Tips For Packing Kitchen Boxes And Other Ideas To Make Your Move Easier
When it’s time to move, packing is usually the least favorite and toughest chore. And, with so much stuff packed in those cupboards and drawers, not to mention those moldy packets of old crackers and sticky bottles of something you don’t remember, the kitchen is often one room you dread tackling even more than others. With so much fragile stuff in the kitchen, individually wrapping all of that, along with sharp and oddly-shaped items makes packing your kitchen time-consuming and complicated. With a solid game plan, however, you can quickly pack up your kitchen for safe transport.Prepare some Kitchen Move Essentials
Before you begin packing your kitchen, set aside essential items that you’ll need to have during and after the move. Essentials include any items you need to prepare meals during the last few days at your current residence and during the first few days at your new residence. If you don’t have these few basics, you may find your family depending on takeout food during those days. Try to keep this box light for easy handling and only include things like:
- One place setting for each family member
- Simple meal foodstuffs (limit things that need refrigeration)
- One all-purpose pot/pan and kitchen knife
- Small appliances you use daily, such as a coffee maker and toaster
- Basic cleaning supplies, like dish soap and towel
You’ll put these essentials in a separate box and transport it with you, so they’re not misplaced and you’ll have them available immediately. If yours is a long distance move, or it might take longer for the movers to arrive, then you may include more items than you would for a nearby local move.
Kitchen Moving Supplies
When planning for your moving supplies, at least for fragile kitchen items, consider what professional packers and movers in Las Vegas use. Try to use new, corrugated moving boxes in varying sizes, instead of odd-sized or damaged boxes that might break, tear or crush. Use dish packs with cellular dividers for added protection to provide for safe transport of your breakables. You’ll need wrapping paper and/or bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, labels and a marker. Some people place sturdy paper plates between Corelle or glass plates, and let kitchen towels do double duty by being used as extra padding. The most important thing is to separate and secure all breakables. Rule of thumb: if the box rattles when you shake it, repack it.
Packing Foodstuffs for your Move
While your Las Vegas packers and movers will typically pad and crate your large kitchen appliances for your move, you must remove all food from your freezer and refrigerator. For food safety, moving companies’ non-transportable list includes perishable foodstuff and certain other kitchen items, like corrosive cleaning agents. You’ll want to refer to the list throughout your packing.
When clearing your pantry, box any non-perishables you want to move with you and donate all other usable items to a local food bank. Your boxes must be a manageable weight, about 50 pounds, so pay attention to heavy canned goods or large bulk items.
Packing Kitchen Appliances
All appliances, both large and small, should be cleaned and completely dry prior to moving. This will help prevent bacteria and odors from developing during the move. If you are moving a stove or other gas appliance, a licensed technician must disconnect and reconnect any appliances connected to a natural gas line. Small appliances are some of the most difficult to pack kitchen items, since the come in odd shapes, often have multiple parts and may contain sharp components as well. Each appliance’s electrical cord should be wound and secured with zip ties or rubber bands to prevent damage. Removable cords should be taped to or placed inside corresponding appliances or packed all together, along with any owner’s manuals, in one clearly labeled box. If you disassemble the item, be sure to keep all parts together and don’t mix them with other appliance parts. Remove or disassemble fragile parts and cover any sharp blades with cardboard. Securely wrap all these items and pack together in one box. Wrap small appliances individually to prevent scratching or damage to components. Pack appliances in heavy duty packing boxes. Since you’re dealing with odd shapes, always fill any empty space within each box with crushed paper for less jostling during transport.
Packing Dishes for a Safe Move
Dishware is a major time-consumer when packing the kitchen. You should individually wrap all fragile dinnerware and secure wrapping material with tape. Within every packed box, include plenty of cushioning layers at the top and bottom of the container, around individual dishes and between nested dishware. If available, use pre-sectioned boxes designed for delicate glassware with cups or mugs packed top down and all the handles facing the same direction. Always mark all these boxes: FRAGILE-TOP SIDE UP.
Dealing with Pots, Pans and Flatware
Place bulky pots and pans in larger boxes, but still limit the box weight to a manageable 50 pounds. You can stack most cookware by size with foam, paper or bubble wrap in between to prevent scratches, but wrap glass cookware individually. Pack your flatware with sturdy pots, instead of with more fragile dishware. Because loose cutlery can cause damage, bundle like pieces together, then wrap and secure these bundles with tape or rubber bands. You can add these bundles directly to your boxes or, for added protection, put all your bundles in a shoebox and add that to a larger box.
While you’re packing the kitchen for your move, make note of any especially valuable items you might want to include on your inventory sheet for insurance purposes. This could include fine china and genuine silver items, including flatware. If you take the time to pack things right, you’ll find that unpacking and setting up your new kitchen will go much faster. You won’t be unpleasantly faced with dirty appliances in a clean, new kitchen because you cleaned them carefully before the move. You probably won’t need it, but if you used newsprint as packing material, you can run your dishes through the dishwasher at the new place before stacking them into their cupboards. Now your new kitchen is shiny and neat, ready to make you feel right at home in the new place.
