Tips for Packing Pots and Pans

By Stephen Davis
Special to VanLines.com

Roughly speaking, packing pots and pans isnt really difficult. What could possibly damage a sturdy metal utensil during a decent move? Well, the reality is anything can happen during the moving process, which can often cause dents in a seemingly sturdy pot. In order to make sure your items are secure you will have to pack them properly. Here's how:

Youll need some packing paper or newspaper, moving boxes and some tape. Styrofoam packing peanuts can also help if you have some.

Prepare the box by securing the bottom flaps using packing tape on the outside. Roll some packing paper into balls (not too tight) and cushion the bottom of the box.

Place all your utensils on a clean work top. Separate the pots and pans into groups that are similar. The idea is to stack similar pots in columns of three with the smallest at the top and largest at the bottom.

The black inside of the pots is lined with Teflon. The layer prevents food from sticking to the pot surface. Scratches on this layer can reduce this non-stick effect. To preserve this layer, we will use sheets of packing paper between pots.

The procedure is as follows:
  • Place a large sheet and put the largest pot among the three upright on it.

  • Place another sheet over the pot. This sheet should be slightly larger than the pots circumference.

  • Tuck the sheet in nicely so the bottom and inside edges are covered.

  • Place the second pot into the first one and gently ease it in.

  • Secure the inside using a sheet of paper as before.

  • Place the third pot on the top and ease it in.

  • Fill the inside of the top pot with crumpled paper.

Once this is done, turn the tower upside down on the large packing sheet and fold it upward. Turn the tower right way up and place it on another large sheet and fold the sheet up the tower. Repeat this folding till the layer is two to three sheets thick. Secure the sheets in place using packing tape.

If you have some odd utensils remaining, frying pans for example, pack them by separately using packing paper. Some utensils like woks have edges that can dent easily. To protect these edges, fold pieces of packing paper into thick rectangles and tape the rectangles over the edges.

When all your pots and pans are ready, start placing them in the box.

The towers go first. Place them on their sides inside the box. A normal box can usually accommodate three towers abreast.

Use a layer of crumpled packing paper as cushioning between individual towers. This will help prevent them from clanking together and reduce stress that may spoil their circular shape.

If there is space left at the top, use that for smaller metal utensils. Always remember to mark the direction in which the box must be placed using a “This way up” sign.