How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving

October 27, 2017 / Posted in How-to
Eva Johnson

Digital nomad born in New York but currently living online, Eva knows everything there is to know about packing and moving.

Why is the kitchen people’s worst nightmare when it comes to packing for a move? The answer is simple: there are so many elements of different shapes and sizes that you can’t simply tackle in a hurry. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to pack kitchen items for moving without risking any broken dishes or other items, with these tips, you will become an expert for packing kitchenware.

white and spotless kitchen
Remember that some objects, like a coffee maker or toaster, should be packed the last

How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving?

To pack kitchen items for moving, start by selecting sturdy boxes and using plenty of bubble wrap, packing paper, and stretch wrap for protection. Group similar items together, like dishes with dishes and utensils with utensils, to keep things organized. Fragile items should be wrapped individually and nestled securely in boxes with ample padding. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For appliances, ensure they are clean and dry, and remove or secure any loose components.

Microwave is one of the most owned kitchen appliances in the US
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Choose the Right Wrapping Materials

Moving day preparations include gathering as many packing supplies as possible since an average household has countless things that need to be packed. This means you should obtain:

  • Boxes – borrow or buy as many large, medium, and heavy-duty ones,
  • Duct tape,
  • Foam peanuts,
  • Packing paper,
  • Cardboard separators or cell kits are useful for securing objects like glasses, stemware, bottles, vases, figurines, etc.,
  • Bubble wrap,
  • Permanent markers,
  • Original packages for appliances if possible.

 

Explore Packing Solutions and Budget-Friendly Alternatives With Your Mover

When choosing a long-distance moving company with the best services, you’ll be happy to hear that most of them provide you with packing services using all kinds of boxes and packing supplies. In fact, you could even count on them to do most of the wrapping for you or provide you with some useful long-distance relocation tips.

Alternatively, if you’re on a relocation budget, you can find a way to obtain more affordable alternatives. Start by visiting your local grocery store and ask if they have any cartons they don’t need. They might be able to provide you with different materials.

Two long-distance movers carrying boxes for the move
Professional cross-country movers will securely wrap your kitchenware

How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving – General Tips

Whether you have a small kitchen with essential items or a large one with a ton of various elements and pieces, you want to have all of your belongings transported safely. This being said, here are some handy relocation tips regarding the best way to pack for a move.

Secure the Base - Reinforcing Your Boxes for Safe Transit

Before placing things into boxes, start by securing the bottom of each box with more tape layers. This will reinforce the cardboard, so you can be sure nothing gets damaged while on the truck or in storage.

Cushion the Blow - Safeguarding Fragile Items with Effective Padding

As you pack plates and other breakables and fragile items, cover the bottom and the sides of the box with different materials for paddingbubble wrap, foam peanuts, or paper. If you’re planning to use newspapers as a budget option, remember that they could stain your belongings with inkblots of letters and lines.

Wrap Tactics - Using Dishtowels and Paper for Breakable Security

Wrap individual pieces in paper for additional protection. You can use dishtowels for this purpose, too.

Tiny Parts, Big Organization - Storing Small Items Safely

Small parts like bolts, screws, etc., should be placed in food storage containers, as this is the best way to be sure you won’t lose anything.

Fill the Gaps - Preventing Movement and Damage in Transit

Don’t leave any space in a box, fill it with crumpled paper. Leaving room inside a package will allow your belongings to move around while in the truck and potentially get damaged.

Heavyweight Packing - Choosing the Right Box Size for Dense Items

Pack the dishes and other heavy things in small boxes. If you place heavy stuff in larger packages, you run the risk of the cardboard giving in and damaging the contents.

Label With Love - Ensuring Careful Handling and Organization

Label all packets and mark those with breakables as fragile, so that the movers know to handle them with care. You can also write down the room a package belongs to, or any additional info. If it seems more useful, use a color-coding labeling guide.

Protecting Kitchen Appliances

One of the best tips for packing fragile kitchen elements is to use original boxes and packaging. In case you don’t have them anymore, get appropriately sized cartons. Check whether every box is dry and clean before you start to pack. Fragile devices in the kitchen should be wrapped in bubble wrap, while metal or plastic pieces need a double layer of paper. If you’re not sure how to tackle something, don’t hesitate to ask the long-distance movers you hired for some guidelines.

