Packing a Kitchen
How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving House – A Complete Guide
Packing a kitchen is often one of the biggest jobs when moving home. From fragile glassware and crockery to bulky pots, pans and small appliances, kitchens contain hundreds of items that need to arrive safely at your new home.
At Murray Removals & Storage, we've packed and moved homes across Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Topsham, Sidmouth, Lympstone, Woodbury and throughout East Devon, so we've learned the safest and most efficient way to pack every type of kitchen.
Follow our simple guide below to make packing your kitchen quicker, easier and far less stressful.
Start Packing Early
Unlike bedrooms or living rooms, you'll probably need your kitchen until the day before your move. Even so, it's worth starting early.
Begin by packing:
Special occasion crockery
Baking equipment
Cookbooks
Spare mugs and glasses
Seasonal items
Appliances you rarely use
Leave only your everyday essentials until the final day.
Declutter Before You Pack
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to clear out cupboards and drawers.
Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?
Is it broken or damaged?
Do I have duplicates?
Will it fit in my new kitchen?
Donate, recycle or dispose of anything you no longer need. The fewer items you move, the quicker and easier your removal will be.
Use Strong Packing Boxes
Kitchen items are surprisingly heavy, so avoid overfilling large boxes.
Small double-walled boxes are ideal for:
Plates
Bowls
Glasses
Food tins
Pots and pans
Heavy boxes are difficult to lift and are more likely to split during transport.
Wrap Every Fragile Item
Protect delicate items using quality packing paper or bubble wrap.
Wrap individually:
Dinner plates
Side plates
Bowls
Wine glasses
Champagne flutes
Mugs
Ceramic dishes
Fill empty spaces inside the box with scrunched packing paper to stop movement during transit.
Pack Plates Vertically
Many people stack plates flat, but professional movers pack them on their edge.
Why?
Standing plates upright spreads pressure more evenly and greatly reduces the chance of cracking during transport.
Protect Glassware
Wrap each glass separately.
Place heavier glasses at the bottom of the box and lighter glasses on top.
Never allow glasses to touch each other without protective wrapping.
Label Every Box Clearly
Instead of simply writing "Kitchen", be specific.
Examples include:
Kitchen – Glasses (Fragile)
Kitchen – Plates
Kitchen – Pantry
Kitchen – Baking Equipment
Kitchen – Cutlery
This makes unpacking much quicker and helps your removal team place boxes in the correct area.
Pack Appliances Safely
Clean appliances before packing.
Remove loose shelves and accessories from:
Microwaves
Air fryers
Coffee machines
Mixers
Food processors
Slow cookers
Wrap cables neatly and secure them with cable ties or tape.
If you still have the original packaging, it's usually the safest option.
Don't Forget the Fridge and Freezer
Your fridge and freezer should be emptied and switched off at least 24 hours before moving day.
Remember to:
Defrost completely
Dry the inside thoroughly
Leave the doors slightly open until moving day to prevent mould and unpleasant smells.
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box
Keep one box separate containing everything you'll need during your first evening and the following morning.
Include:
Kettle
Tea and coffee
Milk
Mugs
Plates
Cutlery
Phone chargers
Snacks
Washing-up liquid
Tea towels
Bin bags
You'll be glad you did after a long moving day.
Avoid Packing These Items
Some items shouldn't be transported in removal vans.
These include:
Open paint tins
Gas cylinders
BBQ fuel
Petrol
Hazardous chemicals
Bleach and strong cleaning products
If you're unsure whether something can be moved, ask your removal company before packing.
Let the Professionals Handle It
If you don't have the time or simply want complete peace of mind, our professional packing service can take care of everything for you.
Our experienced team uses high-quality packing materials and proven techniques to protect your belongings throughout your move. Whether it's delicate glassware, expensive kitchen appliances or treasured family china, we'll make sure everything arrives safely at your new home.
Need Help Moving?
If you're moving in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Topsham, Sidmouth, Lympstone, Woodbury or anywhere in East Devon, Murray Removals & Storage is here to help.
From expert packing and secure storage to local and long-distance removals, we provide a reliable, friendly service tailored to your needs.
Contact Murray Removals & Storage today for a free, no-obligation quotation and let us take the stress out of moving house.
