Packing up your kitchen for a move might be one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. Between fragile dishes, oddly shaped appliances, and a pantry full of half-open ingredients, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry—we’ve got a method that’ll help you get through it without losing your mind or your favorite coffee mug.
Here’s how we recommend packing your kitchen for moving in an organized, efficient way.
Start with a Plan
Before you touch a single plate, take stock of your kitchen. Go through every drawer, cabinet, and shelf. Get rid of expired pantry items, old spices, mismatched containers, or small appliances you never use. Trust us—decluttering before a move makes packing way easier.
We suggest setting aside the essentials you’ll need up until moving day: a couple of plates, utensils, a pan, your coffee maker, and maybe a few snacks. Pack those last in a separate “open first” box.
Gather the Right Supplies
For a successful kitchen pack-up, you’ll want:
- Small and medium moving boxes
- Packing paper or bubble wrap
- Dish dividers (optional but helpful)
- Ziplock bags
- Tape and markers for labeling
Small boxes are best for heavy items like canned goods or dishes. Overloading a large box with kitchenware is a recipe for a backache—or worse, a broken box.
Get a Helping Hand If You Need It
Packing a kitchen is no joke—it takes time, patience, and a good strategy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or on a tight schedule, getting help from professionals can make all the difference.
Star Moving ATL offers expert packing services for every part of your home—including kitchens. Their team knows how to handle fragile items, secure appliances, and make the whole process faster and easier. On their website, you’ll find details about how they personalize moving help to fit your needs—whether you want a little assistance or a full-service pack-and-move solution.
Pack by Category
Instead of packing cabinet by cabinet, we suggest grouping similar items. It makes unpacking much smoother.
1. Glasses and Dishes
Wrap each item individually in packing paper. Use dish dividers if you have them, and stack dishes vertically like records—they’re less likely to break that way. Fill in empty space with crumpled paper.
2. Pots, Pans, and Bakeware
Nesting works wonders here. Place smaller pans inside larger ones and cushion them with paper. Lids can be wrapped separately and taped to the inside of the same box.
3. Utensils and Cutlery
Wrap sharp items in bubble wrap or a towel, then secure with a rubber band. Put silverware in ziplock bags or use a utensil tray wrapped in plastic wrap.
4. Appliances
Remove any loose parts and secure cords with twist ties or tape. Wrap each appliance in bubble wrap and box it separately if it’s heavy or delicate.
5. Pantry Items
Seal open packages in ziplock bags. Use a small box for canned goods and group light, sealed items like spices together in a box labeled “Pantry.”
Label Everything Clearly
Be specific with your labels—“Kitchen – Plates,” “Kitchen – Pantry,” etc. It’ll save you loads of time later. Also mark fragile boxes so movers handle them with care.
Packing your kitchen for a move takes some effort, but with the right approach and supplies, it can be done smoothly. Declutter first, group items by category, and label everything clearly. And if you’d rather skip the hassle, Star Moving ATL has your back with professional packing services that treat your kitchen like their own. Because nothing beats unpacking your dishes in a new home and finding everything intact—and in order.