boxes for fragile items like glasses and spices. These smaller boxes will help prevent breakage and make it easier to carry delicate items. The best small box size is 18x 12 x 12.

Large boxes are ideal for lightweight items such as plastic containers, mixing bowls, and kitchen linens. You can also use them for the pots and pans, and some of the small appliances. We use 18 x 18 x 18-inch size boxes.

The boxes need to be double or triple-layered. Thick boxes will have better protection of all breakables inside.

Check also: Why you should avoid cheap removal boxes?

Declutter Your Kitchen Before You Pack

Before you start packing your kitchen, take a little time to declutter — it’ll make your move lighter, faster, and more organised. Sorting out what to keep, donate, or toss helps you save space and ensures only the essentials make it to your new home.

• Bin/Recycle: expired food, cracked Tupperware, chipped glasses, warped pans.

• Donate/Sell: duplicate utensils, unused gadgets, spare mugs.

• Decant: combine part-used dry goods into sealed containers to reduce bulk.

How to Pack Kitchen Items Safely for Moving (Plates, Glasses, Utensils & More)

Packing up your kitchen can be one of the most time-consuming parts of any move — and also the most breakage-prone. From fragile glasses and sharp knives to bulky pans and small appliances, each category requires a specific method for safe transport. The key to success is using the right materials, wrapping items correctly, and packing strategically to minimise movement. Follow these expert tips from Dan Removals to make sure everything arrives intact and ready to unpack in your new kitchen.

🥣 How to Pack Plates, Bowls and Everyday Dishes?

Plates and bowls are among the most breakable kitchen items, so protection starts from the base up.

• Cushion base: Add 2–3 layers of crumpled packing paper to the bottom of the box.

• Individually wrap: Use one sheet per plate or bowl; for stacks, interleave with extra paper.

• Load vertically: Place plates on edge (like records) for maximum strength.

• Fill gaps: Use crumpled paper on the sides and top to prevent shifting.

• Cap and seal: Add a soft layer on top, tape securely, and clearly mark the box “FRAGILE – DISHES.”

🍷 How to Pack Glasses, Cups and Stemware (No Breaks)

Glasses and stemware need special care to avoid cracks and chips during transit.

• Wrap inside first: Stuff each cup or glass with paper before wrapping the outside.

• Use dividers: For wine or champagne glasses, cardboard dividers add vital separation.

• Keep upright: Always pack glasses standing up — never on their sides.

• Double-wrap delicate crystal: Add a cardboard layer between tiers for extra stability.

Pro tip: Use a smaller box for glassware to limit weight and reduce pressure on delicate stems.

🔪 Safely Packing Knives, Utensils and Cutlery

Sharp objects need to be handled with care to protect both your movers and your belongings.

• Knives: Cover blades with thick paper and bubble wrap or use blade guards. Bundle handles together and label clearly “SHARP.”

• Loose cutlery: Wrap handfuls in paper and secure in smaller boxes or wrapped cutlery trays.

• Small gadgets: Keep similar items together and zip-bag any small attachments like whisks or beaters.

Never leave knives loose in a box — even if wrapped — as they can pierce other items or packaging.

🍳 Packing Pots, Pans, Bakeware and Lids (Nesting Method)

Save space and prevent damage by nesting your cookware efficiently.

• Nest by size: Stack pans from largest to smallest with a sheet of packing paper between each.

• Wrap lids separately: Either stand them vertically along the box edge or stack on top with extra padding.

• Heavy cookware: Place cast-iron or stainless-steel pans at the bottom of a box with reinforced cushioning underneath.

This method keeps boxes balanced and prevents items from scratching or denting each other.

⚡ How to Pack Small Kitchen Appliances (Kettle, Toaster, Blender & Coffee Machine)

Appliances are valuable and often delicate, so a little prep goes a long way.

• Original box? Use it. If not, choose a snug box with plenty of padding.

• Prep properly: Clean, dry, and empty appliances. Remove loose parts and bag screws or filters.

• Wrap cords: Loop cords around the body and secure with a soft tie — never tape directly on the surface.

