If there’s one room that makes people nervous about packing for a household move, it’s the kitchen. Between fragile dishes, oddly shaped appliances, and that drawer full of random utensils, it can feel like a puzzle with no solution. But with the right approach and a little patience, you can get everything packed safely and arrive at your new home with everything intact.
Declutter Before You Pack
Before you reach for the packing paper, take some time to go through your kitchen cabinets and drawers to declutter. Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of items you no longer use—chipped plates, duplicate spatulas, that appliance you bought three years ago and never opened. The less you pack, the less you have to unpack, and the lighter your load will be on moving day.
Consider donating usable items to a local charity or hosting a quick garage sale. You might be surprised how much lighter your kitchen feels once you’ve cleared out the extras.
Gather the Right Supplies
Packing kitchen items requires more than just cardboard boxes. It requires a variety of packing supplies. Stock up on packing paper, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes in a range of sizes. Dish boxes—those double-walled boxes designed specifically for fragile items—are worth the investment. You might also want dividers or cell kits that separate glasses and stemware, keeping them from bumping into each other during transit.
Avoid using newspaper directly on dishes if you can, since the ink can transfer onto your items. Clean packing paper works better and leaves no marks.
Wrap Each Item Individually
This is where patience pays off. Wrap each plate, bowl, and glass separately before placing them in the box. For plates, use a few sheets of packing paper and fold the edges over to secure the wrap. Stack them vertically in the box rather than flat—this actually provides better protection against breakage.
For glasses and cups, stuff some crumpled paper inside to support the shape, then wrap the outside. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate pieces on top. Fill any gaps with more paper or soft towels to prevent shifting. At Molloy Moving, we’ve been helping families across Long Island, Manhattan, and New Jersey pack their kitchens since 1945, and we’ve learned that taking time with each piece makes all the difference.
Handle Your Appliances with Care
Small appliances like blenders, toasters, and coffee makers also need attention. If you still have the original boxes, use them—they were designed to protect these items during shipping. If not, wrap each appliance in packing paper or bubble wrap, paying special attention to any glass components.
Don’t forget to pack cords and accessories with their appliances or in a clearly labeled bag. There’s nothing more frustrating than searching through boxes for a missing blender lid after you’ve moved in.
Don’t Overpack Your Boxes
Kitchen items can get heavy quickly, especially dishes and pots. Keep your boxes at a manageable weight—if you can barely lift it, it’s too heavy. A box that’s too full is also more likely to tear or drop. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like plates, and save larger boxes for lighter things like plastic containers and dish towels.
Seal every box securely with packing tape and label it clearly. Mark fragile boxes on the top and sides so movers know to handle them with extra care.
Pack It Right, Enjoy It Later
Taking the time to pack your kitchen carefully means you’ll be able to unpack it with confidence, knowing your dishes and glassware arrived safely. At Molloy Moving, our team can help with professional packing services if you’d rather leave the wrapping to the experts. Whether you’re moving across Long Island, into Manhattan, or anywhere in New Jersey, we’re here to make your kitchen—and the rest of your home—arrive in perfect condition. Give us a call to get started or request a free quote online.
