How to pack pots and pans for moving

Although pots and pans might seem robust and sturdy, they can be prone to getting damaged during a house move, so it’s important to pack them properly. Pots and pans can be packed in much the same way as plates and crockery – but there are a few key differences and things to keep in mind. 

Plus, some pots and pans can be delicate, such as those with glass lids, and it’s not uncommon to pass down this type of cookware through the generations, so they may have some sentimental value that you want to protect, too. And, of course, you’ll want to watch out for scratches. Any scratch or damage to a non-stick pan will mean you’ll probably have to throw it away, and the same goes for the bottom of pans designed for induction hobs.

Here’s a quick rundown of how to pack pots and pans for moving:

1. Line a sturdy cardboard box with bubble wrap
2. Figure out if your pots and pans can be stacked inside each other
3. Wrap your first pot or pan with a sheet of bubble wrap or packing paper
4. Place the item in your box
5. Wrap the next pot or pan in the same way, and stack it inside the first one
6. Wrap any lids that go with the pans and nestle them into the box
7. When your box is full, fill any space with packaging material
8. Seal your box securely
9. Label the box with what’s inside and as fragile if necessary

Equipment & supplies you need to pack pots and pans

Here’s what you’ll need to pack pots and pans to ensure they don’t get scratched or damaged when you move:

• Strong packing paper to wrap each item – don’t just stack pans on top of each other without packaging as they’re much more likely to get scratched or damaged
• Appropriate sized cardboard storage boxes – don’t overfill them or make them too heavy to carry
• Bubble wrap to line your boxes
• Package filler, such as packing peanuts, to fill in any empty spaces in your boxes
• Packaging tape to seal your boxes securely
• A marker pen to label your boxes

A step-by-step guide to packing pots and pans when you move house

1. 1. 1. Line a sturdy cardboard box with bubble wrap – make sure your box is an adequate size for the pots and pans you’re packing into it.
      2. Gather your pots and pans and figure out if any can be stacked inside each other – this works well with saucepans, for example.
      3. Wrap your first pot or pan with a sheet of bubble wrap or packing paper – make sure you line it, too.
      4. Place the item in your box.
      5. Wrap the next pot or pan in the same way, and stack it inside the first one. This will keep it secure and save space. If your items can’t be stacked, put larger items at the bottom of your box and smaller items towards the top.
      6. Wrap any lids that go with the pans and nestle them into the box.*
      7. When your box is full, fill any space with packaging material to ensure that the items can’t move around. It’s best to have everything tightly packed together rather than loose.
      8. Seal your box securely.
      9. Write the name of the room the box will be going into in your new home. If the items are fragile, write the words ‘FRAGILE’ on the top, and ‘THIS WAY UP’ on all the sides.

*PRO TIP: If your pots and pans have long handles, make sure they’re all pointing in the same direction. This will make more efficient use of space.

Moving house? We’ve created a guide and checklist to help you.