You want to know how many boxes it takes to pack a kitchen for moving. There is no single answer, as the number of moving boxes for kitchen items changes for everyone. A good kitchen moving box estimate often ranges from 10 to 50 boxes, but this can be much higher depending on how much stuff you have and how big your kitchen is. This guide will help you figure out the estimate moving boxes for kitchen items you own.
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Why Kitchens Use Lots of Boxes
Kitchens hold a surprising number of items. They are not just about food and dishes. You have cooking tools, small machines, cleaning stuff, and many small gadgets. All these things need to be packed safely. Because many kitchen items are breakable (like plates and glasses) or have odd shapes (like pots and pans), they need careful wrapping and packing. This often means you cannot fill boxes completely or you need special boxes, which can increase the total number of boxes you use. Getting a good grasp of your kitchen items moving boxes is key to planning your move.
Getting a Handle On Factors Changing Your Box Count
Many things affect how many boxes you will need for your kitchen. Thinking about these points helps you get a more accurate kitchen moving box estimate.
Kitchen Size
A small apartment kitchen with just the basics needs fewer boxes than a large family kitchen with lots of cookware, gadgets, and a full pantry.
* Small kitchen (apartment): Maybe 10 to 20 boxes.
* Medium kitchen (average house): Maybe 20 to 40 boxes.
* Large kitchen (big house, lots of stuff): Maybe 40 to 60+ boxes.
These are just rough ideas. Your actual number might be different.
How Much Stuff You Own
This is the biggest factor. Do you have:
* One set of dishes or many?
* Just a few pots or enough for a restaurant?
* One gadget or a counter full?
* A small spice rack or a pantry full of food?
More stuff means more boxes. It’s a simple rule. Before packing, giving away or selling things you do not use can lower your packing dishes box count and overall needs.
Your Packing Method
How you pack also matters.
* Packing carefully with lots of paper for safety uses more space in each box, so you might use more boxes.
* Mixing different types of items in one box (if safe to do so) might use fewer boxes, but needs good planning.
* Using the right size box for the items inside is important. Using boxes that are too big can waste space or make boxes too heavy.
Box Sizes You Use
Using different moving box sizes for kitchen items affects the total count.
* Small boxes are good for heavy things like cans or books from your pantry, or for small, heavy gadgets.
* Medium boxes work for pots, pans, and small appliances.
* Large boxes are best for lighter, bulky items like plastic containers or dishtowels.
* Dish pack boxes (special, strong boxes) are needed for breakable dishes and glasses.
Using many small boxes versus fewer large ones will change the total box count, even if the total volume of stuff is the same.
Breaking Down Your Kitchen by Item Type
To estimate moving boxes for kitchen items, let’s look at different groups of items found in most kitchens. This helps you think about how many boxes each group might need. This method helps you get a kitchen moving box estimate based on your specific things.
Dishes and Glasses
These items are often breakable and need special care.
* Plates, bowls, cups, mugs
* Glasses, wine glasses, stemware
* Serving platters, bowls
* Other breakable items like figurines or decorative pieces
You should use special dish pack boxes for these. These boxes are strong and designed to work with cell dividers.
* Estimate: A typical set of dishes (service for 4-8 people) might need 2 to 4 dish pack boxes. If you have many sets or lots of special glasses, you might need more, possibly 5 to 8 or more. This is where getting a handle on your packing dishes box count is very helpful.
Pots and Pans
These items are often heavy and have odd shapes.
* Saucepans, frying pans, stock pots
* Lids
* Baking sheets, muffin tins, roasting pans
* Mixing bowls (can be nested)
Medium or large boxes work well for these. Pack heavier pots in smaller boxes so they are not too heavy. Nesting smaller pots inside larger ones saves space.
* Estimate: Most people will need 2 to 4 boxes for their pots, pans, and bakeware. If you are a serious cook with lots of cookware, you might need 5 or more boxes for packing pots and pans boxes.
Small Appliances
Think about all the machines on your counters or in cabinets.
* Coffee maker, toaster, blender
* Mixer, food processor
* Microwave (if moving yourself, might need its own box or moving blanket)
* Waffle maker, slow cooker, instant pot
It’s best to pack these in their original boxes if you still have them. If not, use sturdy boxes and wrap the items well with bubble wrap or paper. Medium and large boxes are common here.
* Estimate: Depending on how many gadgets you have, this could be 2 to 6 boxes. A kitchen with just a toaster and coffee maker needs fewer boxes than one with many special machines.
Pantry Items
This includes all your food, spices, and cooking supplies.
* Cans, jars, bottles
* Boxes of pasta, cereal, snacks
* Spices, oils, vinegars
* Dry goods (flour, sugar)
Get rid of any open food or things you will not use. Pack heavy items like cans in small boxes. Lighter items like cereal boxes can go in medium or large boxes. Make sure liquids are sealed well.
