How to Pack Pots and Pans for Moving? Moving can be an overwhelming task, and packing delicate kitchenware, like pots and pans, adds an extra layer of complexity. At Chamomile Go, we understand the importance of protecting your cookware during transit to ensure that everything arrives at your new home in perfect condition. Pots and pans come in a variety of materials, from sturdy cast iron to fragile non-stick, each requiring different methods of protection. Without proper packing, items can get scratched, dented, or damaged, which is why knowing the right techniques is essential for a smooth move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to pack your cookware safely and efficiently.
Equipment & Supplies You Need to Pack Pots and Pans

When you’re getting ready to move, figuring out how to pack pots and pans can seem tricky, but with the right equipment and supplies, you can do it with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack pots and pans for your move to ensure they stay safe and intact:
1. Boxes: Choosing the Right Size Boxes for Pots and Pans
Start by selecting boxes that are sturdy and appropriately sized. For heavier items like pots, use small or medium-sized boxes. Larger boxes are more likely to get crushed or too heavy to handle. If you pack too many pans in one box, it can become unwieldy, so make sure the box is manageable and doesn’t exceed 50 pounds.
2. Packing Paper: How to Use Packing Paper for Padding
Packing paper is one of the most essential supplies for packing pots and pans. It provides a layer of padding to protect your cookware from scratches and impacts. To pack pots and pans, wrap each item individually with packing paper, ensuring the entire surface is covered. For extra protection, you can also layer the paper between items. If you want any type of packing services don’t hesitate to reach out to Chamomile Go.
3. Bubble Wrap: Extra Protection for Fragile Cookware
For more delicate or high-end cookware, bubble wrap is an excellent choice. It adds an extra layer of cushioning, especially for items like ceramic or non-stick pans that can be prone to scratches or damage. Wrap the pots and pans tightly with bubble wrap, securing the ends with packing tape.
4. Packing Tape: Sealing Boxes Securely
Once your pots and pans are wrapped and ready to go, you’ll need packing tape to seal the boxes. Be sure to use strong, durable tape to close the box securely and prevent it from opening during transit. For extra security, reinforce the edges and bottom of the box, especially if it’s on the heavier side.
5. Dish Towels or Cloth: Alternatives to Packing Paper for Extra Protection
If you’re low on packing paper or want an eco-friendly option, dish towels, or cloth can be a great alternative. They offer soft cushioning and are reusable, so they’re a win for both your cookware and the environment. Use them to wrap around pots and pans or place them between stacked items for added protection.
6. Plastic Bags: For Lids or Smaller Items
For lids or smaller accessories like handles or spoons, use plastic bags to keep them together and organized. This will help prevent the lids from getting lost or damaged during the move. Be sure to label the bags clearly so you know what’s inside when you unpack.
7. Foam or Air Pillows: For Extra Cushioning
If you have foam or air pillows available, use them as a final layer of protection in the box. These items can help prevent shifting and keep your pots and pans from colliding with each other or the box walls. Place foam or air pillows in any empty spaces within the box to provide additional cushioning.
Tips for Packing Pots and Pans:
- Stack smaller pots and pans inside larger ones to save space and reduce the number of boxes.
- Label boxes containing cookware clearly so you know they need to be handled with care.
- Don’t overpack boxes with too many pots and pans. It’s better to use multiple boxes than to risk damaging your cookware by overloading.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How To Pack Pots And Pans For Moving

Packing pots and pans for a move requires a little extra care to ensure your cookware stays in good condition. Follow these steps for the best way to pack pots and pans and make sure everything arrives at your new home safely!
Step 1: Clean and Dry
Before you even think about packing, it’s important to clean and dry your pots and pans thoroughly. Not only will this help prevent any smells or stains, but it also ensures your cookware is in top condition when you unpack at your new home.
Importance of Cleaning:
Cleaning pots and pans removes any food residue, grease, or oils that could get sticky during the move. This also helps avoid attracting insects or pests while in transit.
