Packing Pans For Moving: A Step-By-Step Guide

Packing up your home is one of the most challenging tasks when moving, and the kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack. Pots and pans are durable but awkwardly shaped and take up a lot of space. It's best to decide which pots and pans you want to move, especially as they are heavy and can increase moving costs. You should also clean and dry your pots and pans before packing them. When packing, it's a good idea to wrap your pots and pans in paper and stack them inside one another to save space. You should also add cushioning, such as dish towels, to prevent them from scratching each other. Finally, seal the box and label it clearly, noting which way is up and including any necessary handling instructions.

Choose which pans to take

The first step to packing your pans for moving is to decide which ones you want to take with you. If you've lived in your current home for many years, you've probably accumulated a lot of cooking containers of different sizes and materials. Go through your collection and get rid of any damaged, worn-out, or low-quality items that you don't use often. You should also consider getting rid of pans with loose handles or missing pieces.

By sorting through your pans and choosing only the practical, high-quality ones in perfect condition, you'll save time and effort in packing and reduce your moving costs, as these are usually calculated based on the weight and volume of your shipment.

Clean and dry your pans

Once you've decided which pans to take, the next step is to clean and dry them thoroughly. Grease can saturate the wrapping materials and soak through the cardboard boxes, compromising the integrity of the carton and staining other items. Make sure the pans are perfectly dry before packing to avoid damaging the packing materials and other household items. It's a good idea to wash your pans at least 24 hours before packing and leave them on a drying rack overnight.

Wrap your pans

Even though pans are sturdy, they can be easily damaged if they come into direct contact with each other or with sharp objects during the move. Wrapping your pans in packing paper and lining the cooking surfaces with dish towels or bubble wrap will keep them better protected and decrease the risk of damage to other items in the same box.

If any of your pans have glass lids or other fragile elements, be sure to wrap them with packing paper and add a protective layer of bubble wrap or a dish towel. Secure the wrapping with packing tape.

Clean and dry the pans

Before packing your pots and pans, it's important to clean and dry them thoroughly. This is because any grease left on the pans can saturate the wrapping materials and soak through the cardboard box, compromising the integrity of the carton and staining other items. Plus, moisture can damage the packing materials and other household items in your shipment. If you're moving long-distance, moisture can even cause mould to grow on your pans.

To avoid this, wash your pots and pans at least 24 hours before packing them and leave them on a drying rack overnight. This will also give you an opportunity to inspect your pans for any damage before you move.

If you're packing glass lids, take extra care to dry them thoroughly, as any remaining moisture could damage the lids during the move.

Gather packing materials

To pack your pans for moving, you will need to gather the following packing materials:

• Strong, good-quality, medium-sized moving boxes.
• Packing tape.
• Wrapping sheets, newspaper, or bubble wrap to separate items.
• Spare clothing or linen, such as dish towels, to wrap fragile items.

If you are moving locally, you can use heavy-duty garbage bags instead of boxes. Make sure to wrap any sharp corners with bubble wrap or dish towels so they don't poke through the plastic. If the bags are opaque, make paper labels and attach them with clear packing tape.

If you are moving long-distance, you will need to use boxes. Reinforce the boxes with packing tape along the seams to make sure they can withstand the weight of the pans. Line the bottom of the boxes with bubble wrap or crumpled newsprint for cushioning and protection.

Protect fragile elements

Pots and pans are generally durable and easy to move. However, they can be damaged if they come into direct contact with each other or sharp objects during the move. Even a tiny scratch or dent can affect their performance. For example, a scratch to the surface of a non-stick pan can ruin it completely. Therefore, it is important to protect the fragile elements of your pots and pans when packing for a move.

If any of your pots or pans have glass lids or other fragile elements, wrap them with packing paper and add a protective layer of bubble wrap or a dishtowel. Secure the wrapping with packing tape. You can also use newspaper to wrap and separate your pots and pans, but be aware that the ink may rub off and stain your items.

When packing pots and pans for a long-distance move, it is best to use sturdy cardboard boxes. Reinforce the boxes by applying strips of packing tape along the seams to add strength and prevent them from collapsing under the weight of the pots and pans. Line the bottom of the boxes with bubble wrap or crumpled newsprint for cushioning and protection.

To save space, nest your wrapped pots and pans within each other. Start by placing a couple of dishtowels in the largest pot and then place a slightly smaller pot inside. Repeat this process for all the pots you want to stack together, always putting dishtowels on the bottom of each container. This will prevent them from scratching one another and will keep their handles level. Finish off the stack by placing the lid to the smallest pot on top, upside down. It is considered best to stack your cooking containers in groups of three. When nesting your pots and pans, be sure to align the handles for greater space efficiency.

If a pot or pan is very valuable or particularly vulnerable to damage, avoid stacking it with other items. Pack it individually in a separate box with plenty of cushioning inside.

Wrap the pans

Wrapping your pots and pans is an important step in the packing process, as it helps to protect them from damage during the move. Here are some detailed instructions on how to wrap your pots and pans effectively:

Clean and Dry Your Pots and Pans:

Before wrapping your pots and pans, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. This is important because any remaining grease or moisture can affect the wrapping material and potentially cause mould if the items are stored for a long period during the move.

Gather Appropriate Packing Materials:

To wrap your pots and pans effectively, you will need the following materials:

• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Newspaper
• Dishtowels or old clothing/linen
• Packing tape
• Permanent markers

Wrap Pots and Pans Individually:

Start by wrapping each pot and pan individually with packing paper. This will create a protective layer and help prevent scratches or dents. Make sure to cover the entire surface of each item, including the handles.

Protect Cooking Surfaces:

The cooking surface of your pots and pans is the most valuable area, so it needs extra protection. After wrapping the items in packing paper, line the cooking surfaces with dishtowels or bubble wrap. This will help cushion them and prevent scratches.

Nest Pots and Pans:

To save space and provide additional protection, you can nest your pots and pans inside each other. Place a couple of dishtowels in the largest pot, then place a slightly smaller pot inside it. Repeat this process, adding dishtowels between each pot to protect them and keep the handles level. Finish off the stack by placing the lid of the smallest pot on top, upside down.

Handle Fragile Items with Care:

If any of your pots or pans have glass lids or other fragile elements, take extra care when wrapping them. Wrap these items completely in packing paper and add a layer of bubble wrap or a dishtowel for added protection. Secure the wrapping with packing tape.

By following these steps, you will be able to wrap your pots and pans securely and safely for your move. Remember to handle them with care and place them in sturdy boxes to ensure they arrive at your new home in perfect condition.

Frequently asked questions