* Estimate: This varies a lot depending on how full your pantry is. It could be anywhere from 3 to 8 boxes or even more if you stock up a lot.
Utensils and Gadgets
All the small tools you use daily.
* Forks, knives, spoons
* Spatulas, ladles, whisks
* Peelers, can openers, bottle openers
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knives (need safe packing!)
Use small or medium boxes for these. Wrap sharp knives carefully. You can use plastic containers to hold utensils before putting them in boxes.
* Estimate: These items might take 1 to 3 boxes.
Kitchen Linens and Cleaning Supplies
Do not forget these items.
* Towels, dishcloths, oven mitts
* Tablecloths, placemats
* Cleaning sprays, detergents, sponges
* Trash bags
Linens can go into medium or large boxes. Cleaning supplies (make sure lids are tight!) should be packed separately, maybe in small plastic bins or small sturdy boxes, clearly marked.
* Estimate: Linens might take 1-2 boxes. Cleaning supplies might take 1-2 boxes.
Plastic Containers and Storage
All those food storage containers.
* Tupperware, plastic containers with lids
* Reusable water bottles
* Lunch boxes
These can often be nested to save space. Use medium or large boxes.
* Estimate: This could be 1 to 3 boxes depending on how many you have.
Estimating Your Kitchen Box Needs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now let’s put it all together to get your personal number of moving boxes for kitchen items. This will give you a solid kitchen moving box estimate.
Step 1: Look at Each Area
Go through your kitchen cabinet by cabinet, drawer by drawer, and shelf by shelf. Look inside the pantry, under the sink, and at the counters.
Step 2: Think by Item Group
As you look, think about the item groups we talked about (dishes, pots, pantry, etc.). For each group, make a rough guess of how much stuff you have.
Step 3: Estimate Boxes Per Group
Use the estimates we gave for each group as a starting point. Adjust based on your amount of stuff.
* Dishes/Glasses: (Estimate based on your number of sets and breakables)
* Pots/Pans: (Estimate based on your cookware amount)
* Small Appliances: (Estimate based on how many gadgets you have)
* Pantry: (Estimate based on how full your pantry is)
* Utensils/Gadgets: (Estimate based on your drawer contents)
* Linens/Cleaning: (Estimate based on your amount)
* Plastic Containers: (Estimate based on your container collection)
Example:
* Dishes/Glasses: I have 2 sets of dishes and lots of wine glasses. Maybe 4-5 dish pack boxes. (This helps figure out the packing dishes box count).
* Pots/Pans: I have a moderate amount. Maybe 3 medium boxes. (This helps figure out the packing pots and pans boxes).
* Small Appliances: I have 4 main ones. Maybe 2 large boxes.
* Pantry: My pantry is pretty full. Maybe 6 small/medium boxes.
* Utensils/Gadgets: Lots of drawers full. Maybe 3 medium boxes.
* Linens/Cleaning: A few towels, some cleaning stuff. Maybe 1 medium and 1 small box.
* Plastic Containers: I have a cupboard full. Maybe 2 large boxes.
Step 4: Add Up Your Estimates
Add up the number of boxes you estimated for each group.
* Example Total: 5 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 23 boxes
This gives you a rough estimate moving boxes for kitchen items.
Step 5: Add a Buffer
It is always a good idea to have more boxes than you think you will need. Packing often takes up more space than you expect, or you might find more items as you go. Add about 10-20% to your total.
* Example Buffer: 23 boxes + 20% (about 5 boxes) = 28 boxes.
So, for this example kitchen, a good kitchen moving box estimate would be around 28 boxes. This seems like a lot, but kitchens have many different items.
Choosing the Right Box Sizes for Kitchen Items
Using the correct box size is very important for safe and easy packing. Let’s look at the best moving box sizes for kitchen items.
Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet)
- Good for: Heavy items like cans, jars, bottles from the pantry. Small, heavy appliances like a stand mixer motor. Utensils and gadgets. Cleaning supplies.
- Why: You can fill these boxes without making them too heavy to lift easily.
Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet)
- Good for: Pots and pans (medium weight). Small appliances. Lighter pantry items (cereal boxes). Plastic containers. Linens.
- Why: A versatile size that works for many average-sized items.
Large Boxes (4.5 or 5 cubic feet)
- Good for: Bulky but light items like plastic containers (nested). Larger pots and pans (lighter ones). Trash cans (if you pack things inside them). Oven racks (if they fit). Lighter small appliances.
- Why: Holds a lot, but make sure the items are light so the box does not become too heavy.
Extra-Large Boxes (6 cubic feet)
- Good for: Very light, bulky items only. Maybe large plastic bins if they fit. Not commonly needed for most kitchen items.
- Why: Can quickly become too heavy if used for the wrong items.
