Of all the rooms that need to get packed when you’re moving, the kitchen is easily the most difficult. In addition to there just being a whole lot of stuff that has to get packed up, many of the items are irregularly shaped and/or fragile, plus there tends to be an overwhelming amount of odds and ends that can throw off even the most organized of packers. Heading into your kitchen without a plan is up there with the major moving mistakes, but with a bit of foresight and ingenuity you can simplify the kitchen packing process and tackle it like a pro. Here’s how to pack some of those tricky kitchen items without losing your mind.
China, Glassware & Silverware
Moving company packers use a dish pack — an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction— for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are available, you might want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company. Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons, “FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP.”
Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack. Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.
Bowls & Oddly-shaped Items
Depending on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates. Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims. Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on top of the bowl. Then, wrap both together in clean paper, followed by an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper and then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls, cream pitchers, sauce containers and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete the layer as for plates.
Cups
Even when using a dish pack and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down. If not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.
Small Appliances
Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper. Small clocks, radios, and similar items can be packed in the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage items. Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box. Remember to remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.
