How to pack a kitchen for moving

The kitchen has more fragile and awkward items than any other room. Start early and pack it in this order.

Get ready

• Gather small and medium boxes, packing paper, tape and a marker.
• Set aside a box of everyday basics for the first night: a few plates, cups, cutlery, a pan and a kettle.
• Use up or give away pantry food you don't want to move.

Plates, glasses and bowls

• Wrap each item in paper. Stand plates on their edge in the box rather than lying them flat.
• Put glasses and cups in last, near the top, with extra paper around them.
• Fill every gap so nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
• Mark the box "Fragile – kitchen" and which way is up.

Pots, appliances and pantry

• Nest pots and pans together with paper between them.
• Pack small appliances in their original boxes if you still have them.
• Tape opened jars and bottles closed and pack them in a plastic tub in case of leaks.
• Empty, defrost and dry the fridge the day before the move.