Dish Pack Boxes (5 cubic feet, but stronger)
- Good for: Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, stemware, fragile serving dishes.
- Why: These boxes have double walls for extra strength. They are designed to be used with cell dividers which protect breakable items by keeping them separate. Essential for packing dishes box count safety.
Glass Divider Kits
- These are cardboard inserts that fit into dish pack boxes, creating individual slots for glasses and mugs. Using these protects your breakable items much better than just wrapping them in paper.
Cell Kits (for Dish Packs)
- These include larger dividers for plates and bowls that also fit into dish pack boxes. They help create layers and keep items from shifting and breaking.
Having a mix of these boxes, especially small, medium, large, and dish packs, is necessary for packing a kitchen well. Your estimate of moving boxes for kitchen should include some of each type.
Packing Supplies Needed for Kitchen Moving
Besides boxes, you will need other supplies to pack your kitchen safely and well. Having all your packing supplies needed for kitchen items ready before you start will make the job easier.
- Packing Paper: Lots of it! Use it to wrap breakable items, cushion the tops and bottoms of boxes, and fill empty spaces. Plain newsprint is best as it doesn’t have ink that can rub off.
- Bubble Wrap: Use for extra protection on very fragile items, small appliances, or items with odd shapes.
- Packing Tape: Strong tape is needed to seal the bottoms and tops of every box. Do not use masking tape or duct tape. You will use a lot more tape than you think.
- Markers: Use thick markers to clearly label each box with its contents (e.g., “Plates,” “Pots,” “Pantry – Cans”) and the room it belongs in at the new place (e.g., “Kitchen”). Also, mark boxes with breakable items clearly (e.g., “FRAGILE” or “BREAKABLE”).
- Box Cutter or Scissors: To open boxes and cut tape.
- Dish/Glass Cell Kits: As mentioned, these are important for dish pack boxes.
- Heavy-Duty Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and tape.
- Furniture Blankets or Moving Pads: Good for wrapping larger small appliances like microwaves or slow cookers, especially if you don’t have a box for them.
Have more supplies than you think you need. Running out of tape or paper halfway through is frustrating.
Smart Kitchen Packing Tips Box Count & Strategy
Using good packing methods can help you pack more efficiently, potentially affecting your kitchen packing tips box count (sometimes using slightly fewer boxes by packing smarter, or just making sure the boxes are packed well).
- Declutter First: Go through everything before you start. Get rid of unused gadgets, old food, cracked dishes, or duplicate items. Less stuff means fewer boxes and less to move.
- Pack by Zone or Type: Pack items from one area (like a single cabinet) at a time, or pack all items of one type (like all glasses) together. This makes unpacking easier.
- Heaviest Items on Bottom: When packing a box, put the heaviest items at the bottom.
- Fill Gaps: Use crumpled paper or soft items like dishtowels or oven mitts to fill any empty spaces in boxes. This stops items from moving around and breaking.
- Do Not Overpack Boxes: Boxes that are too full can break or become too heavy to lift safely. If a box is bulging, it is too full.
- Do Not Underpack Boxes: Boxes with not enough items or gaps can get crushed when other boxes are stacked on them. Fill them completely but do not overstuff.
- Wrap Breakables Individually: Wrap each plate, bowl, glass, etc., in packing paper or bubble wrap. Do not just stack unwrapped items. Stand plates on their edge in the box, not flat.
- Pack Knives Safely: Wrap knives heavily in paper or bubble wrap and secure with tape. Put them in a separate, clearly marked box, or put wrapped knives into a pot or pan before boxing it.
- Seal Liquids: Make sure bottles of oils, vinegars, or cleaning supplies have their caps tightened well. Put them in plastic bags before packing in a box, just in case they leak.
- Keep Essential Items Separate: Pack a small box with things you will need right away in your new kitchen: a few plates, forks, cups, coffee maker, basic cooking tool, dish soap, paper towels. Mark this box clearly as “Kitchen Essentials – Open First.”
- Label Clearly: Write the contents (or a general idea like “Pots/Pans”) and the room (“Kitchen”) on the top and sides of every box. Add notes like “Fragile” or “Heavy” where needed.
- Use Original Boxes for Appliances: If you have the original boxes and packing materials for small appliances, use them. They offer the best protection.
Following these tips will help you manage your kitchen packing process and contributes to an accurate kitchen packing tips box count.
Making Your Supply List
Based on your estimated box count, you can make a list of the supplies you need.
Let’s use the example kitchen that needed about 28 boxes. This mix might look something like this:
- Dish Pack Boxes: 5 (for breakables)
- Small Boxes: 8 (for heavy items like cans, utensils, cleaning supplies)
- Medium Boxes: 10 (for pots, pans, small appliances, pantry items)
- Large Boxes: 5 (for plastic containers, lighter pots, linens)
- Total Boxes: 28
Now add supplies:
* Packing Paper: You will need several pounds (or rolls) of this. For 28 kitchen boxes, maybe 10-15 pounds (a medium to large pack) is a good start.
