Packing up your kitchen for a move can be daunting. Where do you even begin? Where do you even start with all those dishes, gadgets, and random utensils? Don’t worry! With careful planning and the right supplies, you’ll have everything boxed up safely in no time. Let’s walk through this together with some tips from our team at All-Star Moving.
First Things First: Let’s Declutter!
Before you pack a single plate, take a good look around. Moving is the perfect excuse to finally get rid of that juicer you’ve only used twice or those mismatched containers! If you haven’t touched something in over a year, maybe it’s time to let it go. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when there’s less to unpack.
Grab These Supplies Before You Start
You wouldn’t bake without ingredients, right? Same goes for packing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plenty of moving quality packing paper (newspaper leaves ink stains- avoid it!)
- Bubble wrap for your fragile treasures
- Dish packs or glass dividers for your wine glasses
- Good quality packing tape and a dispenser for secured sealing
- Sturdy boxes in various sizes
- Markers for labeling (you may forget what’s where)
Let’s Pack This Kitchen Up!
Those Delicate Glasses and Stemware
Remember that wedding crystal? Let’s make sure it survives the move! Wrap each glass completely and don’t forget to stuff some paper inside them too. For wine glasses, give extra attention to those fragile stems. Place them upside down in the box and please, keep these boxes light! Write “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” in big letters.
Plates and Bowls
Here’s a pro tip: don’t stack plates flat like you do in your cabinet. Instead, wrap each one individually and place them upright on their edges. For bowls, stuff them with crumpled paper to prevent crushing. And always add extra padding on the top and bottom of these boxes!
The Sharp Stuff
Nobody wants a surprise knife cut when unpacking! Wrap those blade edges carefully with bubble wrap and secure with tape. For cheese graters and zesters, wrap them moving away from the sharp edges. Pack these near the top of your boxes since they tend to cut through the bottom otherwise (we’ve seen it happen).
Tupperware Chaos
We all have that drawer of plastic containers. First, make sure they’re completely dry to avoid any mold surprises. Nest smaller containers inside bigger ones to save space. A handy trick: put all those matching lids in zip lock bags so they don’t scatter everywhere. And hey, use those containers to pack small items like measuring spoons!
Pots and Pans
Stack your pots from largest to smallest with packing paper between each one to prevent scratches. Pack the lids separately- they don’t do well with the pots during a move. The empty spaces in these boxes are perfect for lightweight pantry items!
Don’t Forget Your Pantry
No one wants pasta spilled throughout their moving box! Seal open packages in zip lock bags or containers. This is also the perfect time to toss those expired goods that have been hiding in the back of your cabinet.
Appliances Need Love Too
Give them a good clean before packing (you don’t want old food residue greeting you in your new home). Remove any detachable parts and wrap them separately. Fill the empty spaces with kitchen towels for extra protection.
One Last Thing!
Keep a “First Day” box handy with the essentials- a few dishes, utensils, and a coffee maker for easy access on move-in day. You’ll want that coffee ready when you’re surrounded by boxes in your new place.
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s totally normal! At All-Star Moving, we have tons more tips and tricks to make your move smoother. Reach out for a free quote, and we’ll help you get from your old kitchen to your new one without a single broken dish!