A Guide to Packing the Kitchen
Packing up the kitchen before your move is one of the most daunting and least likely to be done well. Kitchens are full of irregular-shaped, fragile, and equally heavy items that pose a challenge to pack and move soundly. There are also plenty of odds and ends that seem to fill any gap of space (“junk drawer”...we know it’s there). Even for the most meticulous organizers, packing kitchen items tends to be overwhelming, especially as it also tends to be one of the last-packed rooms in a home.
With a good mix of breakables such as dishes, china, glassware, and large irregular-shaped items such as pots, pans, griddles, etc., it’s imperative they are packed well and properly.
Let’s take a look at how you can turn an otherwise frustrating experience into a simple, efficient process; all it takes is a little planning!
Get Organized
Before grabbing boxes, the first step to getting anything packed up is to make a plan for what you will take and what will bake (not literally). You can read more about deciding what to take with you. Prior to moving is a great time to make decisions about what you need and what you don’t. Over time, we tend to collect duplicates or items we rarely use which take up valuable real estate in boxes… which have to be packed, labeled, unpacked...save yourself some effort! Traditionally, the approach to decluttering was based on “what can I get rid of?”. Rather, ask yourself, “what do I need?” This is a more concise and efficient approach that will fast track the process of downsizing. Donate, sell, or gift unnecessary items in usable condition to charity, friends, or family.
Get the Packing Supplies
Heavy duty boxes are the best option for moving your kitchen items. Recycled boxes can save money and are widely available in most areas, however, they can be flimsy and lack support for heavy and breakable kitchenware. It is best to use different sizes of heavy-duty boxes. You will also need:
Packing tape (preferably heavy duty)
Packing paper or newspaper
Label markers
Specialty dividers or wine crate boxes
Plastic wrap
Rubber bands of various sizes
We provide all of these supplies and other tools and resources necessary for any kind of move. Get in touch with us about your move and what you need to safely transport your belongings.
Keep in mind that kitchens often require more supplies than you may think you need. An average family kitchen will need approximately three extra-large boxes, five to six large, eight to ten medium, and four to five small boxes. If you purchase packing paper, you may need about three to four rolls. These packing supplies listed are the basics/essentials; you may need additional supplies.
Set Aside Some Essentials
Planning your packing process with a timeline can help you get ahead with your packing game and avoid overwhelm. Set aside frequently used items for each member of the home such as a plate, cup, mug, fork/spoon. Keep aside some dish soap, a sponge, 2 dish towels and anything else you may use per-meal. Reserve a small box separately for moving day and label your kitchen/meal essentials.
Any Items such as large stock pots, crock pots, decor, and bakeware which may not be getting any present use can be packed away ahead of time.
Time to Pack!
Now that you know what you need and what you will continue to use up until moving day, it’s time to pack! If it isn’t your cup of tea, we provide packing services for your local move!
Here are some tips for packing the different kinds of kitchen items.
Breakables and Glassware
This is where specialty dividers or wine boxes come in to stabilize breakables such as glass cups and vases. These items should be wrapped in paper and placed upright, never laying on their side. Properly label “Fragile” with the contents of the box. Ensure nothing is stacked atop your fragile items as they won’t support extra weight.
Plates and Bowls
Stack plates and bowls to efficiently use space and keep them protected. Wrap each piece with a sheet of packing paper prior to placing them inside one another. Plastic wrap the stacks to keep them together and stable. Pack plates in the bottom of your box with bowls stacked on top. There will likely be space around the sides of these items in which you can pack odd items.
Utensils
Wrap utensils such as forks, spoons, and table knives, in packing paper first, securing with tape, then replace them in the drawer organizer and wrap with plastic. This ensures they stay in place and fit more securely in a box. Stack plastic, metal, or wooden serving utensils flat.
Knives
Knives should be rolled individually in packing paper and secured with tape or rubber bands. Lay them flat on their side, never facing down or up to avoid poking through the box or scratching other objects.
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be stacked within and on one another. Like Russian nesting dolls, begin stacking them largest to smallest, placing packing paper inside. Dish towels also serve this purpose well. Towels can also be packed around the pots to keep them secure. Lids can be wrapped in packing paper or dishtowels likewise and stacked atop one another.
Appliances
If you keep original boxes for appliances, kudos! This is the best option. If not, appliances should ideally be packed in their own boxes. Depending on how many appliances you have, this is where your small boxes come in. Wrap with paper or dish towels to protect them. Glass fixtures such as blenders should be packed inside and wrapped with paper or towels. If you have larger appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, or microwaves, ensure all doors are secure, tied down, and all hoses removed as well as cords wrapped. We provide specialty packing of large appliances to keep them protected and efficiently transported.
Food Items
What you haven’t eaten down prior to your move can be packed away in boxes and reusable bags, or recycled grocery bags placed in boxes. Begin with discarding any expired food.
Start with your cabinets, particularly the spice cabinet. Wrap your glass containers with paper and stack them upright. Lightweight boxed items such as tea or cereal boxes can be placed on top. You can also place spice containers atop canned goods which should be placed upright in small to medium sized boxes. Avoid packing heavier items like cans or jars in large boxes so it doesn’t get too heavy. Ensure dry good bags and boxes are well-sealed with tape or rubber bands.
Once the fridge and pantry are packed, pack fridge and freezer items into a cooler the day of your move. Depending on the distance of your move, consider giving these items to friends, family, or the local food bank if they are unopened. Some food banks will take your produce and unopened perishables.
All other items
Unmentioned things such as cookbooks, magnets, baking sheets and tupperware can be packed similarly to the other items mentioned.
Labeling Boxes
Be specific with your labels and ensure boxes with breakable items are labeled “Fragile” with their contents. It is also a great practice to label boxes by room or area of the home they came from along with their contents. This way, you along with hired help know where to place the box at the new location. This will save loads of time and potential for misplacing items, causing you to move things around after your move (and who wants to do more of that!?).
Packing and moving your kitchen can be a simple process with the right supplies and good planning. It can be as simple as hiring ACE Moving Storage to get the job done too! We carry all the necessary supplies and resources to safely and efficiently pack, move, and store your kitchen items. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire us to pack and move, we will help you Ace your next move!