The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in some family homes. From waking up in the morning and making breakfast to sitting down after a long day at work and spending time with the family, you have countless hours in the kitchen with your loved ones and making delicious meals. Alright, they may not all be delicious, and that’s okay! We do know that you’ve likely spent a lot of time buying appliances, cutlery, and dishes that fit your home, style, and familial needs.
When it comes time to move to a new home, you want to make sure that your things are easy to unpack, don’t break during transportation, and function properly when you get to your new place. Today we’ll tell you how to pack your kitchen for a seamless move and easy unpacking.
Get the right supplies
Starting the packing process with the right supplies is crucial for an easy move. You’ll need the following supplies before getting started:
Boxes. Need to be sturdy and can be entirely sealed with tape or by folding top flaps.
Packing paper, otherwise known as soft, clean material to fold and cushion around your items.
Spill-proof plastic bags. Various sizes for various items.
Packing tape. Getting proper packing tape makes all the difference during a move.
Markers. Any non-toxic marker that will be visible to label your boxes.
Packing Dishes
For all dishes, start with a box that has been appropriately taped to prevent breakage. We’ve all seen the aftermath of someone putting the expensive plates in the box and the bottom opening on them: funny in the movies, not so funny in real life.
We’ll use “packing paper” interchangeably with cloth, newspaper, towels, pillowcases, etc. If you don’t want the added expense of packing paper and feel like you have enough “soft stuff” to keep your dishes safe, use them!
Plates: use several sheets or layers of soft stuff, and wrap starting from the corner and then diagonally across the dish. Tuck the overlap until the dish is fully protected, and there isn’t excess packing paper/soft stuff. Plates should always be placed on their edges, and never flat. Counter to popular belief, this prevents the dishes from cracking from weight or box pressure.
Bowls: use packing paper/soft stuff and wrap around the bowl. Place any lids upside on the bowl and then put an extra layer of packing material around the two together.
Vases, pitchers, and oddly shaped items: Protect handles by wrapping packing material around and double wrap the rest of the article. The key is providing extra layers of cushion to prevent fragile or unique items from breaking in the box.
Cups: Wrap individually. Place them upside in the box, after using extra layers or packing paper/soft stuff to protect any handles or stems.
Utensils: Don’t pack any wet utensils. Wrap them in bundles, in washcloths or soft, strong material. Keep like items together. If you still have the utensil tray, keep them in their spots after wrapping them in the packing material, then wrap that with packing paper and secure with tape. This process keeps your pieces together and makes it much easier when unpacking.
Mark your box with “FRAGILE” on the top and sides and label it “Kitchen - Dishes.” Voila!
Packing Cookware & Small Appliances
Small kitchen appliances like toasters, coffee makers, hot plates, etc. should all be packed and wrapped individually. It will keep all the items together, and help from damage during the move. Use crushed paper inside the boxes. Label each item individually and keep high use items more accessible than things like the fondue set, or items you don’t use as often.
Similarly to dishes, pack cookware separately using clean packing paper. Fold the packing paper or cloth around pots and pans and nest the items that fit into each other. In each box, put down your packing materials as a buffer in the box and neatly try to fit the cookware into the box.
Packing Food
Perishable foods shouldn’t be moved unless you can keep them at their required temperature, i.e., a freezer coming with you filled with ice, and it’s a short move. Otherwise, try to use anything perishable before the move.
Dried foods and pantry items can easily be packed in boxes and sealed with packing tape—place liquids in non-spill, sealable bags to prevent spillage during the move. Wrap them in towels or paper towels to avoid anything from ripping on the way.
Packing your kitchen doesn’t need to be a hassle; it can be quite fun and make your life much easier when done right. We hope these tips were helpful to you for your upcoming move!
Aardvark Movers Inc. is a reliable name whether you need packing services, piano moving, or load or unload services. Call today to learn more about our hourly moving rates.
