Packing A Kitchen

Step By Step Guide To Packing A Kitchen

Many people would agree that the most difficult room to pack for a house removal is the kitchen. With all those cupboards, draws and pantries it can be difficult to know where to start. 

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Sort, Select and Simplify

Before you move, select those items you’re taking with you and remove the items you’re leaving behind. Make sure you have “homes” for the things you won’t be taking and check that you’re not moving items that shouldn’t be packed Go through each cupboard and drawer and be very selective. Donate items to shelters, food banks, have a garage sale or give usable items to friends.

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Prepare an Essentials Box

Put aside the things you’ll need for your last two days in your current home and for the first two days in your new home, including dishes, cutlery, food items, appliances (coffee maker/toaster), dishtowel, dishcloth, cleaner, soap, etc.

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Pack Items Not Frequently Used

Start by packing those items in your cupboards and drawers that you don’t use on a daily basis. This could include: Vases, crystal, wineglasses,small appliances, plates, picture frame.

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Pack Drawers and Shelves

Start with the messiest drawer. Get rid of extra items or items you no longer use. Rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in the last 6 months, don’t move it. Pack the cutlery drawer, keeping only one set per family member. These sets will be kept in your essentials box.

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Pack Dishes, pans

Take your time with this step, ensuring items are packed well. This is also the time to pack plates and bowls and any odds and ends.Keep at least one all-purpose pot for your essentials box. pack the rest, including lids and crockery.

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Pack Glasses 

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• Use a small to medium size box and line it with bubble-wrap.
• Place a stack of pre-cut plain newsprint on the table or other flat surface.
• Take the first glass and place it on the pile of newsprint.
• Wrap two sheets of newsprint around the glass, making sure you line the inside.
• Place the second glass inside the first one. This is called nesting.
• Then take two more sheets of newsprint and line the inside of the second glass. Insert another glass.
• You can nest three or four glasses, depending on their size and weight.

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• Lay the stack of glasses diagonally across the pile of newsprint.
• Holding the corner of the newsprint closest to you,
• wrap another two sheets of newsprint around the stack and tuck in the ends.
• For extra protection, wrap the stack in a sheet of bubble wrap and secure the ends.
• Place glasses in bottom of box or into one of the sections if using a divided box.
• Once you’ve filled the box, add extra newsprint or bubble-wrap on top.
• Seal the box and mark it “Fragile: Glassware” and label it accordingly.[/one_half_last]

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Pack the pantry

The pantry should’ve been sorted by now, keeping only those items you want to move. Start with the spices then work your way to the larger items. Canned goods aren’t worth moving unless you’re moving yourself. Again, check the weight of each item and measure the cost to move it. Tape up any opened food packages and get rid of all perishables, including freezer items unless you’re moving close-by.

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Prepare appliances

Make sure you properly prepare large appliances. This should be done at least 24 hours in advance. Improper preparation can lead to gas leaks, broken parts and appliances that won’t work. Read the manuals, and if you’re unsure of how to prepare them, call a professional.

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