Moving or storing kitchen items, especially heavy pots, and pans, can be overwhelming if not approached systematically. After all, pots and pans are durable, so there’s little risk of damage in the move, but they’re awkwardly shaped and take up a lot of space. Follow this guide for practical strategies on how to pack pots and pans for moving or storage, ensuring the utmost safety and efficient use of space.
Assemble Your Packing Supplies
The first tip for how to pack heavy cookware is to gather your packing materials. Pots and pans require medium to large moving boxes lined with newspaper or brown paper. Only use large boxes if the pans are relatively lightweight or can be packed with other light items. Otherwise, your boxes may become too heavy to carry safely.
Next, think about how you’ll protect your glass lids. The best options include packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft kitchen textiles. You should also be prepared to secure any loose parts with tape. Finally, don’t forget packing tape to seal the boxes and a permanent black marker to label them accordingly.
How to Pack Pots and Pans in Boxes
The secret to securely and efficiently packing your cookware lies in the method you use. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way to pack pots and pans for moving.
Begin by placing slightly scrunched-up newspaper or brown paper at the bottom of a medium or large moving box. Wash your pots and pans to make sure they’re clean and ready to pack.
Next, stack your pots and pans in groups of three, nesting smaller ones inside the larger ones. Fill the box with these nested groups, packing them in tightly. Wrap any loose parts and glass lids in packing paper, bubble wrap, kitchen towels, washcloths, or potholders. Tape loose parts to the inside of a pot, and pack the lids around the groupings to fill the empty space. You can also pack the lids separately if that works better for you.
Fill any remaining gaps around the pots, pans, and lids with soft, moldable kitchen items like sponges, cleaning cloths, and towels to reduce the risk of shifting during the move. If space allows, lightweight pantry items can be added on top. Spices, dried beans, and other non-breakables work well here.
Once everything is packed, seal the box with packing tape and write “Kitchen,” followed by a brief description of the contents. If the box contains fragile items, add “Fragile” and an arrow indicating which end is up.
Use Trash Bags for Local Moves
For shorter moves, heavy-duty garbage bags can be a practical alternative to packing pots and pans in boxes. This simplifies the packing and unpacking process significantly. Just be careful to cover sharp corners with bubble wrap and tape to prevent them from piercing the bag.
If you’re using an opaque bag, create a label and attach it to the handles. Clear bags shouldn’t require labeling. After the move, empty the trash bags and feel free to reuse them for their original purpose.
Time to Unpack? Choose JD Mini Storage
Choosing where to store your belongings is just as important as how you pack them. JD Mini Storage has been providing safe and affordable storage solutions in the Capitola, CA, area for over 35 years.
Our 10-foot-tall, ground-level storage units provide ample space for your kitchen items, with managers on-site six days a week for your peace of mind. We offer advanced security features and access to your unit from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, 365 days a year. With flexible rental terms, no minimum rental period required, and a range of billing and payment options, storing with JD Mini Storage is highly convenient. Contact us today at 831-440-7325 for storage unit availability, pricing, and answers to any questions you have.