When it comes to moving, most people focus on the obvious: their bulky appliances and delicate dishware. It’s easy to remember to carefully box up your microwave or wrap your wine glasses in bubble wrap. Utensils? They usually get tossed in a box without much thought. After all, most are built to handle some wear and tear. But kitchen knives are in a category of their own.

A high-quality chef’s knife isn’t just another tool. It’s an essential part of your kitchen and, in many cases, a serious investment. If not packed properly, knives can get dangerously dull or damaged in transit. Dull blades aren’t just frustrating, they’re more hazardous to use, since they require more pressure and become more likely to slip, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

To protect your knives (and your fingers), here’s how to pack them the right way so they arrive sharp, safe and ready to slice. For more moving tips, see how to make extra cash selling unwanted items before you move and tips and tricks for first-time movers.

Gather tools for packing your kitchen knives

First things first. You’ll need to collect the supplies you need to pack your knives safely:

• Tape
• Newspaper or packing paper
• A marker or pen for labeling

Group your knives by type before packing

Take the time to pack your knives properly. Believe me, it’s worth the effort. Avoid bundling your steak knives, butcher knives and chef’s knives together in one wrap. Instead, group them by size and type before packing. This not only makes wrapping safer and more organized, but also makes unpacking easier, so you’ll know where each knife belongs when you settle into your new kitchen.

Wrap your knives to prevent damage

The right way to wrap your kitchen knives can prevent damage during a move.

Here’s how to do it. Place two or three sheets of packing paper on a flat surface. Then place one knife on an angle near a corner of the sheet. There should be enough room between the corner of the sheet and your knife for proper wrapping.

Start by rolling the sheet from the corner and wrapping the first knife fully. Once the first knife is covered, place the second knife next to it, with the blade pointing in the opposite direction from the first. Repeat until the sheet is completely rolled up, then secure it with tape. Label the wrapped paper so that anyone unpacking the knives knows to be careful and can quickly find the type of knife they’re searching for.

For additional cushioning, you can cover the whole package with bubble wrap. After your knives have been wrapped, place them in a moving box.

Or just wrap your entire knife block

If you store your knives in a wooden block and want a quicker packing option, there’s a simple solution: Wrap the entire block in shrink wrap. It’s fast, easy and keeps everything contained with no need to wrap each knife individually.

Keep in mind, however, that this method doesn’t offer the same level of protection as wrapping knives one by one. In fact, one common downside of knife blocks is that the wooden slots can gradually dull the blades over time. Still, it’s a convenient option. Once you peel off the shrink wrap at your new place, your knives are ready to use, no extra unpacking required.

For even more moving tips, learn about the best moving companies of 2025 and where to find free cardboard boxes.