How to Pack Your Kitchen

Before Packing

• Make sure to pack only those kitchen items that are absolutely essential.
• If the new house has a smaller kitchen, figure out which items you should leave behind or donate.
• You won’t waste valuable packing space if you check your new cabinet space beforehand to see what you can/can’t fit.
• It’s advisable to use the weight versus cost-to-move ratio when packing your kitchen items. Try to pack all the expensive items before the less expensive—anything that cannot be replaced easily.
• When packing plates and flat dishes wrap them first, following by bundling three or four plates of the same size together. Don’t lay them flat; instead, place them vertically next to each other one by one. Also, be sure not to pack too many items in one box. Place cushion foam between each plate, and fill the sides of the box with packing peanuts or bubble wrap.

Packing

• Gather packing supplies including boxes and cushioning materials (like bubble wrap and old newspapers).
• The bottom of your boxes must be cushioned with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or a towel. Layers of bubble wrap can be placed between the stacked plates and bowls. Padding materials should be used to wrap your glasses both around the outside and inside.
• Specifically label all your boxes, as it will come handy on the day of unpacking.
• The top and bottom of the boxes containing glassware should always be placed with a layer of cushioning materials. Do not place heavy items on top of glassware boxes.
• Dishtowels and cloth napkins can also be used to wrap the breakables. This will save space.
• Make sure to pack and tightly seal any containers carrying nonperishable liquids. For extra protection, put these items in heavy duty sealed food storage bags.
• Fragile items should always be kept in hard-shell containers so that they don’t crumble during the move.
• Dried soups, sauces and unopened prepackaged food items are all eligible for moving. If you are worried about space and weight on the moving truck, it’s better to leave all the canned goods behind. Try to include these items in your pre-move meals so that they aren’t wasted.
• When packing knives, make sure that they are bundled together. The knives should all be pointing in the same direction. When packing the knives use extra packing paper, as it will reduce the chance of injury. It’s important to mention which bundles contain knives by labeling them. You can pack your everyday cutlery with regular packing paper. For silverware, use acid-free tissue paper for packing.