Folks packing a kitchen for moving have our sympathy. A kitchen is one of those areas that is just tricky to sort out and pack, mainly because of how heavy, fragile, and inconsistently sized cooking and eating supplies tend to be. It takes a lot of sorting, discarding, wrapping, and labeling to do it right – not to mention the proper supplies.
Feeling a little apprehensive? Don’t be. If you’re researching how to pack kitchens for moving, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll walk you through the best way to pack kitchen items, including what to keep and what to toss, how to declutter and organize, how to create a packing plan, and more! Keep scrolling for our ten best kitchen packing tips.
1. Gather Your Packing Supplies
The key to any successful move is to make sure you’ve got the right moving and packing supplies on hand to pack your items correctly – without cutting corners. It may seem like a good idea to skimp on certain packing materials but trust us: it stings to lose an item because you didn’t take the time to safeguard it. That said, not everything you use to pack has to be brand new. “Gently loved” materials can often be had for cheap or free on neighborhood websites and can be just as effective as buying brand new.
Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
Boxes of Various Sizes
Kitchen items come in various sizes and weights, so you’ll need boxes of various sizes and load-bearing capabilities to accommodate what you’ve got. This is one place where you might want to splurge on specialty boxes that come with dividers for fragile glassware or are double-walled.
Packing Paper
Packing paper (which is essentially newspaper without the print) is extremely handy when packing a kitchen for moving. According to The Spruce, you’ll likely need to purchase a 4 to 5 pounds. Any extra can be used to wrap framed photos, liquid soap dispensers, and fragile knickknacks.
Bubble Wrap
Supplement your packing paper with bubble wrap when packing extremely fragile items. You can line boxes with bubble wrap, place individual plates or glasses in bubble wrap containers, or simply use it to fill in the gaps between items.
Packing Tape
Buy more packing tape than you think you need so that you always have a roll handy. There’s nothing worse than preparing a box to be taped and then realizing you have none at hand. Read up on all the different tape types and application methods before you hit the store.
Labels and Markers
Labels are the single best gift you can give yourself during a move – especially when it comes to kitchens. Make sure to label every box with the name of the room it goes in along with a brief summation of items. Your future self will thank you.
2. Declutter and Organize
The single best way to pack kitchen items is to minimize what you’re packing! Now is the time to declutter and organize your kitchen. Throw out anything expired. Set aside canned goods and other unopened items for donation to a local food pantry and try to eat as many items as you can in the weeks leading up to your move.
Next, you’ll want to organize your items into major categories (appliances, cookbooks, cooking tools, etc.), keeping like with like so you can see what you’ve got. Donate any duplicates, or anything else you haven’t used in a reasonable amount of time.
3. Create a Packing Plan
Next up: create a packing plan to make sure you’re completely organized before, during, and after the big move. (This can be part of an overall moving plan that covers when, who, where etc.)
Prioritize Essentials
Write down everything you plan on continuing to use up to and on the day of the move. Set these aside in their own space in the kitchen. It might make sense to buy disposable plates and utensils.
Plan Meals
Plan meals for the week of the move. Use items you’ve already got to make frozen casseroles, burritos, or lasagna that could be easily reheated. Don’t forget to keep a serving spoon handy!
4. Pack Non-Essentials First
It might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to be thoughtful about which items you pack first. The last thing you want to happen is to have to unpack boxes to get to something you put away too soon (looking at you, coffee filters).
Start with Rarely Used Items
Think cookbooks, storage containers, small appliances, and specialty supplies and cookware. Anything you can live without for a month should be packed away.
Empty the Pantry
Take this time to purge old spices, condiments, and cooking supplies. Anything that could potentially make a huge mess (a bag of flour, for instance) should be donated or tossed.
5. Pack Fragile Items Carefully
Packing a kitchen for moving is time for your bubble wrap, packaging paper, and double-walled boxes to shine.
Wrap Glassware
According to Forbes, you’ll want to wrap each glass with one piece of packing paper and then insert it into a box with dividers. Cover the whole layer with bubble wrap.
Protect Cookware
Nest your pots and pans with kitchen towels or other soft materials filling the gaps. Wrap anything that might get scratched or broken in paper.
Secure Small Appliances
Bundle cords and pack small appliances in the boxes they came in or something similarly sized. Use bubble wrap to provide extra padding.
6. Pack Utensils and Cutlery
Stack each type of utensil separately, wrap in plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and then put into a box or back in your utensil tray. As for knives, Today’s Homeowner suggests that you fold a large sheet of packing foam over a knife, lay another knife facing in the opposite direction over the fold and repeat. Then, secure the bundle with rubber bands or packing tape and wrap it in a layer of bubble wrap labeled ‘knives.’
7. Pack Appliances
If you need to pack or store a refrigerator or other large appliance, you’ll want to make sure they are clean, secured, and labeled properly.
Clean Appliances
First, clean every nook and cranny of your appliances. Wash, and dry any racks, shelves, or other removable components.
Label Cords
Clearly label any cords, hoses, or other pieces so you know what belongs where when it’s time to unpack and get your appliances working again.
Secure and Protect Appliances
Consult your owner’s manual for specific advice on how to secure and protect your appliances during a move. You will likely need to collect moving blankets, plastic wrap, cardboard, labels, and packing tape.
8. Label and Organize Boxes
As mentioned previously, labeling is absolutely essential to packing a kitchen for moving efficiently and effectively. You can use color-coded labels to add a bit of flair, but simply writing exactly what’s in the box, where it should go, and any special instructions on a plain label works just as well. Labels also help keep everything organized, especially if you’re using “pre-loved” boxes with writing or branding on them.
If you need to move boxes out of the way to make packing easier, consider renting a short-term storage unit at CubeSmart for the duration of the move. If it turns out you can’t fit your items in your new home the exact way you planned, you’ll also already have a clean and secure spot for them lined up.
9. Take Inventory
Consult your packing plan from step #2 to make sure everything has been accounted for both before and after the move. Count the number of boxes of kitchen supplies you have so you can take inventory after they’ve been delivered. If you decide to keep anything in storage, make note of where it is.
10. Clean as You Go
Our last tip is to keep your cleaning supplies accessible so you can clean as you go. Sure, counters, floors, and cabinets will probably have to be gone over more than once, but the more you can dust, scrub, and sanitize as you go – the easier your job will be once the kitchen is emptied out. And never pack anything dirty! It will be the last thing you’ll want to deal with on the other side of the move.
We hope we have demystified how to pack a kitchen for moving, and that you feel armed with the information you need to make a success of it! At CubeSmart, we consider ourselves experts when it comes to packing and storing, so feel free to swing by to pick up some supplies, rent a unit for the duration of your move and beyond, or ask about reserving our free moving truck. We’ll be glad to talk through your needs and options and might even have a few extra tips to share as you make the transition.