Transporting Large Items Cross Country

First of all, decide whether you will pack and take all of your appliances to your future home. There are several things to consider when moving to a new state before you make up your mind:

  • Are they still new and in generally good condition?
  • Do you need them on a regular basis?
  • Does the kitchen in your new home come equipped with better appliances?
  • Will you have enough room for such bulky and heavy stuff on the truck?

If there are belongings you can’t really make a decision about, consider putting them in a storage unit until you figure out what to do. Your moving and auto transport company might be able to provide you with this service. That way you have time to decide whether to take these belongings into your future home, so be sure to ask for more information.

Don’t Forget to Leave Several Kitchen Appliances for Use

Some large domestic appliances should be left for the last day as essentials. There are things you’ll need up until you move. The blender might not be that important, but you will surely need as much coffee as possible during the relocation, so don’t pack your espresso machine until the last day. The same is true for your toaster, for instance. Make your life easier by thinking about these details in time. Along these lines, you will also want to leave a dish or two out, to avoid having to use plastic cups and utensils.

A pale blue kitchen with a gas stove
Leave the essentials unpacked until the last day

Essential Items for the Moving Day

Moving is a process that requires long-term planning, especially if you’re relocating from Los Angeles to Dallas because settling in will require a lot of work. A few days before the big day, most of your belongings should be ready for transport. In all that mess and chaos, you must think about your elementary needs. Don’t forget to pack an essential bag that should contain:

  • Plates, bowls, glasses, cups and cutlery for every family member,
  • One or two pots,
  • Sharp knives,
  • Dishtowels, oven mitts, dishwasher soap, sponges,
  • Smaller appliances for coffee and food.
box with kitchen written on it
Cutlery is one of the essentials that you should leave room for in your bag

Breakable and Other Kitchen Items

Packing breakable dishes and bringing them to the new place in one piece can be a real challenge, but even if you’re relocating to a new city alone, you will still require them. By using dish boxes, you’ll make this process safe and easy. But knowing that these cartons are expensive, most people consider using standard boxes.

In that case, the bottom and all sides should be covered with layers of paper. Each piece of kitchenware and silverware should be wrapped in additional layers to avoid damage. Pay special attention to protecting wine glasses and coffee mugs. Place wrapped plates sideways and put sheets of protective material between them. After placing items into boxes, seal them with several layers of tape.

Finding an adequate box is crucial for pots and pans. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it: if you can position the biggest pan into a box both horizontally and diagonally, and be able to close it properly, then you found the right size. Pay attention to glass lids and non-stick frying pans and provide them with proper protection with paper.

a pot filled with food
Pots and pans don’t need special protection, except when it comes to non-stick pans and glass lids

What About Food?

Empty your fridge and freezer two days before moving. Play around with recipes in order to consume as much food as you can before the moving date. You should eat perishable food first and throw away any with an expiration date that’s coming up soon.

 

Clean out Your Fridge and Freezer Before Moving

In case there’s food left in your fridge or a freezer, you should use ice packs and cool bags to preserve it during the move, but we recommend that you resort to this only if the distance between your old and your new home isn’t too big. If your move takes more than a couple of hours of driving, then defrost the fridge and throw away perishable food. In fact, if that is the case, you should consider not driving at all and letting your car shipping company provide you with top-notch auto transport service.

Tips for Food Packing

If your relocation was last-minute and you didn’t have the time to organize your food supplies, there are, luckily, tricks and tips that will help you pack:

  • Sort your food supplies into perishables, non-perishables, baking and cooking supplies, and glass bottles,
  • Create a plan depending on the expiration date – eat, donate, or toss,
  • Use small to medium-sized containers and durable, resealable ziplock bags to prevent spilling and leaking,
  • When storing glass jars, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in waterproof ziplock bags,
  • Properly label each packet,
  • Don’t forget to prepare meals for the moving day.
A woman thinking about hiring long distance movers
Before moving, sort your pantry and decide what you will take with you make a feast out of the rest.

It’s Best to Get the Much-Needed Help From Professionals

As you prepare for your move, remember that the right packing techniques can make all the difference. From securing your boxes to properly labeling them, each step you take ensures your belongings arrive safely. For a seamless cross-country moving experience with expert packing solutions and dependable transportation, consider reaching out to Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving. Whether you’re relocating across the city or across the country, let our top-notch long-distance moving services help you make your move as stress-free as possible. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your move.

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