How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving Without Breaking Anything

I've packed a lot of kitchens. The first time, I lost three wine glasses, a coffee mug, and chipped a dinner plate. The second time? Zero breaks. The difference? Proper technique and the right supplies.

Your kitchen has more fragile items per square foot than any other room. But it's also where you use generic newspaper and leftover boxes from the grocery store. Don't do that. Here's the right way.

Essential Kitchen Packing Supplies

Before you pack a single plate, gather these supplies. Trust me, having everything ready makes this SO much easier.

Dish Pack Boxes (Cell Boxes)

These are thicker than regular boxes with built-in dividers for glasses and stemware. Worth every penny.

Bubble Wrap (Lots of It)

Don't cheap out here. You need way more than you think for plates, bowls, and fragile items.

Packing Paper (Unprinted Newsprint)

For wrapping dishes and filling spaces. Don't use newspaper—the ink transfers and you'll be washing everything twice.

Foam Pouches for Dishes

Pre-made foam sleeves for plates and bowls. Faster than wrapping each one individually.

Heavy-Duty Packing Tape

Kitchen boxes get HEAVY. Regular tape won't cut it. Get the good stuff.

Markers for Labeling

Label everything. Which box has your coffee mugs? You'll want to know on day 1. You could get just black, but more colors gives you more organization options

Plastic Wrap (For Drawers and Containers)

Wrap silverware trays and food containers without dumping everything out first.

Kitchen Packing Timeline

Don't try to pack your kitchen in one day. Spread it out to stay sane.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Order packing supplies (they take time to arrive)
• Start using up food in freezer and pantry
• Donate duplicate items and stuff you never use
• Pack special occasion items (fine china, serving platters)

2 Weeks Before

• Pack seasonal items (holiday dishes, specialty appliances)
• Pack cookbooks and non-essential gadgets
• Clean out and defrost freezer if needed
• Start meal planning to use up perishables

1 Week Before

• Pack most dishes, keeping only what you need daily
• Pack glassware except a few drinking glasses
• Pack appliances you don't use daily
• Continue eating down pantry and fridge

2-3 Days Before

• Pack all remaining food or donate it
• Pack most remaining dishes
• Keep only bare essentials: 2 plates, 2 bowls, 2 cups, basic utensils
• Pack small appliances

Moving Day Morning

• Pack the last few essentials
• Clean empty cabinets
• Secure refrigerator and stove for transport

How to Pack Dishes (Plates, Bowls, Saucers)

This is where most breaks happen. Here's the technique that actually works:

The Bundle Method (Best)

1. Lay out packing paper: Use 3-4 sheets overlapped on your work surface
2. Place plate in center: One plate per bundle
3. Wrap corners over: Bring each corner of paper over the plate, one at a time
4. Add to stack: Place wrapped plate in box vertically (ON EDGE, not flat!)
5. Repeat: Continue until box is full, plates standing on edge
6. Fill gaps: Crumpled paper between bundles to prevent shifting
7. Cushion top: Add 3-4 inches of crumpled paper on top before sealing

Using Foam Pouches (Faster)

If you don't want to wrap each plate individually, foam pouches are a game-changer:

1. Slide each plate into a foam pouch
2. Stack vertically in dish box
3. Fill gaps with crumpled paper
4. Done in half the time

How to Pack Glassware & Stemware

Wine glasses and champagne flutes are the most likely to break. Treat them with care.

For Regular Drinking Glasses

1. Stuff inside with crumpled paper (fill completely)
2. Wrap outside with 2-3 sheets of packing paper
3. Place in divided cell box, one glass per cell
4. If no dividers, nest wrapped glasses carefully with paper between

For Wine Glasses & Stemware

1. Stuff bowl with paper (gently, don't force)
2. Wrap stem individually with tissue or paper
3. Wrap entire glass with 3-4 sheets of bubble wrap
4. Secure with tape
5. Place in cell divider box STEM UP (not down!)
6. Never stack stemware—one layer per box

How to Pack Pots, Pans & Bakeware

These are heavy and awkward but generally sturdy. Pack smart to save space.

Pots and Pans

• Nest them: Stack pots inside each other, largest to smallest
• Protect surfaces: Place paper towels or packing paper between each
• Lids separate: Wrap lids in paper and pack vertically on edge
• Fill space: Put smaller items (measuring cups, utensils) inside pots
• Use regular boxes: Pots don't need dish boxes, use standard moving boxes

Baking Sheets & Cutting Boards

• Stack flat items together
• Place cardboard or paper between to prevent scratching
• Pack vertically in wardrobe boxes or flat in picture boxes
• Or use them as dividers in other boxes

How to Pack Small Appliances

Coffee makers, blenders, toasters—pack these properly or buy new ones after the move.

General Appliance Packing

1. Clean thoroughly: No crumbs or residue (it attracts bugs in storage)
2. Use original boxes if possible: They're designed to protect the appliance
3. No original box? Wrap in bubble wrap, place in appropriately sized box
4. Secure moving parts: Tape blender blades, coffee pot lids, removable parts
5. Fill empty space: Crumpled paper to prevent shifting
6. Label "Fragile": Even if it seems sturdy

Special Appliances

Coffee Maker: Remove water reservoir, wrap separately. Wrap entire unit in bubble wrap.

Blender: Remove blade assembly, wrap separately. Pack glass pitcher separately from base.

