So you’ve scheduled a move — congratulations! But, if you’re like most people, you’re probably dreading packing up one room the most: the kitchen.
It’s not hard to see why so many people procrastinate packing up the kitchen. It’s full of oddly sized, frequently used, often-breakable and sometimes-sharp objects. Plus, once you pack up the kitchen, you’re stuck eating out until after the move.
These pro tips will help you pack your kitchen with ease.
Use Proper Packing Materials
Packing kitchen items involves a bit of planning. You’ll need to take special care with fragile and breakable items, like glassware, and pack sharp items safely.
To start, gather the following packing materials:
- Small to medium cardboard boxes
- Specialty boxes for dishes and glassware
- Clean plastic tubs
- Packing peanuts
- Bubble or foam wrap
- Packing paper or newspaper
- Packing tape
- Labels and markers
You may also want to invest in specialty packing materials, dish pack boxes, dividers, or plate foam sheets. Always label your boxes on each side, indicating the contents, and write fragile for boxes with delicate items.
Clear the Shelves
Well before moving day, start editing down the amount of kitchen stuff you’ll need to move. That means eating the food you have in the freezer and pantry. The more non-perishable food you can use, the less you’ll have to pack and move. As a bonus, the more perishable food you use less food waste you will have.
Once you’ve reduced the amount of food in the freezer, fridge, and shelves, review the contents of your cupboards and drawers. Categorize your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash.” Why pay to move it if you don’t need or want something? So if you’ve got three spatulas, give one to a friend, donate one to a charity and pack one for the move.
Practice Packing Safety
When packing kitchen items, keep safety at the forefront. That means wrapping knives and sharp objects securely. Use multiple layers of paper, foam, and bubble wrap to prevent breaking glass or ceramics.
As for choosing box size, use smaller boxes to keep the weight manageable. Remember: The heavier a box is, the harder it will be to lift, the more likely it is to break — and the more likely the contents will sustain damage. So try to divide heavy and light items between boxes to keep the weight manageable.
You can still find a use for those big boxes, though. They’re perfect for holding lightweight kitchen supplies like plastic tubs or hand towels.
Pro tip: When you buy small appliances, like toasters or blenders, keep the box they came in, along with packing material. Reuse the boxes when it’s time to move.
Don’t Pack Non-Allowable Items
Did you know there are some items and substances moving companies can’t move? Certain chemicals and solvents are on the non-allowable list, and you can find many in the kitchen.
Your moving company will provide you with a specific list of restricted items. Here are some things that might be on that list.
- Household cleaning products
- Corrosives or poisons (such as rat poison and pesticides)
- Batteries
- Fuels, including cooking fuels
- Wax candles
- Live plants
- Flammable or explosive materials
Packing a kitchen is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just be sure to gather the suitable materials and give yourself plenty of time to pack your kitchen like a pro. Contact us for help!