Packing up your kitchen can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of a move. With fragile dishes, bulky cookware, and small appliances, it’s crucial to pack your kitchen items carefully to avoid damage. The key to a smooth kitchen rollover is in the preparation, starting with decluttering and using the right packing methods for each item. Read on for helpful tips from our team at Road Haugs Moving & Storage to pack your kitchen like a pro and ensure everything arrives safely at your new home.
Tips for Decluttering Your Kitchen Before Packing
Before you start packing, take some time to declutter your kitchen. Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge some items you no longer need or use, either disposing of them or donating to charity. Start with these key pointers for decluttering:
- Sort by use: Separate your items into categories like daily use, occasional use, and never used. Donate or get rid of items that you haven’t used in the past year.
- Check expiration dates: Go through your pantry and toss any expired food or ingredients, as there’s no point in moving them.
- Minimize dishware: If you have an excess of mismatched dishes or glasses, now’s the perfect opportunity to streamline. Keep only what you use regularly and donate or discard the rest to make packing easier.
Packing Dishes & Glassware
Packing dishes and glassware requires extra care to prevent breakage during your move. Start by choosing sturdy boxes that can handle the weight of your items. Wrap each dish, plate, and glass individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, and be sure to line the bottom of the box with extra padding. For ceramic dishes, place packing paper between each one as you stack them to avoid scratching or cracking. When packing glasses, always stand them upright and fill the inside with crumpled paper for added support. Once everything is packed, clearly label your boxes and mark them as fragile so they’re handled with care during the move.
Packing Cookware & Utensils
Cookware can be bulky but is usually less fragile than dishes. Still, take precautions to avoid dents or scratches. Wrap non-stick pans, cast iron skillets, and pots in dish towels or packing paper for protection. Bundle utensils together with rubber bands to keep them organized and wrap sharp knives securely for your protection. Also, utensils you don’t use as often, like tongs and spatulas, are best packaged in boxes with similarly large items. Nesting smaller pots and pans inside larger ones, and storing small items like measuring spoons or spice jars inside cookware are all great ways to save extra space. Avoid overpacking boxes by distributing heavy items across multiple smaller boxes to make them easier to carry.
Packing Small Appliances
Small appliances like coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and air fryers can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can keep them safe during your move. Start by gathering all the necessary packing materials, including boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. If you still have the original boxes, use them because they offer the best protection. If you don’t, wrap each appliance in dish towels or bubble wrap to prevent scratches. Secure loose parts like blades or lids and wrap them separately; don’t forget to label them if they’re sharp. Again, place smaller items inside larger ones, like storing a blender jug inside the base to save space. Make sure cords are neatly wrapped and labeled, so you can easily identify which appliance they belong to when unpacking.
Choose Road Haugs for Your Next Move
If you’re looking for an efficient, stress-free moving experience in the greater Charlotte area, Road Haugs Moving & Storage has you covered with local and long-distance moving services. Our team specializes in packing and moving delicate belongings, providing a full-service moving experience with unmatched safety, security, and professionalism that gets your items where they need to go while keeping them in excellent condition.
Gearing up for a move? Contact us today for a free moving quote and experience the Road Haugs difference.