Without a doubt, packing up a kitchen can be quite a chore, and that’s why you need a moving checklist. Numerous gadgets, fragile dishware, flatware, pots and pans, and heavy appliances can make this the most challenging and time-consuming room to pack up.
Let’s explore a few kitchen packing tips to ease the transition and ensure items transport safely.
Be Selective With What You Keep
Sort through everything, taking time to pick through items you need and use. Consider having a garage sale or donating the rest to simplify packing, loading, and unpacking. You’ll thank yourself, especially if you’re downsizing to a smaller home.
Prepare With the Right Packing Materials
You’ll probably discover that you’ll need more supplies to pack the kitchen than anticipated. You will need a variety of sturdy boxes in various sizes along with:
- Packing Paper
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Peanuts
- Packing Tape
- Labels & Markers
- Box Dividers
Put Aside Essentials
If you plan on cooking meals at home before the move, keep out items you’ll need like a coffee pot, ingredients for meals, utensils, and plates for mealtime. Keep aside some dish soap, a towel, and sponge for cleaning up afterward and for last-minute cleanup before departure. These items will also be easily accessible when moving.
Pack Larger Items to Create Space
By getting the larger items like pots, pans, bakeware, mixing bowls, and storage containers out of the way, more room is created to sort the smaller kitchen goods. Nestle pots and pans, putting packing paper or dish towels between them.
Oven mitts and towels serve as excellent box stuffers to fill any gaps. Be sure to wrap glass lids or ceramic cookware and pack them in a separate box. Attempt to keep the weight minimized, and pack like items together for easier unpacking.
Tips for Packing Stemware, Glassware, Plates, and Bowls
Pack glasses and fragile stemware with care; using those specialty box dividers helps prevent breakage. Wrap individual items in packing paper or bubble wrap—stack plates and bowls on top of each other with protective paper or wrap between them. Avoid placing heavy boxes on top of glassware, and don’t attempt to overpack the boxes—even if there’s still room.
Flatware and Utensils: Pack Cautious
If you don’t have an original box to place flatware in, the drawer tray can be wrapped in plastic and put into the box. Larger serving utensils fit nicely on top, and many use large baggies or packing paper to keep things organized. Rollup knives in heavy paper and tape them securely. Pack them on their side, blades down to prevent injury when unpacking.
Transporting and Packing Foods
Attack the spices first, wrapping them in paper or baggies. Be sure to remove anything that is expired or nearly empty to lighten the load. Pack pantry items next, making sure that they are sealed up tightly before boxing them up. Consider giving your non-perishable food to neighbors, a food pantry, or Move for Hunger. Check with your mover to see if they participate in this program where their crew will pack up your unperishable food and deliver it to a food pantry.
Moving Kitchen Appliances
If refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are on the moving list, a professional mover will come in handy. Strong arms and good dolly are required, along with a moving truck with a ramp for loading. Check with your movers about appliance preparation before moving to ensure the appliances are fully ready to go when the movers arrive.
Need Moving Help?
Our pro team of movers can help you pack and move your kitchen and the whole house! Contact us today to learn more about or moving services and to receive a free quote.