Packing up a kitchen is one of the trickiest parts of moving. There are so many fragile, oddly shaped, and heavy items all in one place! While professional movers use tried-and-true packing methods to keep everything safe, there are also eight creative ways to pack and protect your kitchenware that add efficiency and a touch of simplicity. Whether you’re relocating across town or making a long-distance move, here are some strategies to keep your kitchen intact.
Tried-and-True Methods That Work
Before we get into creative methods, it’s important to understand the basics of safe kitchen packing. Proper materials and solid technique form the foundation of a successful move. Start with sturdy boxes in various sizes and secure the bottoms with strong packing tape.
Wrap each item individually using packing paper, bubble wrap, or honeycomb wrap to prevent chips and cracks. Plates should be packed vertically like records, while glassware should be placed upright with crumpled paper inside for support. For fragile items, double-boxing adds a strong layer of protection.
Knives should be wrapped and clearly labeled to avoid accidents, and small appliances should be cleaned, disassembled if possible, and padded well. Cushion any remaining spaces with soft materials to prevent shifting during transit. These standard techniques—often used by full-service movers—are essential for keeping your kitchenware protected, no matter the distance you’re traveling.
Creative Additions That Make Packing Easier
Even the best-laid plans benefit from a little creativity. If you’re short on packing materials or looking to reduce waste, you can work with these everyday household items that double as clever padding.
1. Use What You Already Have
Dish towels, oven mitts, aprons, and cloth napkins can replace bubble wrap in a pinch. They’re especially useful for padding glassware, bowls, or bakeware.
2. Wrap Plates With Coffee Filters or Paper Plates
Put a coffee filter or paper plate between dishes to prevent scratches. This is a quick and affordable trick that will protect your belongings.
3. Slide Glassware Into Socks or Cardboard Tubes
Add extra cushion by sliding glasses into clean socks or snug cardboard tubes.
4. Stack Pots and Pans With Liners
Nest cookware with shelf liners or paper towels between them to prevent scratching, especially on nonstick surfaces.
5. Use Reusable Grocery Bags for Heavier Items
Canvas or insulated grocery bags work well for packing dense items like small appliances or cast-iron skillets.
6. Label Boxes by Function, Not Just Contents
Use labels like “Coffee Essentials” or “Dinnerware for Two” to make unpacking easier.
7. Secure Spice Jars With a Baking Sheet Hack
Stick magnetic spice jars to a baking sheet, wrap them, and slide them into a flat box for easy transport.
8. Choose Eco-Friendly Fillers
Opt for biodegradable materials like shredded paper, compostable peanuts, or egg cartons to cushion smaller items.
Moving With Confidence
Combining professional techniques with these eight creative ways to pack and protect your kitchenware makes your move safer, smarter, and less stressful. But if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Capitol North American is here to help. Our full-service movers can provide packing and relocation services in Las Vegas, Nevada, Madison, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Let us handle the packing so that you can settle into your new digs worry-free.