Stand Mixer: Heavy! Use original box or wrap in blanket. Pack attachments separately.

Instant Pot/Slow Cooker: Remove inner pot, pack separately. Wrap base in bubble wrap.

How to Pack Knives & Sharp Objects

Safety first! Don't slice your hand open on moving day.

Option 1: Knife Guard Sleeves (Safest)

Individual blade covers for each knife. Safe for you and the knives.

Option 2: DIY Protection

1. Wrap blade in several layers of paper towel
2. Secure with tape
3. Place in a clearly labeled box with "SHARP" written on all sides
4. Pack with soft items around them

How to Pack Food

Real talk: most food isn't worth moving. But some is.

Don't Move

• Opened perishables (donate or use before moving)
• Frozen food (unless very short distance)
• Anything in glass jars (risk of breaking, too heavy)
• Flour, sugar, spices older than a year (replace)

Worth Moving

• Unopened spices and seasonings
• Sealed dry goods (pasta, rice, canned food)
• Expensive specialty items (good olive oil, aged balsamic)
• Alcohol (if moving in-state)

Packing Food

• Place in plastic bins (not cardboard—it attracts bugs)
• Group by type (spices together, canned goods together)
• Label "FOOD - UNPACK FIRST"
• Pack in your car if possible (temperature control, easy access)

Food Storage Containers

Keep your Tupperware organized during the move:

How to Pack Silverware & Utensils

The easiest items to pack, but people still mess this up.

The Fast Way

1. Leave silverware in the drawer organizer
2. Wrap entire organizer tightly with plastic wrap
3. Place wrapped organizer in box
4. Done in 30 seconds

The Careful Way

1. Bundle each type together (all forks, all spoons)
2. Wrap each bundle in paper
3. Secure with rubber band
4. Pack bundles in small box

Wooden spoons, spatulas, serving utensils: Bundle together with rubber band, pack in medium box with dish towels as cushioning.

Labeling Strategy for Kitchen Boxes

You'll have 15-30 kitchen boxes. Label them RIGHT or you'll spend hours searching for the coffee maker on day 1.

What to Write on Each Box

1. Room: "KITCHEN" in big letters
2. Contents: Be specific—"Coffee mugs & tea cups" not just "dishes"
3. Fragile: Mark clearly if it contains breakables
4. Priority: "UNPACK FIRST" for essentials
5. Box number: "Kitchen Box 1 of 18"

Priority Labeling System

• GREEN sticker: Unpack first (coffee maker, few dishes/utensils)
• YELLOW sticker: Unpack within a week (most dishes)
• RED sticker: Can wait (special occasion dishes, rarely used items)

Packing Order: What to Pack First

Pack in this order to minimize disruption to your daily life:

1. Special occasion items (holiday dishes, serving platters)
2. Cookbooks and decorative items
3. Duplicate items and things you rarely use
4. Seasonal appliances (ice cream maker, holiday cookie cutters)
5. Extra dishes and glassware
6. Pots and pans you don't use often
7. Small appliances (keep coffee maker until the end!)
8. Most remaining dishes
9. Pantry items
10. Daily-use items (pack morning of moving day)

Common Kitchen Packing Mistakes

❌ Packing plates flat

✅ Pack plates vertically on edge—they won't break under weight

❌ Using old newspaper

✅ Use packing paper—ink transfers from newspaper and everything needs washing

❌ Overfilling boxes

✅ Kitchen boxes get heavy fast. Better to use more boxes that you can actually lift.

❌ Mixing fragile and non-fragile

✅ Keep dishes separate from pots/pans. Different packing methods needed.

❌ Forgetting to empty the fridge

✅ Clean and defrost 24-48 hours before moving. Tape doors shut on moving day.

❌ Not labeling boxes clearly

✅ Be specific. "Kitchen glasses" is way better than "Kitchen stuff"

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

Kitchen packing uses more boxes than you think. Here's a realistic estimate:

• Studio/1BR: 8-12 boxes
• 2-Bedroom: 12-20 boxes
• 3-Bedroom: 20-30 boxes
• 4+ Bedroom: 30-40+ boxes

Types of boxes needed:

• 4-6 dish pack boxes (for fragile items)
• 8-15 medium boxes (for pots, appliances)
• 2-4 small boxes (for heavy items like canned food)

Final Checklist Before Sealing Boxes

Before you tape up each box, verify:

• ✅ Box isn't too heavy (lift test—can you lift it comfortably?)
• ✅ Fragile items have adequate cushioning (3+ inches on all sides)
• ✅ Nothing rattles when you shake the box gently
• ✅ Box is clearly labeled on top AND sides
• ✅ "Fragile" marked if appropriate
• ✅ Tape is secure on bottom (use H-taping method)

Kitchen Unpacking Strategy

Your future self will thank you for packing strategically. When you arrive:

1. Day 1: Unpack essentials box (basic dishes, coffee maker, kettle)
2. Day 2-3: Unpack everyday dishes and utensils
3. Week 1: Unpack pots, pans, and daily appliances
4. Week 2+: Unpack special occasion items and organize

The Bottom Line

Packing a kitchen sucks. There's no way around it. It's tedious, time-consuming, and requires way more supplies than you think.

But if you follow this guide—get the right supplies, pack plates on edge, wrap glassware properly, and label everything clearly—you'll arrive at your new place with zero broken dishes.

And that first morning when you can make coffee in your new kitchen without washing dishes first? Worth every minute of careful packing.