* Bubble Wrap: A roll or two for extra-fragile items.
* Packing Tape: At least 2-3 rolls of strong moving tape.
* Markers: 2-3 black markers.
* Dish/Glass Cell Kits: Need enough kits to fill your 5 dish pack boxes (these are usually sold to fit specific box sizes).
* Box Cutter/Scissors: 1.
* Gloves: 1 pair.
This is a simple list. If you have a very large kitchen, you will need more of everything. Getting slightly more supplies than you think you will use is always better than running out. This detailed list helps ensure you have all the packing supplies needed for kitchen items.
Reviewing Your Estimate
Once you have done your walk-through and made your list, take another look. Does the number seem right based on how much stuff you really have?
* If you are a minimalist, maybe your estimate is on the high side.
* If you have collected kitchen gadgets for years or have every cookbook and dish set imaginable, maybe your estimate is too low.
It is better to overestimate than underestimate. You can usually return unused boxes. Running out of boxes means stopping packing to go get more, which wastes time. Remember, this is a kitchen moving box estimate, a starting point to help you plan.
Thinking about the number of moving boxes for kitchen packing in this detailed way helps you plan your time, budget for supplies, and feel more in control of the moving process. Getting your kitchen packed early makes the rest of the move feel less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing a Kitchen
How many boxes for packing kitchen items are really needed for an average person?
For an average person with a moderate amount of kitchen stuff in a medium-sized kitchen, a number of moving boxes for kitchen items is often between 20 and 40. This includes boxes for dishes, pots, pantry items, and small appliances. Your personal number can be lower or higher based on your specific kitchen and how much you own.
What is a dish pack box and do I really need them?
A dish pack box is a special, strong box (usually double-walled cardboard) designed to protect breakable items like plates, bowls, and glasses during a move. Yes, you really should use them for breakable kitchen items. They are much stronger than regular boxes and work with cell inserts to prevent items from hitting each other. They are essential for getting an accurate packing dishes box count and protecting your items.
Can I use grocery store boxes for kitchen items?
Using used boxes from places like grocery stores or liquor stores is sometimes possible for lighter, non-breakable items like plastic containers or linens. However, they may not be clean, can carry pests, and their strength is not guaranteed. For anything heavy, breakable, or valuable, it is best to use new, sturdy moving boxes specifically designed for moving, especially for kitchen items moving boxes.
How many boxes for packing pots and pans boxes are usually needed?
Most kitchens can pack their pots and pans into 2 to 4 medium or large boxes. The exact number depends on how many pots and pans you have and how you nest them. Heavier items should go into smaller boxes.
How can I lower my estimate moving boxes for kitchen needs?
The best way to lower your box count is to get rid of items you do not need or use before you start packing. Decluttering your kitchen cabinets and pantry means fewer items to pack and fewer boxes needed. This impacts your kitchen moving box estimate directly.
What packing supplies needed for kitchen are most important besides boxes?
Besides boxes, the most important packing supplies needed for kitchen moving are plenty of packing paper (or bubble wrap) for cushioning and protecting items, strong packing tape to seal boxes, and thick markers to label everything clearly. Dish and glass dividers are also very important if you have breakable items.
How should I pack sharp knives?
Wrap each sharp knife securely in several layers of packing paper or bubble wrap and tape the bundle well so the blade is fully covered and cannot cut through. Pack wrapped knives together in a small box, or place them safely inside a pot or pan that is then packed into a box. Label the box clearly as “KNIVES” or “SHARP”.
Should I pack cleaning supplies from under the sink?
Yes, but pack them separately. Make sure all bottles and containers are tightly closed. Put them in sturdy plastic bags to catch any leaks, and then pack them in a small, sturdy box. Label this box clearly (e.g., “Cleaning Supplies”) and keep it upright. Do not pack cleaning supplies with food items.
How many boxes for packing kitchen gadgets and small appliances?
This depends entirely on how many you have. A kitchen with just a coffee maker might need only one box for appliances, while a kitchen with a stand mixer, food processor, blender, slow cooker, toaster, etc., could need 4-6 boxes or more for kitchen items moving boxes like these. Use medium or large boxes, padding items well.
Are there any kitchen items I should not pack?
Do not pack open containers of food that can spill or spoil. Get rid of frozen or refrigerated food unless you are using a cooler for immediate transport. Do not pack flammable cleaning products or aerosols in regular moving boxes; check with your movers about how to handle these items or plan to move them yourself carefully.
By breaking down your kitchen into smaller parts, thinking about your specific items, and using the right supplies, you can get a good handle on how many boxes you will need. This detailed approach makes the daunting task of packing a kitchen much more manageable.