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August 29, 2024

Get Ready to Pack Up Your Kitchen for Your Household Move

One of the trickiest aspects of moving is packing your kitchen. Careful planning is crucial for packing a range of items, from small appliances to fragile dishes. Here’s how to tackle packing your kitchen efficiently and safely for your residential move.

Declutter First

Sort Through Your Items

Start by decluttering your kitchen. Review each cabinet, drawer, and pantry shelf to identify items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will help streamline your move and ensure you only take what you truly need.

Minimize Duplicates

Kitchens often have duplicate items like extra spatulas or mixing bowls. Reduce the clutter by only keeping what you use regularly. This makes packing more manageable and reduces your load.

Check Expiration Dates

Review the expiration dates on food items, spices, canned goods, and condiments. Dispose of anything expired or near expiry to minimize what you must pack and avoid potential health issues.

Packing Small Appliances

Clean and Dry

Before packing, ensure all small appliances—blenders, toasters, coffee makers—are clean and dry. Residual food or moisture can cause odors or mold during transit.

Disassemble if Possible

Disassemble any appliance to save space and protect delicate parts if you can. Protect each part with bubble wrap or paper.

Use Original Boxes

Use the original packaging that came with your appliances if you still have them. They offer the best fit and protection. If not, use sturdy moving boxes with ample padding.

Label and Secure

Clearly label each box with its contents and mark it as “fragile” if needed—secure cords and accessories in a plastic bag within the box to keep everything organized.

Packing Pots and Pans

Stack Efficiently

Stack pots and pans efficiently by placing smaller ones inside larger ones. Use packing paper or dish towels between each item to prevent scratches.

Protect Handles and Lids

To avoid damage, wrap handles with packing paper or bubble wrap. Pack lids separately, either upright along the box’s side or wrapped in paper within the same box.

Use Sturdy Boxes

Use strong boxes for pots and pans, and reinforce the bottoms with extra tape. Consider smaller boxes to prevent overloading and potential collapse.

Packing Dishes and Glassware

Use Dish Packing Kits

Dish packing kits with boxes and dividers are ideal for packing fragile items. If unavailable, use regular boxes with added padding.

Wrap Each Item

Wrap each dish and glass in packing paper or bubble wrap. Ensure delicate items like wine glasses and china are well-cushioned.

Pack Vertically

Place plates and bowls vertically in boxes, similar to storing records. This method reduces breakage and keeps items secure.

Fill Empty Spaces

Fill gaps in the moving cartons with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting. This cushioning protects your fragile items from damage.

Packing Utensils and Miscellaneous Items

Use Utensil Trays

Wrap utensil trays in plastic wrap to keep everything organized and pack them in a box. This helps group utensils together for easier unpacking.

Bundle Utensils

For loose utensils, bundle them with rubber bands or twist ties and wrap them in packing paper. This prevents tangling and damage.

Pack Sharp Items Safely

Wrap knives and other sharp items in dish towels or bubble wrap and secure with rubber bands. Place these in a separate box labeled “sharp” for safety.

Final Tips

Label Boxes

The label should indicate the contents of each box and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking in your new kitchen quicker and more straightforward.

Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a box with basic utensils, dishes, and small appliances, like a coffee maker, for immediate use. This will ensure you have what you need on your first day in the new home.