How to Pack Kitchen Items for House Shifting

Start three to four days before the move with things you rarely use. Pack heavy utensils in small 5-ply boxes, wrap every plate and glass separately and stand plates on their edge, seal oils and liquids in zip bags, and use up perishables. Never pack a filled LPG cylinder with household goods: transfer the connection through your gas distributor. Keep one "first day" kitchen box with you.

The kitchen takes longer to pack than any other room, holds most of the breakables, and is the room you need working again first. Here is the order we pack it in.

When should I start packing the kitchen?

How do I pack kitchen utensils for shifting?

• Use small 5-ply cartons: steel utensils are heavy and a big box becomes unliftable.
• Nest pots and pans by size with a sheet of paper between each, and put lids in a separate stack wrapped together.
• Wrap pressure cooker lids separately and pack the gasket and whistle in a zip bag taped inside.
• Bundle ladles, spatulas and cutlery with rubber bands, and wrap knives in cardboard or a towel, points together, marked "knives".
• Put a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom and top of each box so nothing rattles.

How do I pack crockery and glasses for shifting?

1. Line a 5-ply box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap.
2. Wrap each plate separately in packing paper, then wrap three or four together in bubble wrap.
3. Stand plates on their edge, like records, not flat in a pile. On edge they take a bump far better.
4. Wrap glasses and cups one by one, stuff the inside with paper, and pack them upright, ideally in a box with cell dividers.
5. Fill every gap, close the box, shake it gently: if anything moves, add more paper.
6. Mark the box "fragile, this side up" on two sides.

Our fragile packing guide covers glass tops, mirrors and showpieces too.

How do I pack spices, oil and groceries?

• Tape lids shut on spice jars and masala boxes, then put them in zip bags. Turmeric and chilli powder stain everything they touch.
• Seal oil, ghee, sauces and pickles: tape the cap, put each bottle in a bag, and pack them upright in a box lined with plastic.
• Pack dry grains and dals in their sealed containers, with tape over the lid.
• Finish or give away perishables. Fresh food and frozen items should not go in the truck, especially on an intercity move.
• Keep cleaning liquids, phenyl and bleach out of grocery boxes, sealed and in a separate carton.

How do I pack the mixer, microwave and other appliances?

Pack each small appliance in its original box if you still have it. Otherwise:

• Mixer grinder: pack the jars separately, wrapped, with the blades facing down; wrap the motor unit and cord.
• Microwave and OTG: remove the glass turntable and racks and wrap them separately; tape the door shut over a cloth.
• Induction cooktop, toaster, kettle: clean, dry, wrap in bubble wrap, cords tied.
• Water purifier: drain the storage tank and keep it upright.

For the fridge, chimney and other large appliances, see how to shift an AC, fridge and washing machine.

How do I move the LPG cylinder and gas stove?

Do not pack a filled LPG cylinder with your household goods. Most movers will not carry one, and it should never travel shut inside a truck full of cartons.

• Moving within the same city: contact your gas distributor about transferring the connection to the distributor that serves your new address. If you keep the cylinder, it should travel empty, with the regulator removed and the safety cap fitted.
• Moving to another city: ask your distributor for a Transfer Termination Voucher (TTV) and surrender the cylinder and regulator there. You present the TTV to a distributor in the new city to restart the connection.
• Piped gas: request disconnection from your gas company before the move, and reconnection and a leak test at the new home.
• Gas stove: clean it, remove the burner caps and pan supports, wrap them separately, and pack the stove flat with padding on the knobs.

Our address change guide covers moving your gas connection, electricity and internet in Mumbai.

What should go in the first-day kitchen box?

Pack one box that travels with you, not in the truck:

• A kettle or small pan, two plates, two glasses, cups and cutlery for each person
• Tea, coffee, sugar, a few snacks and drinking water
• A knife, a scissors, a lighter or matchbox
• Dish soap, a sponge, a cloth and garbage bags
• Any medicines that need to stay cool, in an insulated bag

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Indian oil marketing companies’ guidance on LPG connection transfer and the Transfer Termination Voucher, available from your gas distributor
• Multishift packing and unpacking page, checked 16 October 2026