Tips for Drying Thoroughly:
After washing, make sure your pots and pans are completely dry. Use a towel to dry them off and leave them out for a bit longer if needed. Moisture can lead to rust, especially on materials like cast iron or carbon steel. Take extra care with these items and ensure they are completely dry before packing.
Step 2: Disassemble Handles, Lids, and Knobs
Many pots and pans come with detachable parts like handles, lids, or knobs. For safe and efficient packing, disassemble these parts before you start wrapping them.
How to Safely Remove Detachable Parts:
Some handles and knobs are easy to remove, but for others, you may need a screwdriver. Be gentle to avoid breaking or bending any parts. If they are not removable, ensure they are securely positioned so they won’t be damaged during the move.
Packing Smaller Parts Together:
Place all detachable parts like lids or knobs in labeled plastic bags. This ensures you don’t lose any small pieces and helps you stay organized when you go to unpack. Make sure to seal the bags tightly to avoid parts slipping out.
Step 3: Wrap Each Item Individually
The best way to pack pots and pans is to wrap each item individually to prevent any scratches, dents, or other damage during the move.
How to Use Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap:
For the best protection, start by wrapping your cookware in packing paper. This will provide a protective layer against scratches and bumps. Then, for added cushioning, wrap each piece with bubble wrap. For delicate items, like non-stick pans, bubble wrap will offer an extra layer of security. You can secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, but be careful not to tape directly to the surface of your cookware.
Wrapping Tips for Different Types of Cookware:
- Non-stick pans: Always wrap in bubble wrap to protect the non-stick coating from scratches.
- Stainless steel or cast iron: Use both packing paper and bubble wrap for added protection against dents and scratches.
Step 4: Use Dividers or Padding in Boxes
To protect your pots and pans from moving around in the box, create a cushioned layer using foam, towels, or air pillows. This step will ensure the items are snug and safe during transit.
How to Create a Cushioned Layer:
Place foam or dish towels at the bottom of your box to create a soft base. Then, as you stack your pots and pans, layer more foam, towels, or air pillows between each item to prevent them from clanging together and getting damaged. This also helps prevent any scratches that could occur if items shift during the move.
Separating Items:
For additional protection, use cardboard dividers or roll up a towel or two and place them between stacked items. This keeps the cookware separated and reduces the risk of dents or scratches.
Step 5: Pack the Box
Now that each item is individually wrapped and cushioned, it’s time to pack the box.
How to Load Pots and Pans in the Box:
- Start with the heaviest items (like large pots) at the bottom of the box. This helps prevent the box from tipping over.
- Place lighter items (like lids or smaller pans) on top to keep everything balanced.
- Fill in any gaps with extra padding to keep the cookware from shifting inside the box. Use foam, towels, or bubble wrap to cushion the empty spaces.
Step 6: Label the Box
Labeling your boxes is crucial for an organized and safe move. Be sure to clearly mark the box with contents and handling instructions.
How to Label Boxes Clearly:
- Write Pots and Pans on the outside so you know what’s inside.
- If the box contains fragile items, be sure to label it Fragile. This will help movers take extra care with the box during transportation.
- Also, mark which side of the box should face up, so your cookware stays in the correct position.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to pack pans for moving and the best way to pack pots and pans. With the right preparation and materials, your cookware will arrive at your new home safe and sound, ready for use!
How to Pack Cast Iron Pans for Moving

When it comes to packing pots and pans, cast iron cookware requires a little extra attention due to its weight, fragility, and potential for rusting or damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your cast iron pans stay in great shape during the move.
Prepping Cast Iron Pans
Before you even think about packing, it’s crucial to prep your cast iron pans properly. Cast iron requires more attention than other types of cookware to prevent rust and damage.
Cleaning and Seasoning Before the Move: Before packing, make sure to thoroughly clean your cast iron pans. Use mild soap and water, and avoid soaking them for long periods. After cleaning, dry them completely and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to season the pans. This will help prevent rust while they’re in storage or transit.
