Moving to a new house or apartment is a long and tedious process, during which it is important not to lose or damage your things. The kitchen deserves special attention when packing, because not only a lot of fragile items are stored here, but also large household appliances, small gadgets, and much more. Therefore, packing things in this room should be given more time than in other rooms. In this article, we will try to answer the main questions about kitchen packing: where to start, what packing materials to use, how to properly pack dishes and appliances, as well as the importance of labeling.
What to do before you start packing
Moving is an opportunity to sort through your accumulated belongings. Get rid of unnecessary or damaged items such as a mixer that doesn’t work, chipped cups and plates, old pots and pans, and more. Go through each cupboard and drawer and be very selective. Donate unneeded items, give them to friends and neighbors, or have a garage sale. This will not only reduce the volume of things but also simplify the packing process.
Once you’ve decided which items will move to your new home, you can begin preparing the kitchen for transportation. Walk around the room and make a list of items. Prepare the packing materials in advance.
To pack your kitchen, you will need:
- sturdy cardboard boxes of various sizes
- bubble wrap
- packing paper
- plastic containers for small items
- stretch wrap
- packing peanuts
- tape, markers and stickers.
Learn more: Packing materials for moving
Packing the Kitchen
Decide in advance what items you will need for the last two days in your current home and the first two days in your new home so that you pack them last. Everything else can be packed earlier. The key is to choose the right packing materials for each item.
How to Pack Dishes
Start packing your kitchen with fragile items. Dishes such as glass and ceramic plates need to be packed with extra care. Wrap each item separately in bubble wrap or wrapping paper, and try to use multiple layers to minimize the risk of cracks or chips. Reinforce the bottom of the box. Stack the plates vertically
in the boxes to minimize stress. Pack tightly so there are no empty spaces. If there are voids, fill them with packing peanuts. Teapots, sugar bowls, sauce bowls, and cups should be packed in separate boxes. It is best not to put everything in one large box, but to use several smaller boxes and then stack them in one large box.
Learn more: Advisory on how to pack dishes
How to Pack Cutlery
Knives should be packed in cardboard covers, which you can make yourself, or use special plastic protective caps. All cutlery can be folded, wrapped in thick paper, and secured with tape. This will ensure that the items do not damage each other. Carefully place them in a plastic container with other small utensils to prevent them from getting lost during transportation.
How to pack pots and pans
Pack pots and pans by putting smaller pots into larger ones, interleaving them with paper. If you have glass lids, it is better to wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them separately in the box to avoid damage. After stacking, fill all the free space in the box with paper.
Be sure to label boxes by describing the contents and putting special icons (“fragile”, “top”, etc.). Use colored stickers for quick searches.
How to pack kitchen appliances
Appliances are an important part of the kitchen and should be packed carefully to avoid breakages.
How to pack small kitchen appliances
Small appliances such as kettles, toasters, and blenders should be packed in their original boxes if they are still in place. If not, use cardboard boxes and wrap the appliances in bubble wrap. Pack in such a way that there are no extra gaps – it should not dangle inside. This will help avoid bumps and damage,
How to pack large appliances for moving
Make sure to disconnect appliances 24 hours before the move. Before packing, empty the refrigerator of food, wash it thoroughly and let it dry completely. Then, wrap the doors and glass shelves in plastic wrap. You can also use special covers for extra protection. Be sure to secure the doors so they don’t open during transportation. Disconnect the dishwasher from the water supply in advance and dry the hose before moving. Secure any shelves or dish holders with tape or ties. Wrap the dishwasher in stretch film to protect it from scratches.
If the appliances aren’t dried properly and moisture remains, it could lead to mold and mildew during transportation, especially if the move is planned for a long distance.
Learn more:
How to pack food for moving
Before moving, sort your food (toss, keep, or give). Only keep the items you plan to eat within the next month or those that are worth the time and money to pack and transport.
Use sturdy plastic containers to pack dry foods such as canned goods, pasta, and cereals. Make sure the boxes are well sealed. Wrap glass jars in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breaking. Be sure to label boxes of food.
Hire Professional Movers
If you have many fragile items or large appliances, don’t have time to pack, or aren’t confident in your packing skills, it’s better to seek help from professionals. Consider hiring professional movers who will literally do everything for you. These services are widely available and can save you time and effort. Additionally, moving companies provide insurance, which is especially important when transporting large household appliances.
Learn more: 10 reasons to hire professional packers and movers
Moving without stress
The secret to safely transporting the contents of your kitchen is simple: pack everything carefully, label it properly, and choose reliable movers. And then in your new apartment will have no trouble unpacking your kitchen and finding the best place for all the items!