Democracy Institute: How To Pack Your Kitchen During A Move

They provide packing materials, wrap delicate items correctly, label the boxes, and pack them well. You can even unpack the boxes if needed.

When moving into a new home, the kitchen is often one of the most difficult rooms to pack. You will find small, medium, and large items in your drawers, cupboards, pantries, as well as expensive items. They are all in different sizes and shapes. You may also have perishable food in your fridge, or cleaning supplies underneath the sink. These items can prove to be hazardous if they are accidentally spilled. The following guidelines will help you pack efficiently your kitchen.

You will need to pack your kitchen with the following supplies

A plan will help you organize your packing process. The first step in creating a plan is to create a list of supplies. These are the essential items that you'll need for a kitchen move:

For lightweight items such as plastic dish racks and small appliances, plastic kitchenware and baking tins and aluminum foil, five large boxes (18 x 18x24 x 24).

For heavier items, such as medium-sized appliances and pantry items, like cans of sugar and flour, pans and pots, silverware, and cookbooks, there are ten medium boxes (18x18x16).

Five large, heavy boxes measuring 18x18x28x28 inches with double walls are ideal for packaging fragile items such as wine and plates.

For fragile or small appliances and other delicate items, a bundle of 4- to 5-pound packaging paper.

You will need five to ten cells kits (18x18) which are sections of plastic or cardboard that fit inside a box. This is to protect fragile kitchen items such as glasses, stemware, and wine bottles.

Tape for packing

Use labels and markers for labeling boxes to make it easy to unpack.

Get organized in the kitchen and pack an essentials box

Planning and packing your kitchen well in advance is key to planning a successful kitchen move. You will have to keep the essential kitchen equipment you use until your move and then put them aside for when you get settled in. It is best to put your essentials in a few boxes and then grab them when you are ready. These are the most common kitchen items that you'll need to keep in your essentials box.

For every member of the family, there should be at least one plate, bowl, cup, glass, or silverware.

You will be able to eat non-perishable foods before and after your move.

A couple of saucepans

Two or three sharp knives

Multipurpose cleaners and dish soap are two examples of cleaning materials.

Dishcloths and oven mitts are also available.

Toaster and coffee maker

Microwave

Get the food ready for your move before you leave

Reduce the food that you have to throw out before you move. This can be done by creating a plan to eat all your perishable food before you move. Keep your food shopping to an absolute minimum, and buy only essential foods. You can also throw out food or condiments you no longer use. Instead of throwing away food, eat as much as you can.

You can pack wine and liquor early in the packing process. You can choose the bottles that you will be opening during the move and set aside the remainder. Glass bottles, such as cooking oils and specialty oils that have not been sealed, can also be packed early.

Don't overpack cans. They can become very heavy. You should pack cans on the bottom and lighter things on top. Dry goods that have been bagged or boxed can be damaged and can become split so don't pack them in cans. To protect your individual jars, wrap them individually in packing papers and pack them with packing chips.

Prior to your move, pack utensils and flatware

If you own cutlery, sort it into the appropriate categories and then pack them in their original containers. Keep your silverware safe by placing it in an organizer tray. Wrap a layer of stretch wrap around the top to prevent the flatware from falling apart. You can wrap flatware with an elastic band in bundles, such as cutlery and utensils. If this is not possible or you don't feel like leaving it in an organizer tray, wrap them in packing paper and place the boxes in a box similar to a shoebox.

How to pack cleaning materials and chemicals in your kitchen

Screw the caps off chemicals. Place a plastic bag on top of the bag. Tape the cap closed and place the chemicals into a bigger, sealed bag. Make sure to pack your chemicals separately in a container. Certain chemicals are not transported by some moving companies. If you hire a professional to move your items, make sure they know what is prohibited.

How to Pack Large Kitchen Appliances

To ensure that you safely unplug your appliances, read the owner's manual. Use tape or bands to secure the appliances' cords. For larger appliances, such as stoves or refrigerators, you will need tools for disassembling them. To move your appliances safely, you might need a moving cart, straps, and blankets. Some appliances may require the assistance of a gas engineer, plumber, or electrician to uninstall them safely and then install them. Unsafe situations can be created by a gas leak or flooding of the kitchen.

Prior to moving, consider selling or donating any used kitchen items.

Start the packing process with sorting, choosing, and simplifying. Take the time to go through every drawer and cupboard. You can donate items that are not needed to food banks or shelters, hold a garage sale, or hand items out to your friends and neighbors.

