What is the best way to move pots, pans, and everything else you need to make meals for your family? Have you carefully packed your dishes and glasses in bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard boxes? But what about everything else in your kitchen? Take a look at what you need to know before you pack, carry, or transport your cookware and kitchen appliances.

How Should You Pack Pots?

The answer to this question depends on the pot you want to pack. Not all kitchen pots are equal. A small-sized pot that boils a can of soup and a larger, heavy cast-iron pot have different packing needs. To effectively and safely pack kitchen pots:

  • Choose the container wisely. Smaller and lighter pots can go into sturdy or thick cardboard boxes. But heavier items may require either a plastic bin or another similar option.
  • Wrap the heaviest pots you have. Cast-iron and similar cooking materials can easily break through the bottom of a box. Instead of risking mid-move damage, secure these pots and wrap your heaviest items in packing quilts.
  • Pack lids separately. While you could tape a lid onto a pot, this strategy may leave a sticky adhesive mess behind. Reduce the likelihood of damage and separate lids and pots before you pack. Wrap each lid and place it in the same container as the pot to organize your move.
  • Wrap handles. While a pot’s handle may not break during your move, it could poke through a cardboard box. Wrap the handles in dish towels or a similar protective cover.
  • Use what you’ve got. Dish towels aren’t the only kitchen items you can use to pack your pots. Turn pot holders, sponges, aprons, or anything else that’s soft and provides a cushion into protective pot packing materials.

Never stack unprotected pots inside of or on top of one another. This may save space — but can cause move-related scratches or dents. Carefully wrap each pot or place a protective sheet of newsprint, bubble wrap, or a towel in between each item to prevent damage.

How Should You Pack Pans?

Now that your pots are packed, move on to flatter pans. You can use a similar approach to safely pack these cooking items. Like pots, always wrap each individual pan to reduce the risk of scratches and dents. Also, like pots, you can protect pans with kitchen towels, pot holders, and other soft or cushioned everyday items.

How Should You Pack Appliance-Type Pots?

Your instant pot and slow cooker are technically appliances. But these kitchen items are also pots or pot-shaped. Should you pack these picks like appliances or like regular kitchen cookery?

The original packaging is the easiest and safest way to pack an instant pot, slow cooker, or similar small kitchen appliance. Ideally, you should have saved the box, foam inserts, and anything else that came with the item after you opened it. If you did keep everything the manufacturer provided, pack the pot as if it was new.

What should you do if you didn’t save everything or any of the original packaging? Instead of packing your pot-like appliance with regular pots or pans, choose a separate box. Select a box or bin that is slightly larger than the appliance. Remove the lid, fill the interior with rolled kitchen towels, and wrap the pot in more towels. You will also need to wrap the lid with a protective layer.

Place the pot in a lined box or container. Add the lid and fill the sides and top with bubble wrap or more towels. Keep electric cords and the pot’s instructions with the appliance. Place these items in a separate plastic baggie. Add the bag to the interior side of the packing container.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Island Movers Inc. for more information.