Why Cast Iron Needs Extra Attention When Packing: Cast iron is heavy and prone to chipping or scratching, so it requires extra care when packing. It’s important to use sufficient padding and ensure the cookware is protected from any impacts or pressure that could cause cracks.
Step 1: Use Extra Protection
When packing cast iron pans, you’ll want to wrap them in extra layers of protection to keep them safe during the move.
Wrapping in Layers of Packing Paper, Bubble Wrap, or Cloth: Start by wrapping your cast iron cookware in packing paper. This will create a soft cushion that prevents surface scratches. For additional protection, wrap the pans in bubble wrap. You can even use dish towels or cloth as an alternative or additional layer. These materials provide soft cushioning that protects against bumps and impacts during the move.
Why Using Extra Padding is Key for Cast Iron: Due to the weight and brittleness of cast iron, any hard impact could cause cracks or chips. Extra padding ensures the cookware doesn’t hit any other objects too hard and helps absorb the shock of any accidental drops or bumps.
Step 2: Consider Using a Sturdy Box or Custom Crate
Because cast iron is so heavy and durable, it’s essential to pack it in a strong box or, ideally, a custom crate.
Why a Stronger Box or Custom Crate is Ideal: Opt for a box with double walls or even custom crates if possible. Regular moving boxes may not provide enough support for heavy cast iron pans, potentially causing them to collapse or get damaged during transit. If you’re moving a very large or expensive cast iron piece, investing in a custom crate might be a worthwhile option for the best protection.
Step 3: Prevent Scratching and Chipping
Cast iron pans are prone to scratching and chipping, especially if they come into direct contact with other cookware during the move.
How to Prevent Scratching or Chipping: To prevent damage, ensure that each pan is individually wrapped in layers of bubble wrap or cloth. This creates a barrier between the pans and other items in the box. If you’re packing multiple pans in one box, separate them with cardboard dividers or rolled-up dish towels to prevent them from touching.
Packing Lids and Handles Separately: If your cast iron pans have removable lids or handles, it’s best to pack these separately in plastic bags or small boxes. This prevents them from scratching or damaging the pans themselves, and you won’t risk losing any small pieces.
Step 4: Label and Handle with Care
Proper labeling and careful handling are essential when it comes to moving heavy cookware like cast iron.
Labeling Boxes with Fragile or Heavy: Clearly label each box containing cast iron cookware with fragile and heavy stickers to indicate the weight and delicate nature of the contents. This alerts movers to take extra care when handling these boxes. Additionally, mark the boxes with This Side Up to ensure they are stored correctly.
Tips for Safe Loading and Unloading of Cast Iron Cookware: When loading boxes with cast iron pans, always place the heaviest boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes on top. When unloading, ensure that each box is handled gently and placed carefully to avoid dropping or knocking over any items. Ask for help if necessary, as cast iron can be quite heavy and unwieldy. For safe Loading and unloading service trust no other than Chamomile Go.
Tips for Packing Specialty Cookware

Specialty cookware, such as pressure cookers, copper or ceramic pans, and non-stick pans, need specific handling when packing because of their special materials and parts. Here’s how to protect your delicate cookware during the move, ensuring everything arrives in great condition.
Non-Stick Pans
Special Considerations for Non-Stick Cookware: Non-stick cookware is incredibly popular for its ease of use and cleaning, but it requires extra attention when packing to avoid damaging the coating. The non-stick surface can be scratched easily, which will reduce its effectiveness and potentially cause food to stick.
How to Avoid Damaging the Coating During Transit:
- Wrap Each Pan Individually: Start by wrapping each non-stick pan in packing paper to provide a layer of protection. Follow up with bubble wrap for extra cushioning. This helps protect the non-stick coating from any scratches or abrasions during the move.
- Use Cardboard Dividers: If you’re packing multiple non-stick pans in one box, place cardboard dividers between each one to keep them separated and prevent friction. You can also use dish towels as a buffer between pans.
- Avoid Taping Directly to the Surface: Never tape bubble wrap or paper directly onto the cooking surface. Instead, use packing tape only on the exterior of the wrap. Adhesive can leave marks or even damage the non-stick coating.