• Cushion completely: Add padding on all sides and do the shake test — nothing inside should move.

Extra padding is essential for glass jugs, coffee pots, or plastic attachments.

🥫 Food, Liquids and Cleaning Chemicals: What to Pack and What Not To

When it comes to food and chemicals, separation is key.

• Never mix food and chemicals: Always pack them in different boxes to avoid contamination.

• Dry goods: Seal jars and containers tightly, tape lids, and place them in bags to prevent spills.

• Liquids and sauces: Avoid moving open containers. If necessary, double-bag and label “THIS SIDE UP.”

• Fridge and freezer items: Plan ahead — defrost at least 24 hours before moving. Use a cool box or cool bag for perishables you’re keeping.

This approach keeps your food safe and your new kitchen clean from unwanted spills or odours.

Hire Dan Removals to be your local moving partner.

Use Cool Boxes Or Cool Bags For The Food

To maintain the freshness and safety of your food items during the move, consider utilizing cool boxes or cool bags. These insulated containers are ideal for keeping perishable foods at the right temperature while in transit. Cool boxes are typically larger and can be used to store a variety of food items, while cool bags offer a more portable option for shorter journeys or smaller quantities of food.

Label The Boxes When Packing The Kitchen

Labelling your kitchen boxes properly can save you hours — even days — when unpacking in your new home. A well-labelled box tells you exactly what’s inside, where it goes, and how carefully it needs to be handled. This not only helps movers place boxes in the right rooms but also ensures fragile kitchen items are treated with extra care. Follow these expert labelling strategies to keep your move organised, efficient, and stress-free.

🏷️ Label by Room and Zone

Start by clearly writing the room name and specific area of the kitchen where each box belongs. For example:

“Kitchen – Crockery (Wall Cupboards Left)” or “Kitchen – Cutlery (Drawer by Oven)”

This system helps you (and your movers) know exactly where each box should go in your new kitchen, saving time during unpacking. It’s especially helpful in larger homes or shared kitchens where organisation matters.

⚠️ Mark Fragile and Heavy Boxes Clearly

For boxes containing delicate glassware, dishes, or appliances, use a bold marker or “FRAGILE” tape on at least two sides and the top of each box. If a box is particularly heavy, mark it “HEAVY – LIFT FROM BOTTOM” to prevent injuries and damage. This clear labelling alerts movers to handle those boxes with extra care and proper lifting techniques.

🎨 Use a Colour-Coding System

If you want a truly seamless unpacking process, use coloured stickers or tape to mark boxes by cupboard, drawer, or type of item.
For example:

• Red for cookware and pans

• Blue for crockery and dishes

• Yellow for glassware

• Green for dry food or pantry items

You can also assign one colour per room if you’re moving a larger home — making it even easier for movers to unload each box directly where it belongs.

Common Kitchen Packing Mistakes to Avoid

• Using large boxes for plates/glass (overweight = breakages).

• Newspaper directly on items (ink transfer).

• No base padding or top “cap” layer.

• Mixing chemicals with food.

• Vague labels — slows your entire setup.

Quick “Open-First” Kitchen Box (Day-One Essentials)

Pack this in one small box you keep with you:

• Kettle, 2–4 mugs, tea/coffee/sugar, cutlery set, 2 plates/bowls, sponge, washing-up liquid, tea towels, bin bags, scissors/knife, kitchen roll, phone chargers, painkillers, snacks.

Consider Hiring Professional Packers

Hiring a professional packing service to pack kitchen items ensures your belongings are handled with care and expertise. They use the right materials and techniques to prevent breakage and damage, saving you time and worry. Plus, professionals can pack more efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Need Help With Packing the Kitchen?

Let Dan Removals handle the packing of your kitchen while you focus on what matters most.
We provide house removals, packing, storage, and clearance services across London and beyond.

📦 Contact Us Today:
📞 Tel: 0203 8118 664 | 📱 Mob: 07934 512 164
📧 Email: info@danremovals.com
📍 Address: 89 Rugby Avenue, HA0 3DP
🕘 Mon–Sat: 9 am–6 pm | Sun: 10 am–5 pm