A kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack when moving. Dishes and glassware are fragile, and many items have diverse shapes and sizes. However, through planning and a step-by-step approach, you can successfully pack this room.
Sort and Simplify
The first step is to sort and separate those items you want to take from those you will give away or sell in a garage sale. A rule of thumb is that if you’ve not used it in six months, don’t move it.
Set Aside Essentials
Set aside enough dishes, cutlery, small appliances, and pots for your last two days in your old home. After everything else is packed, you’ll use these and then wash and pack them up in an essentials box to use in the first days in your new home.
Assemble Packing Materials
You’ll need moving boxes, packing tape, packing paper, cell kits, and a marker. Packing paper is better than bubble wrap because it is more flexible and takes up less space. While some people use newsprint, plain packing paper works better because it won’t transfer ink to your dishes.
And markers to label each box.
Pack Infrequently Used Items First
Start by packing those items you don’t use as frequently. These might include extra dish towels, large roasting pans, pictures, and unusual utensils such as barbecue tongs. It also will likely include fragile items such as vases, crystals, and wine glasses. Pack the fragile items carefully, wrapping them properly and inserting them into the cell kits. Indicate which boxes contain fragile things so that the movers can use caution when handling those cartons.
The artwork also requires careful handling. You can group small and medium-sized artwork, but larger pictures will need to be packed separately in a box slightly larger than the frame. If the frame has a glass covering, put tape across it in the shape of an X.
Pack Unopened Bottles
Alcohol, olive oil, vinegar, and other bottled items also can be packed early in the process. To maximize your budget, be sure that the item’s weight is worth the cost to move it. For example, a bottle of fine wine may be worth moving, but a bottle of inexpensive vinegar may not be.
Pack Drawers and Shelves
Pack drawers and shelves. If you haven’t already done so, remove those that you haven’t used and find a new home for them.
Pack Dishes
Tape the bottom of the box along the seam and then across it several times to ensure the bottom doesn’t open up.
Then start with the plates because they are the heaviest. Ball up some packing paper to create a cushion. Then wrap the plates carefully, one at a time, and put them in the box vertically (standing on their side.) Pack additional paper along the sides so that they do not move and at the top for cushioning.
After the plates, wrap the bowls individually and pack them on their sides as a second layer. Place another layer of paper on top as a cushion. Close the box.
Use cell boxes for the glasses, wrapping each one before placing it in the cell.
Pack Pots, Pans, and Pantry
Pack all but the one all-purpose pot you set aside for the essentials box. When packing your pantry, start with the spices first, then work your way to the larger items.
We Can Help Get You There
For more expert tips and a free quote, contact us. We can help with your packing, transport, unpacking, and the details in between.