Simple Methods for Safely Packing Kitchen Stuff

Moving to a new home can be chaotic, especially when it comes to packing up the kitchen. The kitchen contains so many fragile and essential items that getting it packed properly is key. With some planning and organizational tips, you can safely pack up your kitchen stuff and make moving day go smoothly.

Prepare Your Kitchen Before Packing

Before you start grabbing boxes and wrapping paper, take time to prepare your kitchen for packing. This will make the process quicker and more efficient once you begin.

Sort Through Items and Declutter

Go through all your kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantries and remove anything you don't use or want. Toss out food items that are expired. Donate any kitchenware or appliances that are still in good shape but you don't need. Recycle old tupperware containers, jars, and bottles.

Getting rid of unused stuff clears out space so you can organize what remains. Decluttering also reduces the number of boxes and packing materials needed later.

Clean Kitchen Items Before Packing

Give all your plates, utensils, cookware and appliances a thorough wash before packing them. This prevents grime buildup during transport and storage. It also lets you inspect items closely for any chips, cracks or defects. Damaged items may need extra padding or wrapping before packing.

Be sure to empty and wipe out the fridge, freezer, oven and cabinets. Removing crumbs and spills now keeps pests away during the move.

Packing Dishes and Glassware

Protecting fragile plates, bowls, cups and glasses requires special care when packing. Follow these key steps for safe transport of dishware and stemware:

Protect Plates, Bowls and Cups

Wrap plates, saucers, shallow bowls and cups individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Make sure to wrap them fully with several layers around each piece. For added protection, place wrapped dishware in linen pillowcases or thick socks. Close the open end with rubber bands or twist ties.

Then stand wrapped plates and bowls on their sides in a sturdy box, bracing them so they don't shift around. Line the bottom of the box with packing paper for extra cushioning. Place cups in sturdy boxes too, making sure they fit snugly so they don't tip over.

Pack Glassware Securely

Delicate glassware needs careful treatment so it doesn't break during transit. First wrap glass cups, tumblers, vases and serving dishes thoroughly in packing paper or bubble wrap. Make sure glasses and stemmed pieces are wrapped fully, with extra padding around the rims and bases.

For wine glasses, purchase or make specialty glass dividers that separate and support each stem. Then place the protected glasses vertically in a sturdy box, using the dividers to keep them safely apart. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper to prevent jostling.

For other glassware, layer the wrapped pieces in a box using packing paper between each layer. Make sure items fit snugly without room to shift and break against each other.

Tips for Packing Peculiar Kitchen Items

Items with odd shapes or delicate materials need special treatment when packing up your kitchen.

- Wrap candles in packing paper and place upright in boxes to prevent wax leaks.

- Use small boxes for spice jars, or keep them in their rack and wrap the whole rack in packing paper or bubble wrap.

- Place lamp shades upside down on boxes so the wide bottoms nest inside without damage.

- Wrap fragile cookie jars and canisters in padding and use paper to wedge them tightly in boxes.

- Use clean socks or small bags to pack loose cooking utensils like whisks and spatulas.

- Wrap porcelain figurines securely before boxing, with plenty of packing paper protecting delicate parts.

Pack Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances often have awkward shapes and protruding parts that make them tricky to pack. Follow these guidelines for packing common appliances safely.

Disassemble Appliances

Always disassemble appliances as much as possible before packing them. This prevents damage to protruding parts during the move.

For stand mixers, remove mixing bowls, beaters, dough hooks and splash guards and pack them separately. Wrap mixer bases securely in packing paper or moving blankets.

Take microwave turntables and removable grill racks out and wrap separately. Remove shelves from inside the oven or toaster oven too.

Wrap Cords, Attachments Properly

Neatly coil any appliance power cords and wrap them in packing paper so they don't snag on other items. Separately wrap blender pitchers, toaster crumb trays, electric knife blades, mixer attachments and other loose parts.

If possible, pack appliance accessories in the same box as the main appliance body they belong with. This keeps all parts together ready for quick unpacking later.

Box Large Appliances Separately

Instead of wrestling with bulky appliances, move them in their original boxes when possible. Otherwise use sturdy, oversized boxes specific for large appliances available at moving supply stores. Line the boxes with packing paper or foam for extra protection.

Pack microwave ovens, stand mixers, blenders and other small appliances in their own boxes too. Make sure they fit snugly without room to shift around inside.

Pack Food Items and Perishables

Any food items and perishables remaining in your kitchen need special handling when packing for a move. Follow these guidelines to keep things fresh and sanitary.

Discard Open Food Packages

Toss out any open bags and boxes of food, grains, baking mixes etc. Also discard all refrigerated produce, eggs, dairy products, deli meats and other perishables. You don't want to transport half-used items that can spoil and attract pests.

Seal Unopened Packaged Foods

Any factory-sealed, unopened packaged foods can safely make the move. This includes canned goods, jars, bottles, boxed cereals, pastas, sugars, oils and more. Just double check that all seals and packaging are intact with no tears.

For added leak protection, place sealed items upright in boxes and wrap the tops and sides in packing or butcher paper. You can also slip packaged goods inside zipper bags.

Label Boxes with Refrigerated Items

If you have appliances like freezers and refrigerators that will remain chilled during transport, the perishables inside can also make the move safely. Keep refrigerated foods chilled right up until loading day, then quickly transfer boxes from the appliance into the truck.

Clearly label any boxes containing refrigerated or frozen items: "Keep Refrigerated!" or "Keep Frozen!". This alerts the moving team to their urgent priority for quick unloading and chilling at your new destination.

Keep Kitchen Items Organized for Moving Day

All your carefully wrapped and boxed kitchen possessions need to stay organized for smooth loading, transport and unloading. Follow these tips:

Label Boxes by Room for Unpacking Ease

As you seal up boxes of packed kitchen goods, label the sides clearly with their destination room at your new home. For example: "New House - Kitchen", "New Kitchen Pantry" etc. This keeps similar boxes grouped together on the truck.

It also makes unloading quicker and simpler. The movers can prioritize getting kitchen boxes unloaded first. Then you can unpack critical kitchen supplies right away while putting bedroom and other boxes in their respective new rooms.

Clearly mark any boxes with extra fragile contents like "Glasses - Handle with Care!" This alerts movers to gently set those boxes aside for safe transport.

Load the moving truck methodically, with labeled boxes grouped and heavier ones on bottom. Use tie-downs, straps, blankets and padding to stabilize the load so boxes don't shift during transit.