Packing a kitchen for a move doesn’t have to be a hassle—it can be a satisfying step toward a fresh start. From delicate glassware and expensive appliances to pantry staples and heavy pots and pans, your kitchen presents unique challenges to packing. But with proper preparation, you can easily organize and protect it all.
Choosing the Right Packing Materials and Quantity for Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often the most complex room to pack due to the combination of breakables, perishables and appliances. When packing kitchen items, box size and sturdiness matter significantly, both for protecting your belongings and making them easier to carry. Here’s a detailed breakdown for choosing the right kind and quantity of boxes:
Cardboard Moving Boxes
- Description: Heavy-duty small to medium cardboard boxes, ideally sized at 16″ x 12″ x 12″ for breakables and heavy items, or 18″ x 18″ x 16″ for bulkier, lighter items.
- Purpose: To securely pack kitchen items like dishes, glassware, pantry items and appliances.
- Why You Need It: Using the right size box helps prevent overpacking, crushing or breakage. Small boxes are best for heavy items like plates and canned goods, while medium boxes work well for dry goods, utensils and lightweight appliances. Reinforced double-walled boxes offer better protection for fragile kitchen items.
How Many Cardboard Boxes Do I Need for a Kitchen?
| Category | Estimated Boxes |
| Dishes & Glassware | 5–6 small boxes |
| Pots, Pans, Bakeware | 3–4 small boxes |
| Pantry/Dry Goods | 3–4 medium boxes |
| Small Appliances | 2–3 medium boxes |
| Utensils & Miscellaneous | 2–3 small boxes |
| Total | 15–20 boxes |
If you have a larger kitchen with more dishware or pantry stock, you may need up to 25 or more boxes, especially if you’re using smaller sizes to avoid overloading.
Reusable Plastic Moving Bins
- Description: Durable, stackable plastic bins measuring 24″ x 19″ x 12″, designed for multiple uses.
- Purpose: To safely transport kitchen items such as dishes, glassware and small appliances during a move.
- Why You Need It: These bins are sturdier than cardboard boxes, offering better protection for fragile kitchenware. Their stackable design and attached lids eliminate the need for packing tape, making packing and unpacking more efficient.
How Many Reusable Moving Bins Do I Need for a Kitchen?
| Category | Estimated Boxes |
| Dishes & Glassware | 4–5 |
| Pots, Pans, Bakeware | 2–3 |
| Pantry/Dry Goods | 2–3 |
| Small Appliances | 2–3 |
| Utensils & Miscellaneous | 1–2 |
| Total | 10–15 boxes |
If you have a larger kitchen with more dishware or pantry stock, you may need up to 18–20 boxes.
Cardboard Boxes vs. Reusable Moving Bins
Choosing Box Beaters reusable plastic bins offers a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly solution for packing your kitchen during a move.
- Box Beaters: Renting reusable plastic bins for a 3-bedroom home (which includes the kitchen) costs around $200, including delivery and pickup.
- Traditional Boxes: Purchasing cardboard boxes and necessary packing materials can cost upwards of $400 for a similar move.
- Environmental Impact: Reusable bins reduce waste and eliminate the need to purchase packing tape too, making them a more eco-friendly option.
Using the right packing materials—not just any boxes—can dramatically reduce stress and breakage during your move. Investing in these materials saves you time, money, and broken glass. After you’ve selected the right boxes and quantity, stock up on these other essentials.
Additional Packing Supplies
Packing Paper
- Purpose: Wraps around delicate or oddly shaped items.
- Why You Need It: Ink-free paper prevents staining, and crumpled sheets provide excellent padding.
Bubble Wrap and Stretch Wrap
- Bubble Wrap: Best for highly fragile items like ceramic bowls or wine glasses.
- Stretch Wrap: Secures lids on containers and keeps utensils bundled together.
- Why You Need Them: Offers cushioning and containment for delicate or spill-prone items.
Labeling Supplies and Fragile Stickers
- Purpose: Ensure boxes are clearly marked with contents and handling instructions.
- Why You Need It: Movers (or your future self) will know which boxes need gentle handling and where to place them in your new home or apartment.
How to Protect and Pack Each Item for Kitchen Moves
| Category | How to Pack | Best Box Type |
| Dishes & Dinnerware | Wrap each piece in packing paper; stack vertically with padding between layers | Small box, or reusable plastic bin |
| Glassware & Stemware | Use cell dividers or foam pouches; wrap stems and rims individually | Dish pack box with dividers or reusable plastic bin |
| Cookware | Nest pots and pans; wrap lids separately; pad with towels or paper | Small/medium box or reusable plastic bin |
| Utensils & Flatware | Bundle flatware in rubber bands and wrap; use utensil trays or zip bags for gadgets | Small box or reusable plastic bin |
| Small Appliances | Repack in original boxes if possible; wrap cords, remove loose parts, pad with paper/bubble wrap | Medium box or reusable plastic bin |
| Food & Pantry Items | Seal containers tightly; pack dry goods in zip bags or Tupperware; avoid perishables | Small/medium box or reusable plastic bin |
| Glass/Ceramic Jars | Wrap individually; fill empty space with crumpled paper to prevent shifting | Small box or reusable plastic bin |
| Cleaning Supplies | Use plastic bins; seal lids with tape; do not pack with food or fragile items | Reusable plastic bin only |
| Linens & Accessories | Fold neatly; use to pad fragile items or fill gaps in boxes | Small box or reusable plastic bin |
| Miscellaneous Items | Wrap sharp or odd-shaped items; group like items in small bags or boxes | Small box or reusable plastic bin |
How and Why to Pack Dishes Vertically (Step-by-Step)
Packing dishes vertically—like records in a crate—is a pro-level moving technique that significantly reduces breakage. Plates are strongest when pressure is applied to their edges. Laying them flat stacks weight on their centers, increasing the chance of cracking. Packing them on their edge with padding between each piece allows them to absorb shocks better during transport. Here’s how to do it properly:
Step-by-Step Plate Packing Instructions
- Choose the Right Box
- Use a dish pack box (double-walled) or a small box. Avoid overloading.