Copper or Ceramic Pans
Extra Care When Packing Delicate Materials: Copper and ceramic pans are more delicate than many other types of cookware. They can dent, chip, or discolor easily, especially when exposed to rough handling.
Preventing Dents or Discoloration:
- Wrap with Extra Padding: For copper pans, wrap each pan in packing paper, followed by bubble wrap. The extra layers of protection will help absorb shocks and prevent dents. You can also use cloth or dish towels for an additional layer of cushioning.
- Separate Lids and Handles: If the cookware has detachable parts like lids or handles, pack them separately in plastic bags or small boxes to prevent scratching or denting the copper surface.
- Use a Sturdy Box: Copper pans can be heavy, so make sure to pack them in a sturdy box that can withstand the weight. It’s always better to over-pack than risk a crushed box.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: During the move, ensure that the cookware is not exposed to extreme heat or cold, as this can affect the finish or cause discoloration in ceramic cookware.
Pressure Cookers or Other Multifunction Cookware
Packing Tips for Larger, Complex Items with Lids, Valves, or Handles: Pressure cookers and other multifunction cookware (like slow cookers or multi-cookers) have many components, including lids, valves, and handles, which can make packing a bit more complicated. These items require special care to ensure that all parts are packed securely.
How to Pack:
- Disassemble the Parts: If your pressure cooker has a detachable lid or removable handles, take them off before packing. Place the lids, valves, or any small parts in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. This prevents any parts from being misplaced or damaged.
- Wrap with Extra Padding: After disassembling, wrap the main unit and smaller parts in bubble wrap and then packing paper. The combination of the two materials will provide a protective cushion to avoid any accidental knocks that could damage the cookware.
- Secure Loose Components: If the cookware has a valve or pressure gauge, make sure to wrap it securely to prevent it from getting knocked around. These components can be fragile, so treat them with extra care.
- Pack in a Sturdy Box: Because of the weight and complexity of pressure cookers and other multifunction cookware, use a strong, sturdy box. Fill any gaps with foam, air pillows, or dish towels to prevent movement during transport.
Final Thoughts on Packing Pots and Pans for a Move
When packing pans for a move, it’s important to ensure they’re well-protected to avoid any damage during transit. Start by wrapping each pan in bubble wrap or packing paper, making sure to cover the handles and edges. For extra protection, place them inside a sturdy box with crumpled paper or foam padding at the bottom and around the sides. If you’re packing a set, stack them with a layer of padding between each piece to keep them from scratching. At Chamomile Go, we understand the importance of a smooth move, so trust us to provide all the packing materials you need. Ready to pack with ease? Contact Chamomile Go today and get everything you need for your move!
FAQs
What’s The Best Way To Wrap Pots And Pans For Moving?
The best way to wrap pots and pans is to use bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure to cover all parts, especially the handles and edges, to prevent scratches or dents during the move.
Should I Stack Pots And Pans When Packing?
Yes, stacking pots and pans is a good method, but be sure to place a layer of bubble wrap or packing paper between each piece to avoid scratching. Use a sturdy box to prevent them from shifting during transport.
How Can I Protect The Handles Of My Pots And Pans?
To protect the handles, wrap them individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. For added protection, consider filling the box with extra padding or crumpled paper around the handles to keep them secure.
Can I Pack Pots And Pans In The Same Box As Other Kitchen Items?
It’s best to pack pots and pans separately from fragile items like glasses or dishes. Use a dedicated box for your cookware to prevent any damage and ensure they have enough padding.
How Do I Pack Non-Stick Pans To Avoid Damage?
For non-stick pans, avoid using sharp objects or heavy pressure when packing. Wrap them gently with soft packing material like bubble wrap or foam sheets to prevent scratching the coating.
How Do I Pack Large Pots And Pans?
For large pots and pans, ensure the box is big enough to accommodate them with enough padding on all sides. You may need to place crumpled paper at the bottom, around the sides, and between the pieces to keep them secure.