How to Pack Your Kitchen for Your Big Move
One of the hardest and most strenuous rooms to pack is your kitchen. Kitchens usually have the most stuff that needs to be packed in moving boxes, wrapped in packing paper and/or bubble wrap, and labeled. Here at Cheap Cheap Moving Boxes, we can break it down into five easy steps which will make the packing of your kitchen a lot easier.
Step 1: How to Get Organized
Just think of the Bob the Builder saying, measure twice, cut once. If we translate this over to moving, the more you plan the easier your kitchen will be to pack, and the less likely you are to waste time during your move.
Decide Essentials
You are going to want to keep some everyday items available while you are packing your kitchen and the rest of your house. You will want to keep a couple of plates, bowls, utensils, and spices so that you will be able to cook or just prepare a sandwich while the rest of your kitchen is packed away.
Plan Out Meals
Plan out your meals with what you have on hand in your pantry and cupboards. It is easy to forget about all the food you will need to either pack or throw away. You will be able to save on packing space if you use what you already have. If done right, most of the perishable foods will be gone and used by moving day. If you still have a lot of food by moving day and do not want to pack anymore, think about donating it to your local homeless shelter or food pantries.
Packing Supplies
Making sure that you have the right moving supplies and packing materials is key to packing your kitchen. Remember you will be packing away glasses, plates, bowls, and your pots and pans. If you purchase the right supplies, you will be saving yourself from stress. Also, make sure to get rid of any broken dishes, Tupperware that are missing lids, items that have lost other pieces, and do not spend any money on new items until you are in your new home.
Here is a brief list of moving supplies you should have:
Step 2: How to Pack Dishes
When packing your dishes, it is helpful to
- Make sure you have plenty of space you wrap each dish in packing paper.
- Pad the top, bottom and sides of the moving box.
- Create bundles of up to 5 dishes.
- Use plenty of caution with fragile items.
Clear Space
Gather all you packing supplies and clear off either your kitchen table or clear off some counter space. You will want to have a flat surface and plenty of room to wrap your dishes.
Create Bundles
For your sturdier dishes you will want to pack them in bundles of no more than 5. Start by placing a dish in the middle of a piece of packing paper and fold the corners inward to the middle of the dish. Repeat the process for the other 4 dishes. Once you have your bundle of five dishes, place them vertically in your kitchen box.
Step 3: How to Pack Glassware
The last thing you want is to open your box of glassware and you find a lot of them broken. If you pack the box correctly this is something that you will not need to worry about.
Wrapping Glasses
Take a piece of crumpled up packing paper and place it into your glasses. Then you will want to wrap each glass in bubble wrap. Make sure the bubbles are facing the glasses as you wrap them. Pad the inside of the box with bubble wrap as well.
Wrapping Wine Glasses
You will want to wrap them in the same way as other glasses, but also wrap the bottom of the base of the wine glass with a smaller piece of bubble wrap.
Step 4: Packing Pots and Pans
Clean Pots and Pans
Make sure to wash your them. Even if you have just pulled them out of the cupboard. Dust can accumulate and once they are wrapped, this dust can cause scratches on the surfaces.
Nesting Method
Place smaller pots inside larger ones, also place a sheet of packing paper between each pot or pan. Continue this process until you have 3 or 4 layers. Wrap all lids individually if you are going to use the nesting process. If the lids are breakable, wrap them just like you would your plates.
Pantry Items
In the empty pots and pans you can place items from your pantry into them such as rice, beans, and spices. This will help you fill in the extra space and you will need less boxes to pack your pantry.
Step 5: Packing Knives
Knives can cause accidental injuries when moving. Make sure to stay safe and follow these packing tips.
Do not Mix with Other Items
Plan on using a small box just for your knives. This will ensure that they will not poke through any containers and possibly having liquid escape them. Treat knives like misbehaving children, they need a time-out form all the others.
Use a Towel.
Use a hand towel to wrap up to four knives. Place all the knives in the towel and have the blades of all of them facing the same direction. Roll the towel from the bottom and placing a layer of cushion between each blade. Fold over sided to protect your hands and the inside of the box.
Label Blade Direction
Once your knives are wrapped in the towel, wrap them in a piece or two of packing paper. On the outside use a marker to show the direction of the blades. Also write knives on the paper as well. This will ensure the safety of whoever will be unpacking them.
BONUS TIP: Packing Kitchen Appliances
Your kitchen is not just compiled of all the items we have tips for above, but you no kitchen is finished without appliances like your microwave or coffee maker.
Large Kitchen Appliances
Your larger kitchen appliances like your stove and refrigerator need some special attention when it comes to moving. Stoves can have a lot of pieces that need to remove before you move it. Detach and remove knobs, coils, and the racks. If you have a gas stove, make sure to turn off the gas before you disconnect the stove.
When it comes to your fridge, follow these steps:
- Clean it.
- Defrost it.
- Follow user manual for disconnection.
Clean Small Appliances
Shake out any crumbles that may be in your toasters. Wipe down the rotating tray in your microwave and wrap separately. You do not want any unwanted critters making the journey to your new home. It also feels amazing to have a clean kitchen in your new home.