- A reusable plastic bin with padding also works well for added durability.
- Line the Bottom
- Add a thick layer (2–3 inches) of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the base of the box.
- Wrap Each Plate Individually
- Lay a plate on a sheet of packing paper.
- Fold the paper around the plate completely, then repeat with a second sheet for extra cushioning.
- For extra protection, you can also use foam sleeves or bubble wrap.
- Stack Plates Vertically
- Place wrapped plates on their edge, not flat. Think: upright, like books on a shelf.
- Arrange them snugly side by side, but not so tight that there’s no give.
- Add Padding Between Each Plate
- Use one of the following between plates:
- Crushed packing paper
- Foam sheets
- Cardboard dividers
- Dish towels or napkins
- This prevents direct contact and cushions any pressure.
- Use one of the following between plates:
- Fill Empty Space
- Use crumpled paper or kitchen linens to fill gaps and prevent shifting.
- Ensure the top of the box has enough padding to protect the contents if something is stacked on top.
- Seal & Label
- Close the box securely with tape.
- Label clearly: “Fragile – Dishes – This Side Up.”
How to Pack Glassware (Step-by-Step)
When packing glassware, fragile stemware should always be packed upright and separately using dividers or bubble wrap to protect their delicate stems. Heavy mugs and dense glasses should also be packed on their own, as they can crack lighter items if mixed. Keeping that in mind, here’s how to pack and protect your various types of glassware.
1. Choose The Right Box
- Use a dish pack box (double-walled and strong) or a plastic moving bin.
- Line the bottom with 2–3 inches of crumpled packing paper for shock absorption.
2. Wrap Each Glass Individually
- Lay the glass on a sheet of packing paper.
- Tuck the paper inside the opening of the glass, then roll it tightly and wrap it in an additional layer.
- For tall or stemmed glasses, wrap the stem with bubble wrap before the full wrap.
- Tip: Use foam pouches or sleeves for quick and uniform protection.
3. Use Cell Dividers (Optional but Ideal)
- Place glasses upright (like how you’d store them in a cabinet) in individual compartments of the divider.
- If you’re not using dividers, create snug sections using tightly packed paper or soft kitchen towels.
4. Fill Gaps
- Fill empty spaces in the box with crumpled paper, kitchen towels, or bubble wrap so nothing shifts.
5. Top Layer Padding
- Add a thick layer of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on top before sealing the box.
Final Glassware Packing Tips from Professional Movers
- Don’t lay glasses on their sides—upright is stronger and more stable.
- Don’t overpack–leave room for padding but keep everything snug.
- Avoid mixing fragile stemware with heavy mugs or tumblers.
- Stack mugs horizontally in layers, placing a layer of cardboard or thick padding between each row to prevent pressure cracks.
Preparing Large Kitchen Appliances for Moving
- Large kitchen appliances should be cleaned, unplugged and fridges should be defrosted ahead of time.
- Secure loose parts and cords with tape or ties.
- Use original boxes for small appliances.
- If possible, disassemble pieces for easier transport.
- Wrap gadgets in bubble wrap or towels and place in snug boxes.
Final Kitchen Packing Hacks from Professional Movers
- Wrap plastic wrap around silverware trays to move them intact.
- Store spices inside pots with lids taped shut.
- Don’t overpack boxes. Movers keep boxes under 50 pounds for safety.
- Line every box with crushed paper for shock absorption.
- Leave no gaps. Empty space causes shifting and damage.
- Use dish towels and oven mitts if you’re running low on bubble wrap.
Best Practices for Organizing and Labeling Kitchen Boxes
Organizing and labeling kitchen boxes properly is key to a smooth move—and even more crucial when unpacking in a new home. Here’s the best way to do it so your kitchen setup is fast, efficient and stress-free.
Group Items by Use or Zone
Organize boxes based on how items are used, not just by category. This helps you unpack in functional sections instead of random piles.
Example Zones
- Everyday Dishes & Utensils
- Coffee/Tea Station
- Cooking and Bakeware
- Pantry and Dry Goods
- Small Appliances
- Barware and Entertaining
- Cleaning Supplies
Use a Numbered Labeling System
- Assign each box a number and keep a corresponding inventory list, organized by priority, to help you unpack based on what you use most. Like this: Kitchen #1 – Glassware, Kitchen #2 – Small Appliances, etc.
- Label all sides clearly. Write on at least two adjacent sides and the top of the box so it’s visible no matter how it’s stacked.
“Open First Box” – Pack it With
- 1–2 plates, bowls, mugs and utensils
- One pan and cooking spatula
- Dish soap and sponge
- Paper towels
- Coffee or snacks
- Trash bags
Smart Packing, Stress-Free Moving
Packing your kitchen doesn’t have to be a pain. With the right strategies and materials, you can protect your belongings and enjoy a smoother transition. Start with your non-essentials, pack thoughtfully and keep your “Open First” kitchen box clearly labeled. If you would rather pack it in than pack it all, contact Move-Tastic! and they’ll take it from here. Whether you want them to do all the packing, deliver supplies or move your stuff, they’ve got you covered.