Moving Tips for the Kitchen

When it comes to moving, packing is easily one of the biggest burdens. In addition to being time-consuming, it carries the real and persistent risk that your items will be ruined in the process.

This is an especially large threat when it comes to the kitchen. Chock-full of expensive and potentially irreplaceable items, your kitchen is one area where you can’t afford to go wrong with your packing.

Here are some tips to keep you on-track:

Get Rid of Most Food

Before you move out of the house, start getting rid of most of the food in the refrigerator. If you’re not going to use it, donate disposable items or throw them out. Dried goods can be packed into large boxes, since they’ll keep through the move. Just be sure to label them clearly, so you know which room to unpack them in.

Take Care With China and Glassware

China and glassware are some of the most common casualties of a move. With this in mind, you’ll want to be careful about how you pack yours.

Most moving stores sell pre-sectioned boxes designed to keep delicate items secure and separate during a move. Alternately, you can purchase standard boxes and use bubble wrap or foam to wrap your items and prevent them from bumping into one another.

No matter what you do, be sure not to over-pack boxes of china and glassware. The added weight and decreased space will increase the likelihood of breakage.

Stack Plates Vertically

While most people wrap plates horizontally and pack them away for a move, a better plan is to stack them vertically. In addition to decreasing the weight each plate has to bear during the move, this helps secure the length of your plates, reducing the potential for up-and-down friction that can cause cracks and fractures.

Packing Odd-Shaped Items

Odd-shaped items, like bowls, can be nested within one another in anticipation of a move. To ensure you’re limiting friction, line the inside of each bowl with a sheet of bubble wrap or foam. You may also consider wrapping the edges of a bowl to prevent chipping or rubbing in transit. Once you have a full box of oddly-shaped items, pack empty spaces out with crushed wads of brown paper or packing peanuts.

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans present a difficulty during packing because they’re oddly-shaped and heavy. For best results, pack them in their own box and individually wrap each with butcher paper or foam to prevent scratching. If you have heavy, cast iron kitchen items, pack them in a sturdy drawer or box meant to carry lots of weight.

Good Moving Requires Smart Packing

The better you pack, the easier your moving process will be. While packing the kitchen can be a challenge, these smart moving tips can help ensure your items arrive at your new space safe, sound, and unscathed.