Packing kitchen items is arguably one of the most difficult tasks of moving. Silverware may seem the easiest to pack, and you may be tempted to toss them into a box. But this method will tarnish your silverware and damage other items (forks can scratch other belongings, and knives can cause personal injuries and tear other items).
However, there are ways to protect the silverware and other items and ensure no one gets injured.
5 Ways to Pack Silverware for Moving
To effectively pack your silverware, you should have the following materials:
- A roll of packing tape
- A permanent marker
- A stack of clean packing paper or acid-free tissue paper
- A small moving box or small carton
- Sheets of Bubble Wraps
However, it is essential to keep in mind that some packing methods require less or no packaging materials.
1. Packing Silverware in Wooden Storage Case
Wooden storage cases are the most efficient containers for moving valuable silverware like the sterling and heirlooms. This container is ideally designed for storing precious silverware used on special occasions. But it can be an excellent option for moving any type of silverware.
The containers offer enough space for storing spoons, forks, and butter knives. You can place each group of silverware in separate compartments, and it has a pull-out drawer for extra utensils.
Additionally, the wooden container is rigid enough to prevent forks and knives from damaging other items and heavy enough to stay sturdy in transit.
Even though wooden storage cases are more expensive than standard moving boxes, they can be a great addition to your new home. You don’t need extra boxes if you own one already unless your silverware exceeds the storage space. You can purchase premium silverware storage boxes on Amazon.
2. Packing Silverware in a Tray
If you use a cutlery tray, packing your silverware for a move will not be difficult. Just ensure your silverware, and the tray is neat and dry. You should:
- Place each cutlery category in its compartment and stuff the gaps with crumpled paper to ensure the flatware doesn’t shift.
- Add another layer of protection by covering the items with packaging paper.
- Wrap the tray containing the silverware with newspapers, packing papers, or wide towels. Plastic wrap is also a good alternative.
- After wrapping the tray, label either side of the wrap in a way you can identify where the items are packed. This is to prevent the silverware from falling out when unwrapping.
- Place the wrapped in a corrugated box of suitable size. You can fill up any remaining space with soft kitchen items like oven mitts and towels to immobilize the tray and optimize space.
- Secure the box with duct tape, use a marker to label it “SILVERWARE,” and indicate which side is up.
Tip: Wooden Silverware trays offer the best protection for your silvers. Bellsal Store offers top-quality wooden trays on Amazon.
3. Packing Silverware without a Tray
If you have no silverware tray, you can pack them by bundling similar items and providing adequate protection.
- Clean your silverware and make them dry with kitchen towels
- Categorize the silverware based on the size and type—salad forks, dinner forks, desserts forks, teaspoons, tablespoons, butter knives, paring knives, etc.
- Spread four layers of packing paper on a flat surface and put a set of 7-9 silverware on the edges of the packing paper.
- Roll the cutlery in the packing paper to produce a tight bundle and secure it using tape.
- Repeat the same steps for the remaining set of cutleries.
- Place the silverware bundles in a small, sturdy box;
- Fill the spaces in the box with plenty of padding to cushion the silverware bundles and prevent them from moving around.
- Seal the box firmly and label it. Don’t just write “KITCHEN/SILVERWARE.” It is advisable to add “CONTAINS SHARP OBJECTS” to serve as a warning for anyone unpacking the items.
4. Moving Silverware in Quilted Storage Bags/Chest
Quilted Storage Chests are made explicitly for moving flatware. They typically come with 5 compartments for sorting and organizing your forks, spoons, and knives.
The containers’ hard-side exterior and dividers are strong enough to keep your silverware from falling out. At the same time, the solid quilted microfiber material provides adequate padding that keeps them from tarnishing.
Additionally, this quilted storage has handles on each side to enable you to carry your stemware easily. It is strong enough to withstand up to 25 lbs.
You don’t need packing materials to pack with this container. Once your silverware is clean and dry, you can place them directly in the quilted storage chest. Besides, you can continue using this container after the move. It is perfect for Alfresco dining, picnics, and other outdoor events.
You can purchase sturdy quilted storage chests from Lafulling Store on Amazon.
5. Packing Knives in Cutlery Block
Knives are the items that pose the greatest risk among your silverware. They can damage other items and even injure the people handling them. Packing them with extra care is a “law.”
With cutlery blocks, the risk is reduced significantly. These knife holders are made from wood and other hard materials. Follow these steps to pack knives in a cutlery block.
- Clean knives and place them in a cutlery block.
- Use packing tape to secure the handles to the block.
- Wrap the block with packing paper and cover it with bubble wraps.
- Place them in a sturdy moving box alongside other wrapped bundles of stemware.
- Seal the box firmly and label it. Don’t just write “KITCHEN/SILVERWARE.” It is advisable to add “CONTAINS SHARP OBJECTS” to serve as a warning for anyone unpacking the items.
Important Tip:
When moving kitchen items, it is always helpful to start early. There is no need to wait until the last minute before you pack your silverware. These items require attention and extra care. If you’re worried about what to use for eating, you can switch to plastic cutlery a few days before moving.
