The Essential Guide to Packing Your Kitchen

Are you planning for an upcoming move and are getting overwhelmed by the number of belongings that need to get packed?  The most difficult room to pack is the kitchen for most people because of all the fragile plates, cups, and appliances.  Even the most organized packers will struggle with packing all the irregularly shaped and easily breakable items.  As the best moving company in NYC, our team knows how to tackle a kitchen and we are here to help you.

Here are 10 tips to help you simplify the kitchen packing process in an effortless way.

 

TIP #1

Get Organized- Lighten your load and get rid of or donate all kitchen tools, utensils and appliances you don’t want to pack for the move. This is a great time to go through all your belongings and pull out items you no longer use or have never used before.  A good rule to go by is if you have had it for over a year and have never used it, get rid of it.

TIP #2

Gather Materials- Packing a kitchen will require a lot of different materials. Some materials you need are different sizes of heavy-duty boxes, packing paper, packing tape and a labeling marker.  Also, to make packaging items easier, you may want to consider purchasing specialty dividers and plastic wrap which are designed to help stack and protect difficult items.

TIP #3

Essentials- Leave out a few utensils, cups, bowls, plates and maybe a few appliances so you are able to eat and cook for the last several days before your move. Place them in a “kitchen essential” box on move out day.

TIP #4

Pots and Pans- Using large or medium boxes, stack the pots and pans either horizontally or diagonally with the smaller ones inside the larger pots and pans. Between each, place a small piece of packing paper and stuff additional paper and dishtowels into any openings to secure the pots and pans.  Lastly, wrap each glass lid with packing paper or bubble wrap and place around the pots and pans or put in a different box.

TIP #5

Glasses and Stemware- Use the specialty dividers that fit into the boxes and then individually wrap each item in packing paper. Even if there is room on the top, don’t stack any glassware.  This would be a good spot to fit something that will provide cushion, like pot holders or dish towels.

TIP #6

Plates and Bowls- If they are breakable items, then wrap each one separately, but if not, then you can easily stack all plates and bowls with a small piece of packing paper in between. Wrap the entire stack with plastic wrap and fill in all empty space in the boxes with newspaper and towels.

TIP #7

Utensils and Flatware- Wrap each tray in wrapping paper and place flat along with all utensils. Never have the knives pointing up and make sure all utensils are wrapped in packing paper.

TIP #8

Food Items- Unclutter your pantry and toss out any expired items or donate extra food that you won’t be able to eat to a food bank. Make sure everything is sealed and wrapped if in glass.  Place in either medium boxes, canvas grocery bags, or a cooler if necessary.

TIP #9

Appliances- Use original boxes for appliances if you still have them. If you don’t, use packing paper to secure all appliances and fill the gaps with towels and additional stuffing to prevent shifting.  If it’s a larger appliance, then unplug it, and tape all the doors shut.

TIP #10

Everything Else- Miscellaneous items like a mixer, containers, mixing bowls, baking sheets, etc., are packed the same way as everything else. To make unpacking easier, pack similar items together in the same box and clearly label the box with its contents.

Packing the kitchen is a tedious chore that can take several days to complete, depending on how much you have.  Everyone dreads packing the kitchen because you can’t rush packing fragile items.  For over 40 years, local moving company, Shleppers Moving & Storage has seen it all and knows how to properly and efficiently pack a kitchen.  If you follow these tips, the kitchen packing process should feel painless, especially if you have a few extra hands helping you.  Avoid the common mistakes and get your kitchen packed in a weekend! 

For more information about Shleppers, check out our special services and what makes us the top moving company in NYC.