The kitchen is probably the hardest room to pack when you are moving your household to a new residence. With all its small supplies, pots, pans, utensils, drawers, and cupboards, not to mention food, a kitchen has more objects of dissimilar shapes and sizes than any other room in the home. And kitchens typically don’t have too many things to give away or donate, since most kitchen supplies and appliances will be used in the new home. Consider packing your kitchen in phases so you can still cook or prepare a meal until the last minute. A systematic, step-by-step approach is essential when it’s time to pack kitchen items for moving.
Before you move, select the items you’re taking with you and cull out the items you’re leaving behind. Make sure you have “homes” for the things you won’t be taking and check to make sure you’re not moving items that shouldn’t be packed. Go through each cupboard and drawer and be very selective. Donate unneeded items to shelters or food banks, have a garage sale, or give them to friends and neighbors.
Prepare an Essentials Box
One of the most important kitchen packing hacks is to set aside the things you’ll need for your last two days in your current home and the first two days in your new home. The essentials box can include dishes, cutlery, food items, appliances (coffee maker/toaster), dishtowel, dishcloth, cleaner, and soap.
Collect Packing Materials
For a family-sized kitchen, you’ll need the items listed above. It is best to have all boxes and packing materials you’ll need to ensure a swift and efficient packing experience. Use leftover newspaper to pack spaces around items in boxes, but unprinted news-wrap paper is better since it has no ink to rub off on items.
Pack the Drawers and Shelves
Start with the messiest drawer. Get rid of extra items or items you no longer use. Rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in the last six months, don’t move it.
Pack the cutlery drawer, keeping only one set per family member. These sets will be kept in your essentials box.
If you still need to pack your cookbooks, do it now. Remember to pack books flat to prevent bending the spines. Place the books in the box according to preference; keep the books that are most used on top. If there’s a book you’d like to include in your essentials box, keep it out, but make sure you only set aside one—your essentials box should be only for the most critical items.
Pack Dishes
Assemble the cell boxes for glasses and stemware. Take your time with this step, ensuring items are packed well. This is also the time to pack plates and bowls, and any odds and ends.
Pack the Pantry
The pantry should’ve been sorted by now, with only those items you want to move separated out. Start with the spices, then work your way to the larger items. Canned goods aren’t worth moving unless you’re performing the move yourself. Again, check the weight of each item and consider the cost to move it. Tape up any opened food packages and get rid of all perishables, including freezer items, unless your new home is quite close.
Prepare the Appliances
Make sure you properly prepare large appliances for your move. It should be done at least 24 hours in advance. Improper preparation can lead to gas leaks, broken parts, and appliances that won’t work. Read the manuals, and if you’re unsure of how to prepare them, call a professional.
