The kitchen is the room most people underestimate when packing for a move. It has more individual items than any other room, the widest range of fragility (from cast iron pans to crystal wine glasses), and the most awkward shapes to box. Here's a systematic approach that works — from the first box to moving day morning.
For an average kitchen: 10–20 medium boxes (the standard 18"x12"x16"), 4–6 large boxes for pots and lightweight bulky items, 2–3 dish packs (extra-thick boxes designed for fragile items), 4–5 rolls of packing paper (not newspaper — ink transfers), 2–3 rolls of bubble wrap for ultra-fragile items, 2–3 rolls of packing tape, 2–4 cell dividers (for glasses and wine glasses), and a permanent marker for labeling.
Begin packing 2 weeks before your move with items you rarely use: specialty appliances (food processor, waffle iron, stand mixer), formal dishes, wine glasses, serving platters, seasonal items (fondue sets, holiday serving ware). This gives you a head start without disrupting daily cooking.
Use a dish pack box (thicker walls) and cell dividers. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper — place the plate in the center of a sheet, fold the bottom corner up, fold the sides in, roll forward. Pack plates vertically on their edge, not flat — they're dramatically less likely to break when vertical and absorb shock better. Put the heaviest items at the bottom, lighter items on top. Fill any gaps with crumpled packing paper so nothing shifts.
Use cell dividers (most moving supply stores sell sets of 6, 12, or 16 cell inserts). Wrap each glass in at least one sheet of packing paper, starting at the base and rolling up to the rim. For wine glasses and stemware, stuff the interior of the glass with paper first, then wrap the outside. One cell per glass — never pack glasses touching each other without dividers.
These are heavy and relatively durable. Use large boxes and pack them flat — largest on bottom, smallest on top. Nest pans with a layer of packing paper between each. Cast iron goes in its own small-to-medium box: it's too heavy to combine with much else. Lids can go in separately, wrapped in paper and slotted vertically alongside the pans.
Small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, hand mixer): original boxes are ideal; otherwise wrap in moving blankets or thick packing paper and box individually. Leave the coffee maker accessible until move morning. Large appliances (stand mixer, KitchenAid): these are heavy — pack in medium boxes with ample padding. For any appliance with removable parts, remove them, wrap separately, and pack inside or alongside the appliance box.
For refrigerators: defrost 24–48 hours before move day, remove all food, and leave the door slightly open overnight. Best Movers LA handles fridge transport with standard straps; no disassembly required for standard sizes.
Don't move more than 2 weeks' worth of pantry food if avoidable — it's heavier than it looks and movers typically cannot transport open containers, liquids, or perishables. Finish or donate what you can. For sealed non-perishables you're keeping, use small boxes (heavy when full) and keep boxes under 30 lbs. Clearly mark all food boxes — they go in the kitchen first at the destination and you'll want them accessible.
Knives: use a knife roll or wrap each blade in multiple layers of paper and clearly mark the box — moving professionals don't cut through tape with their hands, but it's still a hazard. Liquids: open cooking oils, vinegars, sauces — transport these yourself upright in a bag to prevent spills in the truck. Perishables: don't load into the moving truck; use a cooler in your car.
Save these for last: coffee maker, one pot, one pan, one set of dishes, a few utensils. Make coffee, eat breakfast, then pack those final items just before the crew arrives. Label the box "OPEN FIRST — KITCHEN ESSENTIALS" and tell the crew it goes on last so it comes off first at the destination.
Best Movers LA offers full packing services for kitchens and entire homes — professional packers at $40/hour per packer, materials included. Add packing to your move here.
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