Packing Your Kitchen

Packing your kitchen doesn’t need to be a daunting task. If you know what to do, and you are fully prepared, you can get your kitchen securely packed in just under a weekend. Below are some tips that will help you properly pack common items found in most kitchens.

• Appliances: If you’re still lucky enough to have the original boxes to your appliances, make sure to use them. If you don’t, you’ll need high quality, medium-sized packing boxes (available through most high-quality moving companies). Before packing the appliance, make sure it has been fully cleaned and dried. Remove smaller parts and fragile items, such as glass mixing bowls, etc. Track down the owner’s manual and tape it to the front of the appliance. This will make assembly when you arrive in your new home much easier. Finally, wrap small and fragile pieces in bubble wrap and use a thick layer of packing paper to wrap the metal or plastic pieces. Put the appliance in the box first and stack the lighter, smaller pieces on top.
• Dinnerware: Start by placing two layers of bubble wrap or packing paper on the bottom of the box. Wrap each piece of dinnerware with a thin layer of packing paper and stack them one at a time in the box, adding an extra layer of bubble wrap or paper in between every three dishes. Use a good layer of bubble wrap to protect extremely fragile items such as coffee mugs and wine glasses.
• Silverware: Start by sorting your silverware according to type. Wrap each type with a rubber band. Finally, place all of the silverware in an appropriate sized moving box and tape closed with packing tape.
• Pots and Pans: To find the right box for your pots and pans, grab your biggest pan and place it into a box both horizontally and diagonally. If you can close the lid securely, the box will work. If not, try a larger box. Once you find the right size, stack your pots and place them in the box. Once the boxes are in, wrap glass lids with thin packing paper and place them underneath the handles of the pans.
• Packing Food: Packing is a great time to unclutter your pantry. Sort through the items there and toss out anything past the expiration date. Any food that’s useable but that you don’t want can be donated to a local food bank. For the food you want to keep, use tote bags to carry it to your new place. It’s important to remember that most movers will not carry food items, so it will be your responsibility to transport them.

How did you handling packing your kitchen? Feel free to drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you.