How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving in Metro Vancouver

The kitchen takes longer to pack than any other room in the house. Between dishes, glassware, appliances, pantry items, and all the miscellaneous things that accumulate in drawers over the years, it is easy to underestimate how much time and how many boxes it requires.

Here is how to do it efficiently.

What You Will Need

• Small boxes (for heavy items like dishes and canned goods)
• Medium boxes (for pots, pans, and appliances)
• Packing paper (not newspaper — it leaves ink)
• Bubble wrap (for fragile glassware and stemware)
• Stretch wrap or plastic wrap (for appliances and drawers)
• Markers and labels

Start 2–3 Weeks Before Moving Day

The kitchen is used daily, so you cannot pack it all at once. Start with items you use least often:

• Seasonal bakeware and specialty appliances
• Extra dishes and glasses beyond your daily set
• Decorative items
• Pantry items you will not use before the move

Pantry and Food

Go through your pantry 3–4 weeks before the move. Use up perishables, donate non-perishables you will not take, and discard anything expired.

For items you are taking:

• Pack canned goods in small boxes (they are heavy)
• Seal open packages in zip-lock bags before boxing
• Do not pack liquids in the same box as dry goods — a leak can ruin everything

Dishes and Plates

Pack plates vertically (on their edge) in small boxes lined with packing paper. Wrap each plate individually. Vertical packing is significantly stronger than flat stacking — plates are far less likely to crack.

Glasses and Mugs

Stuff the inside of each glass with crumpled packing paper. Wrap the outside in 2–3 layers of paper or bubble wrap. Pack upright in divided boxes if possible.

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans do not need heavy wrapping, but they do need padding between them to prevent scratching. Nest smaller pots inside larger ones with a layer of packing paper between each. Pack lids separately, wrapped in paper.

Small Appliances

Wrap small appliances (toaster, blender, coffee maker) in packing paper or bubble wrap. If you have the original boxes, use them. Otherwise, pack snugly in medium boxes with padding on all sides.

For appliances with removable parts (blender blades, coffee maker carafes), pack the parts separately and label the box.

Large Appliances

If your fridge, stove, or dishwasher is moving with you:

• Fridge: Defrost 24–48 hours before the move. Clean and dry the interior. Secure shelves and drawers with stretch wrap or tape.
• Stove: Remove and wrap burner grates separately. Clean the interior.
• Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle. Secure the door with stretch wrap.

Large appliances are moved by the crew — you do not need to box them.

The Junk Drawer

Every kitchen has one. Moving is the perfect time to deal with it. Sort through it honestly — most of what lives in a junk drawer can be discarded or donated. What you keep, pack in a small labelled box.

Label Everything

Mark every kitchen box with its contents and destination ("Kitchen — dishes" or "Kitchen — pantry"). This saves enormous time on the other end when you are trying to find the coffee maker on moving day morning.

Ready to Book?

4 You Moving handles moves across Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to pack dishes for a move? Wrap each dish individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Pack plates vertically like records — they are less likely to break than when stacked flat. Use a dish pack box with cell dividers for extra protection.

How do I pack glasses and stemware for a move? Stuff the inside of each glass with packing paper, then wrap the outside. Use a cell-divided box designed for glasses. Pack glasses upright and fill any gaps with crumpled paper to prevent shifting.

Should I empty my refrigerator before moving day? Yes — defrost and empty the fridge at least 24 hours before the move. Clean it out and leave the doors open to air dry. Movers will not transport a fridge with food inside.

How do I pack pots and pans for a move? Nest smaller pots inside larger ones with a layer of packing paper between each. Pack lids separately wrapped in paper. Cast iron pans should be packed in small boxes due to their weight.

What kitchen items should I pack last? Pack a kitchen essentials box with items you will need on moving day and the first night — coffee maker, kettle, a few plates and cups, utensils, dish soap, and a sponge. Load this box last so it comes off the truck first.

Can movers transport a full spice rack or pantry items? Yes, but seal all containers with tape to prevent spills. Pack pantry items in small boxes — canned goods are heavy. Discard anything open that might leak or spill during transport.