How to Pack Small Appliances

Protecting small appliances when moving

Air fryers, blenders, coffee makers and other similar gadgets are often the true powerhouses in kitchens. While these small appliances were designed to make our lives easier, packing them can feel challenging — especially for long-distance moves.

Luckily, U-Pack® moving experts have compiled professional packing tips along with specialized guides for packing and moving specific types of items in your home. Let’s review how to keep your small appliances safe while relocating, no matter how far the journey!

Step-by-step guide for packing small appliances

Here’s what you need to do to protect your small appliances during a move:

1. Gather supplies

To properly pack appliances, you’ll need these supplies:

• Bubble Wrap® or foam wrap
• Cord wraps or twist ties
• Moving boxes (all sizes) or original appliance boxes
• Packing paper and paper padding
• Packing tape
• Permanent marker for labeling
• Zipper-top bags

2. Clean and disassemble appliances

Wipe down all appliances — inside and out — and ensure they’re clean and dry. Don’t forget to empty crumbs from toasters and air fryers. 

Remove any parts you can, such as:

• blender blades and pitchers
• coffee pots
• cords
• microwave turntables
• shelves 

3. Prepare boxes

If you have the original boxes and packing material for your appliances, those are ideal for moving. However, you can also use a sturdy moving box. Choose a box slightly larger than the appliance and reinforce the bottom with extra packing tape. Line the bottom with crushed packing paper.

4. Wrap appliances

Use paper padding to wrap large, heavy appliances like microwaves and toaster ovens. Wrap the item like a present and secure the padding with packing tape.

Use Bubble Wrap® or foam wrap to cover ceramic or glass parts, like blender pitchers, coffee pots and crock pot inserts. It’s best to pack these items separately. If you must pack several things in one box, make sure there are layers to protect each item.

Secure cords using wraps or packing tape. If the cord can be removed, pack it separately in a zipper-top bag. You can pack the cords in the same box with the appliance to avoid losing them. 

Learn more about moving refrigerators and washers/dryers.

5. Pack, seal and label boxes

Center the wrapped appliances in your prepared box. Fill in the gaps with crushed packing paper or paper padding. Make sure the appliance doesn’t move when you give the closed box a gentle shake. If things shift, add more paper to secure your item. It’s best to keep each package below 40 pounds, if possible, to avoid injury when lifting boxes.

Seal the box with packing tape. Label it with the contents, mark it “Fragile” and indicate the correct side up. When loading moving equipment, place heavier packages on the bottom and lighter ones on top.