Published: December 01, 2023

How to Pack Knives for a Move: A Guide to Safe and Efficient Packing

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to packing fragile and potentially dangerous items like knives. Whether you have a small collection of kitchen knives or a set of valuable, specialized blades, it’s crucial to pack them safely to avoid damage to your belongings and ensure the safety of everyone involved in the move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to pack knives for moving securely and efficiently.

1. Gather Your Supplies:

Before you begin packing your knives, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Knife guards or blade protectors
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• A sturdy cardboard box or a dedicated knife box
• Permanent marker

2. Clean and Dry Your Knives:

Before packing up your knives, make sure they are all clean and dry. Dirty or wet knives can develop rust during the move, which can damage the blades. Wash and thoroughly dry each knife with a clean towel prior to packing.

3. Use Knife Guards or Blade Protectors:

Knife guards or blade protectors are essential for protecting the blades during the move. You can create makeshift guards using cardboard and tape. Simply cut pieces of cardboard to match the length of each blade, fold them over the sharp edge, and secure them with tape.

4. Wrap Individual Knives:

Wrap each knife individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, making sure that the entire blade and handle are covered to protect against scratches and damage. Then, secure the wrapped knives with tape to keep them safe during the move.

5. Bundle Knives Together:

If you have multiple knives, it’s a good idea to bundle them together to prevent them from shifting during transit. Use more packing paper or bubble wrap to secure the bundle, ensuring that each knife remains protected.

6. Label the Knives:

Label each bundle or individual knife with a permanent marker. Clearly indicate that the package contains knives and note whether they are sharp or fragile. This will alert you and your movers to handle them with care.

7. Choose the Right Box:

Select a sturdy cardboard box or invest in a specialized knife box if you have a valuable collection. Make sure the box is clean and free from any contaminants that might affect your knives. Once packed, label the box clearly as “Sharp Objects” for safety during transport. 

8. Pack the Knives Securely:

Place the wrapped and labeled knives in the box, arranging them in an organized manner. Fill any empty spaces with additional packing material, such as crumpled paper or bubble wrap, to prevent movement inside the box.

9. Seal the Box Properly:

Seal the box with packing tape and reinforce the corners and seams to ensure it won’t open during transit. Don’t forget to label the box as “Fragile” and “Kitchen Knives” for easy identification. Consider adding a warning label regarding sharp objects for safety purposes.

10. Transport With Care:

When moving the box containing your knives, be extra cautious. Keep it upright and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it. Communicate with anyone helping out with the move to ensure that they handle the box with care at all times.

Packing knives for a move requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure the safety of your knives and those involved in the moving process. By following these steps and using the right materials, you can relocate your knives to your new home safely and efficiently, allowing you to continue cooking up delicious meals in your new kitchen without a hitch.

For more information, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Charlotte or call us at (704) 350-2856.