Packing up your kitchen can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to delicate glassware, dishes, and oddly shaped items like pots and appliances. The key to a successful, damage-free move is using the right techniques and materials. In this guide, Yak and Yeti Movers shares expert tips on how to pack kitchen items and glassware safely, so everything arrives intact at your new home.

Step 1: Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Before you start boxing up your kitchen, make sure you have the following:

Sturdy moving boxes (small to medium size for heavy items)
Dish packs or double-walled boxes for extra protection
Packing paper (avoid newspaper—it can leave ink stains)
Bubble wrap for extra fragile items
Foam plates or cell dividers for stacking dishes
Ziploc bags for small parts like screws or rubber gaskets
Packing tape and permanent markers for sealing and labeling

Yak and Yeti Movers offers professional packing services using high-quality materials, but if you’re packing yourself, using the right supplies is half the battle.

Step 2: Declutter Before You Pack

Now’s the perfect time to simplify your kitchen:

Toss expired spices, sauces, and pantry items.
Donate or recycle utensils, dishes, or small appliances you no longer use.
Keep only what you’ll truly need in your new kitchen.

This not only saves space but also cuts down on moving weight and costs.

Step 3: Start with the Least-Used Items

Begin packing items you don’t use daily:

Seasonal baking supplies
Extra dishware and glassware
Small appliances (slow cookers, mixers)
Decorative items or cookbooks

Label each box with its contents and destination (e.g., “Kitchen – Baking Supplies”).

Step 4: How to Pack Glassware and Dishes Safely

Glasses and Stemware

Wrap each glass individually in packing paper or bubble wrap.
Place vertically in a box (like how they sit on a shelf), never flat.
Use cell dividers if available, and fill empty spaces with crumpled paper to prevent shifting.

Plates and Bowls

Stack plates vertically, like records, with foam or paper between each.
Wrap bowls individually and nest smaller ones inside larger ones if sturdy.
Use dish boxes with extra padding at the bottom and top.

Mugs and Cups

Wrap each item individually, stuffing paper inside for support.
Place handles facing the same direction to minimize risk.
Use small boxes to prevent overpacking.

Step 5: Packing Kitchen Appliances and Cookware

Appliances

Clean and dry all appliances thoroughly.
Remove loose parts (blades, trays) and pack them separately in labeled bags.
Wrap appliances with packing paper and place in original boxes if possible, or use a sturdy box with ample padding.

Pots, Pans & Utensils

Nest pots and pans together with paper between them.
Wrap glass lids separately in bubble wrap.
Place cooking utensils in sealed plastic bags or bundle together with rubber bands.

Step 6: Label Boxes Clearly

Proper labeling saves a lot of stress when unpacking:

Mark boxes “Fragile” where necessary.
Label by category (e.g., “Glassware – Kitchen,” “Plates and Bowls,” “Toaster and Blender”).
Indicate “This Side Up” for boxes with glassware or breakables.

Bonus Tips to Prevent Breakage

Don’t overpack boxes—heavier boxes are harder to carry and more likely to break.
Fill any gaps in boxes with packing paper or towels to prevent items from shifting.
Stack heavy boxes on the bottom and fragile ones on top during transport.
Keep an “essentials” kitchen box with basics like one set of plates, utensils, and coffee supplies for the first day in your new home.

Let the Pros at Yak and Yeti Movers Help

If the thought of packing your kitchen feels daunting, you don’t have to do it alone. Yak and Yeti Movers offers professional packing and moving services across the Bay Area, with experienced crews that treat your items with the care they deserve.

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, our team ensures your kitchen—and the rest of your home—arrives safe, sound, and stress-free.

Ready to Move Without the Mess?

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How to Pack Kitchen Items and Glassware Without Breaking Them