Anyone who has moved to a new house will tell you the hardest room to pack is the kitchen. Think about how long it takes to pack a bedroom: a couple of hours at most? When it comes to the kitchen, it takes days. What makes the kitchen so time-consuming to pack is the small, fragile, and oddly shaped items. Just think about how many items there are: glassware, plates, cutlery, kitchen appliances, the list goes on. If a systematic approach to packing is not followed, there is a very high chance you will open a box in the new house and see a pile of broken items.
In places like Southwest Florida, where life is busy and the moves are frequent, packing a kitchen can be tedious and time-consuming. If you are stressed merely thinking about how you will pack plates, you can call The Moving Mavericks.
We offer packing services where you do not have to stress about packing a single plate. For professional services in Southwest Florida, reach out to Moving Mavericks at (239) 722-0000.
1. Gather Necessary Supplies
Before you secure your first box, you need the adequate tools. Regular boxes will suffice, and you will need:
Dish Barrels: These are extra-thick, double-walled boxes designed specifically for fragile items.
Packing Paper: Purchase packing paper rather than newspapers, the ink will stain your dishes and you will need more than you think.
Paper Cell Dividers: Indispensable for preventing glasses and stemware from clinking together.
Markers and Heavy Duty Tape: To label boxes, especially fragile ones, and to seal them securely
2. The Golden Rule: Cushioning is Key
The secret to safe kitchen packing isn’t just wrapping, it’s cushioning. The bottom of every kitchen box should have a generous layer of paper to act as a shock absorber. When the box is full, there should be another layer of crumpled paper on top before you seal it. If you shake the box and hear anything moving, you need more paper.
3. How to pack a kitchen for moving: Plates and Bowls
Mistakes are made when plates are packed flat like they rest in a standing cupboard. These are much better protected when positioned on their ends.
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- Individual Wrap: Take a sheet of packing paper and place a plate in the middle. Fold the corners over the plate and tape it.
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- Bundle: Take 4 protected plates and bind them. Then wrap them again using a larger sheet.
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- Vertically Pack: Place the bundles in the box on their edges. Avoid placing them flat. This lessens the pressure on the plates at the bottom and wards off any cracks.
4. Protecting Stemware and Glassware
The most commonly broken items while moving are glassware.
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- Stuff the Inside: Take a small piece of paper and crumple it. Then place it inside the glass to strengthen the interior.
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- Double Wrap: Wrap the outside of the glass until its shape is unrecognizable.
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- Use Dividers: When it comes to wine glasses, use cardboard dividers to keep the stems protected. Always place the glasses in the box with the “mouth” facing down. High-value crystals should be sent to Moving Mavericks at (239) 722-0000 for specialized crating in Southwest Florida.
5. Managing Sharp Knives and Utensils
Knives create a safety risk to the both of you and the movers.
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- Blade Protection: Use a cardboard sleeve for the blade or wrap it using several layers of packing paper, then a kitchen towel, and secure with a rubber band.
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- Labeling: Make sure to note which side of the bundle have the handles so no one accidentally grabs a blade.
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- Utensil Tray: You can wrap an entire silverware tray with plastic wrap to keep everything in place and then place it in a box.
6. Packing pack a kitchen for moving: Small Appliances
Things like blenders, coffee makers, and air fryers need to be packed only after they’ve been thoroughly cleaned and dried.
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- Original Boxes: If you have the original packaging, don’t hesitate to use it. It’s meant for the item’s shape.
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- Remove Parts: Detach the glass carafes from coffee makers and wrap them separately.
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- Cord: Tape the power cords to the side of the appliance so they don’t scratch the finish.
7. The “Pantry Problem”: Food and Liquids
Packing food would be considered more of a hassle than it is worth.
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- Declutter: In the weeks prior to the move, use as much of your frozen and canned food as possible.
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- Seal Liquids: If you need to transport opened oils or sauces, place a layer of plastic wrap under the cap, then put the entire bottle in a Ziploc.
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- Donations: Instead of paying to ship unopened non-perishables, consider donating them to a Southwest Florida food bank.
8. The Most Important Box
The first box you should pack is the box you need the most, and it should stay with you during the move. Open it first in your new home. This box should have:
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- Some plastic plates, cups, and sets of silverware.
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- A coffee maker and some coffee.
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- Dish soap and a sponge.
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- A box cutter or scissors.
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- A few daily snacks and some pet snacks.
Why Professional Help is a Smart Choice
Even with a guide, packing the kitchen is a lot of physical work. The Moving Mavericks packers take a few hours while the average homeowner takes a few days. We work with “damage-free” guarantees and “high-quality” materials.
When you hire us in Southwest Florida, you get:
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- Speed: We are quick and get you packed in a jiffy.
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- Safety: No shattered glass and unscathed fingers.
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- Peace of Mind: You can focus on the new place while we take care of the most boring room in the house.
Your kitchen shouldn’t add stress to moving day. Reach out to Moving Mavericks at (239) 722-0000 for a quote on packing services!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I leave items inside the microwave or toaster oven?
No. Always take out the glass turntable and the crumb tray. Wrap them to avoid rattling and breaking the appliance from the inside.
Q2: Should I use bubble wrap or packing paper?
Packing paper works better for the kitchen as it easier to use and to manipulate to create cushion. Bubble wrap is best for very fragile things like glass vases.
Q3: How heavy should a kitchen box be?
Never pack a kitchen box too full. Since dishes are heavy, you should pack them in “Small” or “Medium” boxes. A box that is too full is likely to be dropped.
Q4: Do you move refrigerators?
Yes, but you must ensure that they are completely empty and defrosted at least 24 hours prior to the move. For details on moving large appliances, call us at (239) 722-0000.
Pack a kitchen for moving is a marathon, not a sprint. Your kitchen can survive your move if you use the correct materials, wrap up your breakables with paper, and stay organized. And remember, if you feel overwhelmed, The Moving Mavericks are always a phone call away for our Southwest Florida neighbors.