There are many ways to sell kitchen products. The internet makes it easy to sell your kitchen items. There are many options available, so you don't have to limit yourself to yard sales or garage sales. You can also make money online that can be used for moving expenses, new cutlery, plates sets or kitchen appliances.

First, appraise what you are selling. Consignment shops can help you with this type of task. Consignment stores are skilled at valuing items so they can take care of them. Once someone buys your goods, you will receive a percentage of that selling price. You don't have to deal directly with consignment stores. There are many online sellers. These are just a few examples.

Craigslist

Amazon Marketplace

eBay

Etsy

Although the Internet market is vast, listing your items can take time. If you own a home, a garage sale or yard sales is the most convenient option. Bartering with buyers is easy and quick. You don't have to ship items or arrange times to pick them up. You don't have to pay a listing or commission fee and all cash is yours.

Donating your kitchen equipment is another option. Most charities offer free pick-up if they have enough items, like large appliances or multiple boxes of kitchen equipment. To save time, gather all your donations together and schedule a pickup. Remember to request a voucher for donating items from the charity so you can deduct the donation from your annual taxes. These are some good donation sources to look into:

Goodwill

Habitat for Humanity

Salvation Army

Your Kitchen Items' Packing Order

After you've sorted and sorted all the items, go ahead with the packing.

You can pack kitchen supplies that you don't use often. You should start by packing those items that you don't use every day in your drawers and cupboards.

Start with the messiest drawers.

Use cell boxes to pack your dishes and glasses in the kitchen.

Make sure to pack the pots and pans for your kitchen.

Prepare large appliances properly for the move. This should be done at least 24 hours before your move. Incorrect preparation could lead to gas leaks and broken parts. Appliances that don't function can also be caused by improper preparation. If you are unsure how to prepare the appliances, consult a professional.

Cook books should be packed flat so that spines are not bent. The books should be placed in boxes according to your preference. Keep the most frequently used books on the top. You should not place more than 2 layers of books in a box. Fill the remainder of the container with light kitchen products.

Additional Things You Need to Keep in Mind When Packing Your Kitchen

These are other important things you should keep in mind when packing your kitchen.

Wrap sharp knives in cardboard or place them in holders.

You can prevent your utensils from getting bent or broken. Wrap them securely on top of heavier items and not beneath them.

Use plenty of tape to secure the boxes' bottoms. Tape your boxes along their sides and middle seams. If the boxes are very heavy you may need to use twice as much tape.

Line fragile boxes with bubble wrap, packing popcorn, or packing paper to protect them.

Avoid allowing fragile objects to scratch the boxes' inner walls. Instead, cushion the cardboard with padding.

To protect individual items, wrap them in paper.

Combine like-sized pieces such as bowls and flatware.

Wrap fragile items with dish towels

Place small objects in food storage containers.

You can fill the spaces between your boxes and packing popcorn, packing papers, or bubble wrap.

Any boxes containing breakables should be marked with "Fragile"

Avoid packing boxes too heavy to move or lift.

Label your boxes clearly so that you can easily identify what items to pack.

Royal can help you with all aspects of your move. Royal can help with local, long-distance, or commercial moves. Royal also offers plastic container rentals for moving, which are delivered before and picked up after the job is completed. They also offer storage and labor-only services. All labor costs are covered by one hourly, fair rate.

Here are some reasons to hire a professional for packing all your possessions.

It is worth it to reduce your stress. The pros will pack while you focus on what is important, such as transferring utilities and keeping your normal home schedule.

Professional packers know how to safely pack fragile items, small and large.

Professional packers are experts in packing. They have access to the most effective materials and knowledge about how to use them. These packing professionals are experts in foam cushioning and bubble wrap as well as furniture covers and packing paper. They also have the knowledge and expertise to pack boxes and special containers, such as wardrobe boxes, glass, plate divider inserts, and other sizes.

You might prefer to let professionals do the packing.

When moving into a new home, the kitchen is often one of the most difficult rooms to pack. You will find a small, medium, and large items in your drawers, cupboards, pantries, as well as expensive items. They are all in different sizes and shapes. You may also have perishable food in your fridge, or cleaning supplies underneath the sink. These items can prove to be hazardous if they are accidentally spilled. The following guidelines will help you pack efficiently your kitchen.