Packing up linens, pillows and clothing is pretty easy. It’s when you get to the kitchen that packing for a move can become a challenge. There are sharp knives and fragile dinnerware to worry about, and then there are the appliances you must make time to clean.
While the kitchen may be one of the most time-consuming rooms to pack, it does not have to be as much of a burden as you’re imagining. Follow these tips for success.
Box Your Knives Up Safely
Items shift during storage. A knife that you slide carefully into the corner of the box may be poised to cut you when you later unpack. To prevent injuries, pack all of your knives in one box and wrap them together for protection.
To wrap your knives, lay three pieces of packing paper out on your counter. Place the knives side by side along the paper, leaving about an inch between them. Starting at one end, roll up the paper to wrap up all the knives. Tape your paper roll closed, and then wrap it in a thick layer of bubble wrap. Secure this with tape as well.
Repeat this wrapping process until you’ve rolled up all of your knives. Place the rolls in a single box and label that box “knives.” Use several pieces of duct tape to hold the box securely closed.
Clean and Prepare Your Appliances the Day Before
It’s very important to clean out the fridge, microwave and other appliances before transporting them so they don’t develop mold and odors. However, these items also need ample time to dry.
Try to clean and prep these appliances the day before you pack your other things. This way, you can leave the doors open to let the appliances air out, and then close the doors so they’re not in your way as you scramble to pack dishes and other small items.
Set a Big Box in the Corner for Extras
This is a great time to get rid of “extras” in your kitchen, but sorting through everything before you pack can be time-consuming. A good alternative is to set one box labeled “extras” in the corner of your kitchen. As you come across items that are broken, duplicates, no longer needed, etc., put them in the box. You can sort through it and decide what to donate and what to throw away later on when you have more time.
Use Smaller Boxes
Most kitchen items, from silverware to dishes, are pretty heavy. You may want to pick up some smaller boxes to use when packing your kitchen items so your boxes aren’t impossible to lift.
Don’t assume you’ll just use your larger boxes and fill them partway. The empty space at the top of the box puts them at risk of caving in, which could cause a whole stack of boxes to tumble in your moving truck.
Tape Your Silverware Together
Loose silverware is a pain to organize and a pain to unpack, too. Keep things organized by nesting all of your forks, and then place a single piece of tape around the handles forming a bundle. Do the same with your spoons and butter knives.
Separate Out Valuable Items
If you have any valuable kitchen items, like your grandmother’s china teapot or a set of wine glasses you received for your wedding, set these aside and pack them separately. This way, you can pay careful attention to how they are wrapped and protected. Label the boxes specifically so you can keep a careful eye on them as you pack the moving truck and later unpack at your new home.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of having to pack up everything in your kitchen, consider hiring a full-service moving company like Island Movers to do this for you. Request a quote on our website today.
I’ve been moving from one place to another many times. I never actually moved a very long distance. This winter me and my family will probably have to move long distance and this is why I searched the internet for some help. This post helps a lot and I will definitely bookmark it and come back later when I need it the most. Thanks for caring enough to share it with all of us.
Great posting! Your tips are useful. I think moving with professional movers is better. I appreciate the efforts you people put in to share moving tips and ideas. I must recommend this to others. Thanks for sharing this post.